PURCHASED  BY  THE  TOWN. 


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Class  of  1014 


* 


STATE  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 


TOWN  CHARTERS 

Including  Grants  of  Territory  within  the  present 

LIMITS  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE, 


Made  by  the  Government  of  Massachusetts,  and  a Portion  of  the  Grants 
and  Charters  issued  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire, 


with  an  appendix, 


Consisting  of  Papers  Relating  to  the  Granting  of  the  Various  Lines  and 
Bodies  of  Towns,  with  Acts  in  Regard  to  Town  Bounds  in  General, 
and  Many  Documents  Produced  by  Disputes  between  Towns 
concerning  Their  Boundary  Lines, 

WITH  ILLUSTRATIVE  MAPS  AND  PLANS  AND  COMPLETE  INDEXES. 


VOLUME  XXIV. 

Town  Charters,  Volume  I. 


ALBERT  STILLMAN  BATCHELLOR, 

Editor  of  State  Papers. 


* 


CONCORD: 

EDWARD  N.  PEARSON,  PUBLIC  PRINTER. 

1894. 


Boston  college  library 

CHESTNUT  HILL.  MASS. 


JOINT  RESOLUTION  relating  to  the  preservation  and  publication  of  portions  of 
the  early  state  and  provincial  records  and  other  state  papers  of  New  Hampshire. 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  convened: 

That  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be  hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  with 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council,  to  employ  some  suitable  person — and  fix  his 
compensation,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropri- 
ated— to  collect,  arrange,  transcribe,  and  superintend  the  publication  of  such  por- 
tions of  the  early  state  and  provincial  records  and  other  state  papers  of  New  Hamp- 
shire as  the  Governor  may  deem  proper ; and  that  eight  hundred  copies  of  each 
volume  of  the  same  be  printed  by  the  state  printer,  and  distributed  as  follows : 
namely,  one  copy  to  each  city  and  town  in  the  state,  one  copy  to  such  of  the  public 
libraries  in  the  state  as  the  Governor  may  designate,  fifty  copies  to  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Historical  Society,  and  the  remainder  placed  in  the  custody  of  the  state  libra- 
rian, who  is  hereby  authorized  to  exchange  the  same  for  simijar  publications  by 
other  states. 

Approved  August  4,  1881. 


PREFACE 


The  disposition  of  the  territory  which  is  now  included  in  the  State  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  which  was  considered  as  vested  in  the  crown  by  discovery  and  conquest, 
and  the  final  assurance  of  undisputed  titles  among  the  people,  was  accomplished 
under  peculiar  conditions  and  after  almost  endless  postponement.  An  early  con- 
fusion and  conflict  of  authority  in  the  transmission  of  the  patents  affecting  indefinite 
tracts,  through  the  intervention  of  the  Council  of  Plymouth  in  the  first  instance,  and 
in  the  subsequent  assumption  and  exercise  of  the  right  to  hold  and  dispose  of  the 
same  lands  in  the  name  of  the  King  by  the  early  governors  of  the  province,  was 
sufficient  to  keep  the  people  of  the  province  in  long  protracted  difficulty  over  the 
titles  to  the  soil  which  they  occupied.  Throughout  the  entire  history  of  the  province 
the  title  of  Mason,  the  first  patentee,  was  a potent  element  in  affairs  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  and  of  the.  province,  rendering  all  other  titles  uncertain,  and  constantly  dis- 
turbing business  and  government.  Interwoven  with  all  this  were  the  most  determined 
assertions  of  rights  by  long  continued  occupancy,  and  by  conveyances  which  had 
apparently  been  made  in  compliance  with  all  the  forms  of  law  by  the  aboriginal  masters 
of  the  domain.  What  of  progress  the  towns  of  Portsmouth,  Dover,  Hampton,  and 
Exeter  accomplished  before  the  erection  of  the  provincial  government  under  President 
Cutt,  in  1679,  was  the  midst  of  the  most  embarrassing  complications  growing 
out  of  the  confusion  which  prevailed  in  land  titles  accompanied  by  repeated  changes 
in  the  conditions  of  colonial  jurisdiction.  The  documentary  history  of  these  first 
towns  is  intimately  involved  in  that  of  the  state  in  its  beginning.  Papers  illus- 
trating this  epoch  have  been  given  in  prior  volumes.  Those  now  to  be  presented 
relate  more  particularly  to  the  individual  towns  in  which  settlements  were  effected 
at  a later  date  than  the  formal  establishment  of  the  province  in  1679.  An  excep- 
tional political  history  and  character  belonged  to  a group  of  towns  of  which 
Dunstable  was  the  earliest  settled.  These  were  treated  as  Massachusetts  territory 
without  serious  question  for  a considerable  period,  and  for  this  reason  much  of  their 
documentary  history  has  been  sought  in  the  archives  of  that  commonwealth.  The 
papers  which  pertain  to  the  towns  of  this  group  are  here  included  under  the  general 
title  of  “Massachusetts  Grants,”  although  the  term  may  not  be  exactly  descriptive. 

As  regards  the  mode  of  passing  titles  to  the  domain  of  the  King  in  the  province, 
in  the  period  which  followed  the  date  of  a settled  government,  it  will  be  remembered 


IV 


PREFACE. 


that  the  Governor  and  Council  appointed  by  royal  commission  from  time  to  time 
for  purposes  of  administration  in  the  province  were  empowered  to  dispose  of  lands 
in  the  King’s  name.  As  early  as  1686,  in  the  commission  of  Edmund  Andros  as 
Governor  of  the  territory  and  dominion  of  New  England,  a specific  grant  and  defini- 
tion of  the  authority  delegated  for  this  purpose  is  made  in  the  following  terms  : 


“AND  WEE  do  likewise  give  and  grant  unto  you  full  power  and  authority,  by  and 
* with  the  advice  and  consent  of  our  said  Council,  to  agree  with  the  planters  and  inhab- 
itants of  our  said  territory  and  dominion,  concerning  such  lands,  tenements  and 
“hereditaments,  as  now  are  or  shall  hereafter  be  in  our  power  to  dispose  of,  and  them 
“to  grant  unto  any  person  or  persons  for  such  terms,  and  under  such  moderate  quit- 
“ rents,  services,  and  acknowledgements  to  be  thereupon  reserved  unto  us,  as  shall 
“be  appointed  by  us,  which  said  grants  are  to  pass  and  to  be  sealed  by  our  Seal  of 
“ New-England,  and  (being  entered  upon  record  by  such  officer  and  officers  as  you 
“shall  appoint  thereunto)  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in  law  against  us,  our  heirs 
“and  successors.” — 2,  Provincial  Papers  p.  9. 


The  commission  of  Joseph  Dudley  as  Governor  of  the  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, issued  in  1702,  contains  a similar  declaration,  viz., — 


“And  wee  doe  hereby  likewise  give  and  Grant  unto  you  full  power  and  Authority 
“ by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  said  Councill,  to  agree  with  the  Inhabitants  of  our 
“ Province  and  Territories  aforesaid  for  such  Lands,  Tenements,  and  Hereditaments 
“as  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall  be,  in  our  power  to  dispose  of  and  them  to  Grant 
“to  any  person  or  persons  for  such  Termes  and  under  such  moderate  Quitt  Rents, 
“ services  and  acknowledgements  to  be  thereupon  Reserved  unto  us,  as  you  by  and 
“with  the  Advice  aforesaid  shall  think  fitt;  which  said  Grants  are  to  pass  and  be 
“ Sealed  by  our  Seale  of  New  Hampshire,  and  being  entered  upon  Record  by  such 
“ Officer  or  Officers  as  you  shall  appoint  thereunto,  shall  be  good  and  effectual  in 
“ Law  against  us  our  Heires  and  Successors.” — 2,  Provincial  Papers , p.  373. 

The  New  Hampshire  grants  made  under  these  and  succeeding  administrations 
conform  substantially  to  the  form  thus  expressed.  The  quit-rents  reserved  were 
indeed  “moderate.”  These  clauses  mention  the  payment  for  ten  years  of  the  rent 
of  one  ear  of  Indian  corn  only,  and  thereafter  one  shilling  of  proclamation  money 
yearly  for  each  hundred  acres  owned  or  possessed,  and  like  nominal  reservations. 

The  grantees  under  a charter  became  a quasi  corporation  in  each  instance.  They 
were  generally  known  in  common  and  legal  parlance  as  “proprietors.”  In  that 
capacity  they  effected  and  maintained  organizations  which  disposed  of  the  land  taken 
in  a large  body  under  the  charter  of  the  proprietors  or  others  as  individuals.  Thus 
the  township,  that  is,  the  land  which  was  the  subject  of  the  grant,  was  surveyed 
and  divided  into  lots  suitable  for  farms,  mill  privileges,  or  public  uses.  The  indi- 
vidual obtained  his  title  from  the  corporation,  that  is  to  say,  from  the  proprietors  or 
the  proprietary,  as  it  was  sometimes  termed.  The  distribution  among  the  proprie- 


PREFACE. 


V 


tors  of  the  fractional  parts  into  which  the  township  was  divided  might  have  been 
by  lot,  or  by  vote  of  the  corporation,  or  by  deed.  In  either  event  the  individual 
grantee  was  invested  as  to  his  holding,  with  all  the  right  and  title  which  passed  from 
the  King  to  the  corporation.  As  the  division  and  distribution  of  the  township  as  a 
territorial  property  progressed,  the  functions  of  the  corporation  were  proportion- 
ately limited,  and  eventually  ceased  for  want  of  subject-matter  on  which  the 
corporate  powers  might  operate. 

The  records  which  will  be  included  in  this  and  subsequent  volumes  are  generally 
termed  “town  charters.”  They  may  be  considered  as  in  three  principal  classes : 
first,  those  which  conveyed  title  to  townships  and  lesser  tracts  within  the  territorial 
limits  of  New  Hampshire,  but  were  issued  under  authority  of  the  Massachusetts 
government ; second,  those  grants  made  by  authority  of  the  Governor  and  Council 
of  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  acting  directly  under  royal  commission ; third, 
the  Masonian  charters,  or  grants  made  by  the  proprietors  of  the  Masonian  title, 
which  has  been  a familiar  subject  in  New  Hampshire  history  from  its  beginning. 

In  the  arrangement  of  the  material  which  follows,  the  first  in  order  are  the  so- 
called  Massachusetts  grants,  which  were  a practical  assertion  of  jurisdiction  and  the 
right  of  possession  and  disposal,  comprehending,  at  onetime,  all  the  territory  south 
of  an  east  and  west  line  in  which  Endicott  Rock  at  The  Weirs  is  a monument,  and 
afterwards  a more  limited  area.  These  documents  are  principally  from  the  Massa- 
chusetts archives,  and  were  carefully  selected  and  transcribed  for  this  use  by  Mr. 
Otis  G.  Hammond,  who  personally  made  the  copies,  and  subsequently  compared  the 
transcripts  with  the  originals  with  the  utmost  care.  Some  of  these  papers  are  of  a 
very  early  date,  but  the  greater  part  belong  chronologically  in  the  few  years  immedi- 
ately preceding  the  settlement  of  the  boundary  line  controversy  in  1741 . The  efforts 
of  Massachusetts  to  plant  settlements  friendly  to  their  interests  in  the  disputed  region 
were  discontinued  about  this  time,  but  petitions  and  other  documents  which  were 
the  aftermath  of  the  principal  contention  are  included,  and  placed  in  their  proper 
town  sections.  The  two  towns  of  Rindge  and  Salisbury,  in  this  class,  were  granted 
to  the  same  body  of  petitioners,  and  by  one  vote  of  the  Massachusetts  legislature. 
This  vote  will  be  found  with  the  Salisbury  papers.  Reference  should  be  had  to 
Vol.  XIX  for  the  material  which  is  of  more  general  interest  in  the  history  of  the 
boundary  line  controversy.  Its  later  aspects  may  be  studied  in  the  recent  reports 
of  the  commissioners  of  the  two  states  principally  interested,  to  whom  the  subject 
has  been  committed. 

The  next  in  order  are  the  charters  granted  by  the  provincial  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil of  New  Hampshire,  to  which  reference  has  already  been  made.  The  original 
instruments  were  issued  to  the  grantees  named,  but  copies  were  kept  in  the  office 
of  the  Secretary  of  the  province.  These  are  preserved  in  five  volumes,  which 
accompanied  the  last  royal  Governor,  John  Wentworth,  into  exile  in  1775,  but 
were  considerately  returned  to  the  state  after  the  Revolution.  These  grants  will 


VI 


PREFACE. 


be  presented  in  two  sections,  the  first  being  those  relating  to  lands  within  the 
present  limits  of  this  state,  and  the  second  comprising  the  so-called  New  Hampshire 
Grants,  which  are  now  within  the  jurisdiction  of  Vermont. 

The  Massachusetts  government,  beset  with  numerous  petitions  for  lands,  finally 
came  to  the  point  of  granting  townships,  not  only  singly,  but  in  contiguous 
series,  commonly  termed  “lines  of  towns,”  all  the  towns  in  a certain  line 
being  disposed  of  by  a single  act.  These  lines  were  planned  to  most  effectu- 
ally protect  the  frontiers,  and  the  four  lines  laid  out  within  the  present  limits 
of  this  state,  had  they  been  completely  settled,  would  have  formed  an  irregu- 
lar quadrilateral,  the  sides  extending  from  Old  Dunstable  to  Northfield,  Mass., 
thence  up  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut  River,  thence  across  the  country  in 
a comparatively  straight  course  to  Penacook,  now  Concord,  thence  down  the  Merri- 
mack River  to  Dunstable  again.  The  lines  from  Penacook  to  the  Great  Falls  in 
Connecticut  River  and  down  the  river  on  the  east  side  are  the  only  sides  in 
which  the  idea  was  carried  out  to  any  important  extent,  according  to  the  documents 
we  have,  the  towns  in  the  other  two  sides  being  afterwards  disposed  of  singly. 
The  towns  in  the  north  side  of  this  figure  were  numbered  from  i to  9,  and  com- 
prised Warner,  Bradford,  Acworth,  Alstead,  Hopkinton,  Henniker,  Hillsborough, 
Washington,  and  Lempster,  in  the  order  named.  The  west  side  consisted  of 
Chesterfield,  Westmoreland,  Walpole,  and  Charlestown,  numbered  from  1 to  4. 
The  papers  relating  to  these  lines  of  towns  in  general  and  to  no  one  town  in 
particular,  occupy  the  first  place  in  the  appendix. 

Besides  these,  there  are  three  other  instances  of  collective  grants,  though  the 
townships  under  these  grants  were  not  laid  out  in  lines,  but  rather  in  bodies  or 
wherever  suitable  territory  might  be  found.  The  Ashuelot  townships,  so  named 
from  their  situation  on  the  Ashuelot  River,  were  our  present  towns  of  Keene  and 
Swanzey.  The  Canada  townships  were  granted  to  survivors  and  descendants  of 
deceased  participants  in  the  Canada  expedition  of  1690.  The  towns  of  Dunbar- 
ton, Lyndeborough,  New  Boston,  Richmond,  Rindge,  Salisbury,  and  Weare  were 
originally  granted  to  these  men.  The  survivors  of  the  Narragansett  War  and  the 
heirs  of  those  who  lost  their  lives  in  the  service,  or  of  those  who  were  otherwise 
deceased  meantime,  also  received  grants  at  the  rate  of  one  township  of  six  miles 
square  for  every  one  hundred  and  twenty  persons.  A list  of  these  claimants 
showed  that  eight  hundred  and  forty  persons  were  entitled  to  considera- 
tion, and  afterwards  two  hundred  and  thirty-two  more  were  found,  making  one 
thousand  and  seventy-two,  calling  for  nine  townships.  Only  three  of  these, 
Amherst,  Goffstown,  and  Bedford,  were  in  this  state,  and  they  were  numbered  3, 
4,  and  5.  The  others  were  located  in  Maine  and  Massachusetts.  Papers  relating 
to  these  three  bodies  of  towns  are  also  contained  in  the  appendix.  The  remainder 
of  the  appendix  is  occupied  by  documents  relating  to  the  settlement  of  the  boun- 
daries between  various  towns. 


PREFACE. 


Vll 


The  third  and  last  instalment  will  include  the  grants  made  under  authority  of 
the  Masonian  Proprietors.  The  Masonian  title  extended  over  a considerable  portion 
of  that  part  of  the  state  which  had  been  relieved  of  the  claim  of  Massachusetts  by 
the  King’s  decree  in  1741,  as  well  as  to  territory  elsewhere  within  the  bounds  of 
the  original  Masonian  patent.  While  the  claim  of  Mason  appears  as  an  important 
factor  in  New  Hampshire  history  for  a hundred  and  fifty  years  or  more  from  the 
publication  of  the  Masonian  patent,  its  existence  had  been  more  a subject  of  legal 
and  political  contention  than  a foundation  for  quiet  and  peaceable  possession  of 
lands  by  actual  settlers,  until  it  became  the  property  of  a syndicate  of  twelve  persons 
in  1746.  The  history  of  the  title  is  outlined  in  the  early  chapters  of  Belknap’s 
History  of  New  Hampshire,  but  the  account  of  the  transactions  by  which  it  passed 
to  this  proprietary  is  given  in  his  chapter  XXI.  It  appears  that  these  parties  for 
prudential  reasons  immediately  quit-claimed  title  to  certain  towns  within  the  limits 
of  their  purchase  which  had  at  that  date  been  substantially  settled.  The  original 
deed  is  in  the  Masonian  Papers,  Vol.  1,  page  57,  dated  July  31,  1746,  and  the 
towns  named  therein  are  Portsmouth,  Dover,  Exeter,  Hampton,  Gosport,  Kings- 
ton, Derry  (Londonderry),  Chester,  Nottingham,  Barrington,  Rochester,  Canter- 
bury, Bow,  Chichester,  Epsom,  and  Barnstead. 

It  will  not  be  timely  here  to  extend  the  account  of  the  proceedings  of  these 
new  owners  of  the  Masonian  lands  farther  than  to  state  that  they  exercised  their 
rights  of  property  by  disposing  of  townships  in  a manner  quite  similar  to  that 
which  had  been  followed  in  the  grants  by  the  Governor  and  Council  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  provincial  period.  The  terms,  conditions,  and  reservations  of  their 
grants  are  briefly  stated  by  Belknap,  Farmer’s  edition,  p,  299,  and  the  text  of  any 
of  these  instruments  in  its  full  extent  may  be  examined  with  advantage  to  the  student 
of  the  subsequent  volumes,  in  which  they  will  be  reproduced.  One  of  these  charters 
is  printed  in  full  in  the  History  of  Rindge,  chapter  11,  which  contains  a clear  and 
adequate  exposition  of  the  results  which  followed  this  revival  and  recognition  of  the 
Masonian  title.  It  may  be  remarked  that  the  grantees’  and  surveyors’  plans  which 
accompany  the  grants  are  in  all  cases  copied  and  used  as  illustrations  so  far  as  avail- 
able. Whenever  the  record  or  text  of  the  grant  is  unaccompanied  by  a plan,  it  is 
in  the  exceptional  instance  that  none  has  been  preserved. 

In  the  consideration  of  this  work  a marked  distinction  should  be  recognized  be- 
tween the  township  charters  and  the  acts  of  incorporation.  A part  of  the  charters 
emanating  from  the  Governor  and  Council  seem  to  combine  some  of  the  elements 
of  the  ordinary  municipal  act  of  incorporation  with  terms  apt  for  the  transmission 
of  title  to  land,  and  various  privileges  respecting  it.  The  charter  of  Kingston, 
1694,  not  only  conveys  to  the  inhabitants  the  township  with  the  streets,  lanes,  and 
highways,  but  it  also  makes  provision  for  the  political  organization  of  the  town. 
The  charter  of  New  Castle,  1696,  is  to  the  same  effect. 

But  in  the  Massachusetts  grants  and  in  those  issued  under  the  Masonian  authority, 


Vlll 


PREFACE. 


there  is  no  attempt  to  confer  political  privileges  on  the  grantees.  It  was  understood 
that  these  privileges  were  to  be  derived  from  the  general  or  special  acts  of  the 
assembly  regulating  the  assumption  of  municipal  organization  by  the  people  of  the 
towns  considered  as  a territorial  unit.  This  was  the  theory  on  which  town  govern- 
ment was  developed  when  settlements  had  been  effected  under  the  charters.  It  may 
not  be  possible  in  all  cases  to  trace  this  development  in  its  regular  stages.  The 
logical  order  was,  first,  the  township  charter,  and,  second,  the  act  of  incorporation. 
The  authority  for  the  assumption  of  the  powers  and  privileges  of  municipal  self- 
government  is  sometimes  found  in  the  terms  of  the  charter,  and  sometimes  in 
special  legislative  acts  of  incorporation.  In  a few  instances  the  inhabitants  of  towns 
seem  to  have  assumed  the  functions  of  organized  towns  without  these  usual  legal 
pre-requisites.  Bow  v.  Allenstown,  34  N.  H.  Reports,  351.  As  a rule,  how- 
ever, the  history  of  the  origin  of  municipal  government  in  the  several  New  Hamp- 
shire towns  is  not  obscure.  The  granting  of  bodies  of  land  as  townships  to  a 
number  of  grantees,  whether  by  the  intervention  of  province  authority  or  through 
the  Masonian  proprietary,  was  quite  another  affair.  The  act  was  by  a formal 
instrument  of  conveyance  to  a number  of  persons  duly  named  as  grantees.  In  a 
large  number  of  our  own  province  charters  it  will  be  noted  that  the  elements  of  an 
act  of  incorporation  for  the  exercise  of  political  powers  are  not  included. 

As  the  towns  became  stronger  and  more  populous,  it  was  not  infrequent  that  par- 
ishes were  erected  by  acts  of  the  assembly.  The  towns  often  covered  a large  terri- 
tory, hence  the  extension  of  settlements  and  changes  in  the  centres  of  population 
demanded  additional  places  for  religious  worship  and  consequent  division  of  the 
the  towns  as  church  supporting  establishments.  This  was  one  stage  in  the  breaking 
up  of  the  old  towns,  which  preceded  the  erection  of  new  ones  upon  the  framework  of 
the  parish.  The  functions  of  this  class  of  municipal  corporations  were  well  defined, 
and  the  transition  from  parish  to  town  was  the  usual  result  of  the  ^parish  establish- 
ment. (IX,  Bouton , Town  Papers , 717 .) 

A comparison  of  those  township  charters  which  were  drawn  simply  for  the  pur- 
pose of  passing  a township  of  land  to  designated  grantees,  with  acts  incorporating 
towns  and  parishes,  will  indicate  more  clearly  the  radical  distinction  between  the 
latter  as  municipal  corporations  established  for  the  administration  of  political  affairs, 
and  the  former  as  quasi  corporations  established,  as  was  said  in  the  case  of  Wells 
v.  Burbank , 17  N.  H.  Reports,  393,  for  the  sale  and  partition  of  lands. 

The  publication  of  these  instruments  with  the  accompanying  papers  will  open 
new  opportunities  for  the  study  of  features  of  local  and  state  history  which  have 
hitherto  been  obscure.  The  original  titles  to  the  subdivisions  of  large  areas  will  be 
made  accessible  to  all  who  are  interested  in  examining  them.  The  movement  of 
population  on  the  several  lines  over  which  the  settlement  of  regions  outside  the  four 
ancient  towns  of  the  province  of  New  Hampshire,  can  be  more  accurately  and  sys- 
tematically traced  by  the  names  of  grantees,  and  by  the  dates  of  grants  which  mark 


PREFACE. 


IX 


the  extension  of  emigration  in  all  directions  over  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont. 
Carefully  prepared  and  complete  indexes  to  the  names  of  all  persons  and  places 
mentioned  in  the  volume  will  render  their  contents  immediately  available  for  refer- 
ence. The  township  maps  which  are  prepared  for  this  volume  are  copies  of  those 
of  Blanchard  and  Langdon,  Jeffries,  and  Holland.  The  papers  in  the  body  of  the 
volume  are  arranged  alphabetically  under  the  modern  names  of  the  towns  to  which 
they  relate.  The  preliminary  note  under  each  caption  contains  citations  to  the 
principal  publications  on  the  local  history  of  the  towns.  There  are  many  works  of 
the  gazetteer  class  which  give  summaries  of  town  history  and  statistics.  As  these 
have  not  been  cited  in  the  town  notes,  it  will  suffice  to  mention  them  by  titles  in 
this  connection.  In  the  order  of  publication  are  Merrill’s,  1817,  pp.  231  ; Farmer 
and  Moore’s,  1823,  pp.  276;  Heywood’s  (New  England,  with  treatment  of  N.  H. 
towns),  1839;  New  Hampshire  As  It  Is,  by  E.  A.  Charlton,  1856,  pp.  592-4; 
Coolidge  and  Mansfield’s  History  of  New  England  (with  N.  H.  section),  1858; 
Fogg’s  Gazetteer,  1874,  pp.  647.  The  Walling  series  of  county  maps,  i860,  give 
town  geography  in  minute  detail,  and  are  intended  to  name  and  locate  each  house- 
holder, most  of  the  places  of  business,  and  the  public  and  religious  establishments. 
The  Atlas  of  New  Hampshire  is  a later  effort  in  the  same  direction  but  the  results 
are  presented  in  a different  form.  See  mention  of  N.  H.  maps,  by  William  Little, 
X,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  360,  and  Hitchcock’s  Geology  of  New  Hampshire,  chapter  on 
topography,  vol.  1,  p.  169.  Other  lines  of  New  Hampshire  historical  literature  are 
of  necessity  in  part  general  and  in  part  local  in  their  subject-matter  and  method. 
Such  are  Potter’s  “ Military  History,”  1866-68  ; Moore’s  “Printers  and  Printing,” 
1886;  Bell’s  “Bench  and  Bar,”  1894;  Chapin’s  “New  Hampshire  Poets,”  1883; 
Watson’s  “Physicians  and  Surgeons,”  in  press;  Carter’s  “Native  Ministry,”  in 
preparation.  Picturesque  New  Hampshire  has  been  treated  in  a class  of  litera- 
ture which  embodies  much  of  local  history  and  description.  Among  the  more 
important  are  N.  J.  Bachelder’s  “Summer  Resorts,”  and  Sweetser’s  “White 
Mountains.”  See  also  the  editor’s  note  on  historical  literature  of  New  Hampshire 
now  in  preparation,  Vol.  XIV  of  the  Granite  Monthly,  p.  365. 

In  the  consideration  of  these  towns  as  factors  in  government,  and  in  the  review 
or  continuation  of  such  studies  as  have  been  made  by  the  authors  of  De  Tocqueville’s 
“ Democracy  in  America,”  Bryce’s  “American  Commonwealth,”  Joel  Parker’s  “New 
England  Towns,”  and  Dillon’s  “Municipal  Corporations,”  recourse  should  also  be 
had  to  the  reported  decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court.  So  far  as  they  relate  to  town 
history,  town  government,  and  other  subjects  of  local  concern,  they  are  readily  acces- 
sible by  the  aid  of  the  digests  of  decisions,  in  the  municipal  clerks’  offices,  and  in 
law  libraries,  and  are  replete  with  information  and  suggestions. 

The  more  general  questions  of  boundary,  as  that  of  Canada,  affecting  especially 
the  Indian  Stream  territory,  and  that  of  Maine,  of  Massachusetts,  and  of  Vermont, 
enter  very  largely  into  the  history  of  the  border  towns,  but  a general  reference  to  the 


X 


PREFACE. 


literature  of  those  controversies,  hereafter  cited,  suffices  for  the  present  purpose. 
The  compilation  of  material  for  this  series  of  volumes  of  town  charters  and  the 
accompanying  illustrations  has  necessitated  extensive  research,  and  has  taken  many 
directions  and  brought  us  in  contact  with,  and  placed  us  under  obligations  to  many 
persons,  in  private  as  well  as  in  official  relations.  With  regret  we  find  it  imprac- 
ticable to  make  full  mention  of  all  who  have  cordially  rendered  aid  by  responding 
with  important  information,  and  by  other  active  cooperation.  But  principal  among 
these  are  Secretary  Olin,  of  Massachusetts,  Secretary  Stearns,  of  New  Hampshire, 
and  Mr.  Hammond,  our  efficient  office  assistant.  Governor  Smith  and  members  of 
his  council  have  manifested  an  interest  in  the  undertaking  which  has  made  them 
familiar  with  its  progress,  and  rendered  its  presentation  in  these  and  the  suc- 
ceeding volumes  more  complete  in  form,  and  more  satisfactory  in  substance. 

The  next  vdlume  to  be  issued  will  be  on  the  same  general  plan  as  this,  and  will 
be  a continuation  of  the  New  Hampshire  provincial  charters. 


THE  EDITOR. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


MASSACHUSETTS  GRANTS. 

Acworth 3 

Alstead  ...........  6 

Amherst  ...........  8 

William  Davis,  Isaac  Johnson,  and  others  ....  9 

Anna  Lane  ..........  10 

John  Wilson  ..........  11 

Bedford  ...........  13 

Boscawen  ...........  21 

Bradford  ...........  28 

Canterbury  ...........  29 

Joseph  Gerrish  .........  29 

Richard  Kent  .........  30 

Concord  ...........  31 

John  Endicott  .........  62 

William  Hawthorne  ........  64 

Samuel  Sewall  .........  65 

Deering  ...........  67 

Jonathan  Butterfield  ........  68 

Thaxter,  Turner,  and  Dudley  ......  70 

Dover  ............  73 

Richard  Beers  .........  76 

Emanuel  Downing  ........  77 

Dunbarton  ...........  78 

Dunstable  ...........  82 

Durham  ...........  101 

Fitzwilliam  . . . . . . . . . . 104 

Goffstown  ...........  105 

William  Lund  . . . . . . . . . 113 

Medford,  Mass  . . . . . . . . . 117 

Uxbridge,  Mass  . . . . . . . . . 120 

Peleg  Wiswall  . . . . . . . . . 123 

Groton  (old  grant)  . . . . . . . . . 126 

Hampton  ...........  134 


Xll 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Hancock  ...........  136 

Green,  Walker,  Lyde,  and  Green  . . . . . . 137 

Henniker  ...........  139 

Hillsborough  . . . . . . . . . 140 

Hinsdale  ...........  142 

John  Russell  . . . . . . . . . 143 

Hopkinton  ...........  145 

Hudson  ...........  146 

Joseph  Hills  . . . . . . . . 146 

Isles  of  Shoals  ..........  149 

Keene  ...........  152 

Lempster  ...........  154 

Litchfield  . . . . . . . . . . . 157 

Richard  Davenport  . . . . . . . . 167 

Phineas  Pratt  .........  169 

Londonderry  . . . . . . . . . . 170 

Lyndeborough  . . . . . . . . . . 172 

Manchester  ...........  178 

John  Blaisdell  .........  189 

Isaac  Bradley  . . . . . . . . . 191 

Samuel  Butterfield  . . . . . . . . 192 

John  Plaisted  .........  195 

Robert  Rand 195 

Jeremiah  Stevens  . . . . . . . . . 199 

Thomas  Tilestone  . . . . . . . . 201 

Merrimack  ...........  203 

Benjamin  Smith  . . . . . . . . . 203 

Milford  . . . . . . . . . . . 204 

Charlestown  School  Farm 204 

Anna  Cole  ..........  205 

Samuel  Cole  . . . . . . . . . 206 

Duxbury  School  Farm 208 

Nashua  . . . . . ’ . . . . . . 210 

Boston  Artillery  Co 210 

Richard  Dummer 212 

Savage,  Oliver,  and  others 214 

John  Whiting  . . . . . . . . . 214 

New  Boston 215 

Newington  . . . . . . . . . . . 224 

New  Ipswich  . . . . . . . . . . 225 

Pelham  ...........  232 

John  Endicott,  Jr. 232 

Pembroke  ...........  233 

Peterborough  . . . . . . . . . . 249 

Portsmouth  ...........  258 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Xlll 


Raymond  . . . . . . . . . . 271 

Samuel  Symonds  . . . . . . 271 

Richmond  . . . . . . . . . 272 

Josiah  Willard  . . . . . 279 

Rindge  ...........  282 

Rochester  ...........  292 

Samuel  and  Mrs.  Parnell  Nowell  ......  293 

Samuel  Sewall  .........  295 

Salisbury  ...........  297 

Sharon  ...........  307 

Jeremiah  Allen  .........  307 

John  Read  . . . . . . . . . 311 

Robert  Auchmuty  . . . . . . . 313 

Jeffry  Bedgood  . . . . . . . . 314 

Sullivan  . . . . . . . . . 316 

Aaron  Denio  . . . . . . . . . 316 

Swanzey  . . . . . . . . . . . 318 

Temple  ...........  324 

Tyng,  Nelson,  and  Alden 324 

Walpole  ...........  330 

Jonathan  Belcher  .........  334 

Warner  ...........  335 

Washington  ..........  339 

Weare 340 

Winchester  ...........  345 

UNLOCATED  GRANTS. 

Valentine  Hill  ..........  363 

William  Hubbard  .........  364 

Ann  Mason,  court  decision  ........  365 

Passaconoway  ..........  366 

Bryan  Pendleton  ..........  367 

Edward  Rawson  ..........  367 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  CHARTERS  AND  GRANTS. 

Acworth  ...........  371 

Samuel  Fitch  .........  386 

Albany  ...........  389 

Samuel  Haven  .........  394 

Daniel  Rindge  and  Daniel  Peirce  ......  397 

Joseph  Senter  .........  400 

Alstead  ...........  404 

Amherst  ...........  414 


xiv  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

Ashland  ...........  418 

Atkinson 419 

Auburn  ...........  419 

Barnstead  ...........  419 

Barrington  ...........  423 

Bartlett ■ 426 

Philip  Bailey  . . . . . . . . . 427 

Robert  Furniss  .........  431 

James  Gray  ..........  435 

Andrew  McMillan  ........  439 

Vere  Royse  ..........  441 

William  Stark  .........  444 

Bath  .............  447 

Bedford  ...........  457 

Belmont  ...........  460 

Bennington  ...........  460 

Benton  ...........  460 

Ammi  R.  Cutter  .........  465 

George  King  .........  469 

George  Meserve  .........  473 

Berlin  ............  477 

Bethlehem  . . . . . . . . . . . 481 

Boscawen  ...........  485 

Bow  ............  489 

Brentwood  ...........  493 

Bridgewater  ..........  496 

Bristol  ...........  496 

Brookfield  ...........  496 

Brookline  . . . . . . . . . ' . . 497 

Cambridge  ...........  499 

Campton  ...........  504 

Canaan  ...........  513 

Theophilus  Dame  . . . . . . . . 520 

Candia  ...........  523 

Canterbury  . . . . . . . . . . . 523 

Webster’s  Ferry 528 

Carroll 529 

Nash  and  Sawyer  . . . . . . . . 534 

Center  Harbor 537 

Charlestown  . . . . . . . . . . 537 

Olcott’s  Ferry  . . . . . . . . . 543 

Chatham  ...........  544 

Henry  Bellew  . . . . . . . . . 550 

Samuel  Gilman  . . . . . . . . . 553 

Samuel  Langdon  . . . . . . . . . 557 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


XV 


Chatham  : 

Thomas  McDonough  ........  560 

Sherburne,  Sherburne,  and  Knight  .....  562 

Chester  . 566 

Chesterfield 569 

Chichester  ...........  576 

Claremont  ...........  579 

Joseph  Wait  ..........  584 

Clarksville  ...........  587 

Colebrook  ...........  589 

Columbia  ...........  598 

Seth  Wales  and  others  ........  606 

Concord  . . . '.  . . . . . . . 610 

Conway  ...........  650 

Sterling  and  Stark  ........  658 

Cornish  ...........  662 

Moses  Chase  .........  667 

Coulerain  ...........  669 

Croydon  ...........  671 

Dalton  ...........  678 

Danville  ...........  678 

Deerfield  ...........  679 

Deering  ...........  679 

Derry 681 

Dorchester  ...........  682 

Dover  ............  695 

Dublin  ...........  701 

Dummer  ...........  703 

Dunbarton  ...........  708 

Durham  . . . . . . . . . . . 710 

East  Kingston  . . . . . . . . . . 712 

Easton  . . . . . . . . . . . 712 

Eaton  . . . . . . . . . . . . 712 

Ellsworth  . . . . . . . . . . . 717 

Enfield  ...........  723 

Epping 732 

Epsom  ...........  732 

Errol  . 734 

Erving’s  Location  .........  739 

Exeter  ............  743 

APPENDIX. 

Lines  of  Towns  : 

Dunstable  to  Northfield  . . . . . . . 748 


XVI 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Lines  of  Towns : 

Dunstable  to  Penacook  ....... 

Rumford  to  the  Great  Falls  and  on  East  Side  of  Connecticut 
River  .......... 

Ashuelot  Townships  ......... 

Canada  Townships  . . . . . . * 

Narragansett  Townships  ........ 

Town  Bounds,  General  ........ 

Disputed  Town  Boundaries  ........ 

Indexes  ........... 


754 

761 

771 

787 

793 

821 

829 

927 


GRANTS 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  TERRITORY 


BY  THE 


GOVERNMENT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


GRANTS 


OF 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  TERRITORY 


[This  town  was  probably  Number  3 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to 
Connecticut  River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  New 
Hampshire  as  Burnet  to  Col.  Sampson  Stoddard  and  others,  Dec.  28,  1752,  and 
named  in  honor  of  Gov.  William  Burnet.  Regranted  as  New  Burnet , Nov.  17, 
1761,  to  Stoddard  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Acworth  (sometimes  spelled 
Ackworth ),  Sept.  19,  1766,  and  named  in  honor  of  Lord  Acworth.  The  charter 
was  renewed  May  30,  1772. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters,  following ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  1 ; X, 
Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  of  this  town  in 
the  movement  by  western  New  Hampshire  towns  in  conjunction  with  towns  in 
Vermont,  for  a new  state  composed  of  towns  on  both  sides  of  the  Connecticut 
River,  or  other  rearrangement  of  state  lines  by  a union  of  western  New  Hampshire 
towns  with  Vermont,  or  annexation  of  Vermont  towns  to  New  Hampshire;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  1 ; Index  to  New  Hampshire  Laws,  9 ; History,  by  J.  L. 
Merrill,  1869,  pp.  306.] 


A Petition  of  "Joseph  Weld , Joseph  Rtiggles , and  Ebenezer 
Pierfont , a Committee  of  the  Grantees  or  Proprietors  of  the 
Township  Number  Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns,  shewing  that 


BY  THE 


ACWORTH. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  24,  1737.] 


4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


upon  a careful  view  of  the  said  Township,  it  appears  to  be  so 
Mountainous  and  Rocky  &c.  that  is  not  fit  for  making  a Settle- 
ment, which  was  their  full  Purpose,  praying  they  may  be  released 
from  their  Obligations,  and  obtain  a new  Grant  in  Lieu  thereof 
near  the  Great  MenadnucT s for  the  Reasons  mentioned.  Read 
and  Ordered,  That  the  Petition  be  continued  to  Tuesday  next  the 
28th  currant. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  28,  1737.] 

A Petition  of  Joseph  Weld  and  others,  a Committee  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Township  Number  Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
praying  for  an  Exchange  &c.  on  Account  of  the  roughness  of  the 
said  Township,  as  entered  the  25th.  Read  again,  and  after  some 
debate,  Ordered , That  the  Petition  be  referred  to  the  next  sitting 
of  the  Court  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  1,  1737.] 

A Memorial  of  Joseph  Weld , and  others,  a Committee  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Township  Number  Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
praying  that  for  as  much  as  their  former  Petition  in  the  present 
Session  for  an  Exchange  of  said  Township,  which  proves  very 
mountainous  Land  is  referred  over  for  Consideration,  that  one  or 
more  of  the  Court’s  Committee  for  laying  out  the  Line  of  Towns, 
with  some  of  the  Petitioners  to  wait  on  them,  may  in  the  mean  time 
be  directed  to  take  a careful  View  of  the  said  Township,  the 
Charge  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Grantees  Money  remaining  in  the 
Hands  of  the  Court’s  Committee  paid  at  the  admission  of  the 
Grantees ; in  order  that  a true  Information  may  be  had  of  the 
Quality  of  the  said  Township,  when  that  Affair  shall  come  under 
consideration  again.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Prayer  of  the 
Petition  be  granted  ; the  Charge  of  the  Committee’s  View  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  surplusage  of  the  Grantees  Money,  as  within  men- 
tioned. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


ACWORTH. 


5 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1737*] 

A Memorial  of  Josefh  Weld  and  others,  a Committee  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Township  Number  Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
praying  they  may  obtain  a Grant  of  a Township  adjoyning  to  the 
Line  of  Towns,  and  lying  upon  the  Township  Number  Six  and 
Seven , in  consideration  of  the  extraordinary  meanness  and  barren- 
ness of  the  said  Township  Number  Three,  formerly  granted  them, 
and  as  agreable  to  the  Petition,  as  entred  the  24 th  of  yune  last. 
Read  and  Ordered , That  this  Petition  be  considered  on  Wednes- 
day the  seventh  currant. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  7,  1737.] 

A Memorial  of  yosefh  Weld  and  others,  a Committee  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Township  No.  3,  praying  as  entred  the  3d  Cur- 
rant; read  again,  and  Ordered , that  the  Consideration  of  this 
Memorial  be  referred  to  the  next  May  Session. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  16,  1737.] 

A Memorial  of  yosefh  Weld  and  others,  a Committee  of  the 
Township  Number  Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns,  praying  that 
their  former  Petition  to  the  Court  in  their  present  sitting,  may  be 
now  considered,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and  the 
Question  was  put,  Whither  the  Petition  shall  he  sustained. 

It  pass’d  in  the  Negative. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1739.] 

A Petition  of  yosefh  Weld,  yosefh  Ruggles,  and  Ebenezer 
Pier  font,  a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  Num- 
ber Three  in  the  Line  of  Towns,  shewing  the  Land  in  said  Town- 
ship Number  Three,  on  a View  of  it  in  the  Years  1737  and  1738, 
is  so  rough  and  mountainous,  as  renders  it  unfit  for  Settlement, 
altho’  the  said  Proprietors  have  been  at  upwards  of  three  hundred 
and  fifty  Pounds  Charge  in  using  Methods  for  Settlement,  pray- 


6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ing  they  may  be  allowed  a Grant  of  a new  Township  in  lieu  of 
said  Number  Three , for  the  reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Petition  lie  on  the  Table. 


ALSTEAD. 

[This  town  was  probably  Number  4 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to 
Connecticut  River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  New 
Hampshire  as  Newton , Dec.  28,  1752,  to  John  Towle  and  others.  Regranted 
Aug.  6,  1763,  to  Samuel  Chase  and  others,  and  incorporated  as  Alstead.  The 
charter  was  renewed  Jan.  25,  1772. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters,  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  5;  X, 
Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  394,  398,  400,  as  to  movement  for  union  with 
Vermont  towns ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  21;  Index  to  Laws,  17;  historical 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan  County,  1886,  p.  1 1 4.] 


[. Petition  of  Proprietors  of  JVo.  4.,  for  Equivalent  Grant,  77/0.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  n8,p.  410.] 

Province  of  the  > To  the  Honorable  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq1’ 
Massachusetts  Bay  $ Lieutenant  Governor  and  Commander  in 
Chief  of  His  Majesty’s  said  Province,  the  Honorable  Council, 
and  House  of  Representatives,  in  General  Court  Assembled, 
March  15th  A D,  1770. 

The  Petition  of  the  Subscribers  Humbly  Sheweth, 

That  Some  of  Your  Petitioners  and  the  Predecessors  of  the 
others  Obtain’d  a Grant,  from  the  Great  & General  Court  of  a 
Township  of  Land,  Several  Years  Since,  Which  was  then  Laid 
out  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecticut  and  Merrimack  in  the 
Line  of  Towns ; That  the  House  Lots  in  said  Township  were 
Alloted  to  the  Proprietors,  and  some  further  Orders  of  the  General 
Court  Relative  to  the  Settlement  of  said  Township  were  (by  the 
said  Proprietors)  Performed  to  the  Satisfaction  of  a Committee 
from  said  Honorable  Court,  as  may  Appear  by  the  Proprietors 
Book  of  Record  Sign'd  by  the  Honorable  William  Dudley  Esqr 
Chairman  of  said  Committee.  And  that  said  Proprietors  were 
Resolutely  Pursuing  all  other  Proper  Measures  in  order  for  a 


ALSTEAD. 


7 


Speedy  Settlement,  but  very  soon  after  to  their  great  Damage  and 
Disappointment,  and  after  the  Payment  of  One  Hundred  and 
Eighty  Pounds  to  the  Committee  aforesaid,  and  a further  Expence 
of  more  than  Double  that  Sum,  besides  Expence  of  Time,  they 
were  Deprived  of  said  Township,  by  its  being  Set  off  to  the  Prov- 
ince of  New-Hampshire  by  the  Determination  of  His  Majesty 
King  George  the  Second,  in  the  Settlement  of  the  Boundaries  of 
the  Provinces  aforesaid ; And  your  Petitioners  must  Remain  Rem- 
ediless in  the  Premisses  without  the  Interposition  of  this  most  Hon- 
orable Court,  they  therefore  most  humbly  Pray  that  Your  Honors 
would  be  pleased  to  take  the  Same  into  Your  wise  Consideration, 
and  According  to  Your  known  Justice  and  Clemency,  to  Grant 
them  another  Township  in  Lieu  of  that  which  they  were  deprived 
of,  as  a Retaliation  for  their  great  Loss,  and  Your  most  humble 
Suppliants  (as  in  duty  bound)  shall  ever  Pray. 

Joshua  Fuller 

Samuel  Jackson  on  the  Right  of  Cap4  Samuel  Jackson 
Jonathan  Williams  Jun1'  on  the  Right  of  John  Spring 
Thomas  Greenwood  Ebenezer  Stearns  Oakes  Angier 
Isaac  Jackson  on  the  Right  of  Isaac  Jackson 
Thaddeus  Trowbridge  on  the  Right  of  William  Trowbridge 
Jonathan  Williams  on  the  Right  of  William  Williams 
Thomas  Quinier 

Stephen  Harris  on  the  Right  of  Thomas  Harris 
David  Sanger  on  the  Right  of  David  Sanger 
Ephraim  Burridge  on  the  Right  of  John  Burridge 
Peter  Durrell  Samuel  Shattuck 

Nathaniel  Smith  William  Coollidge 

Amos  Livermore  on  the  Right  of  Oliver  Livermore 
Josiah  Brown  on  the  Right  of  William  Brown 
Josiah  Goddard 

William  Park  on  the  Right  of  Richard  Park 
William  Park  Ebenezer  Brown 

Jonas  Coollidge  on  the  Right  of  Jonas  Coollidge 
Nathaniel  Spring 

Christopher  Grant  Junr  on  the  Right  of  Christopher  Grant 
Samuel  Fuller  on  the  Right  of  Isaac  Fuller 
Jonathan  Learned  on  the  Right  of  Ebenezer  Goddard 
William  Dana  Jonathan  Learned 

Seth  Storer  on  the  Right  of  Jonathan  Bemis 
Nathaniel  Stone  on  the  Right  of  Moses  Hastings 
Josiah  Mixer  Daniel  Robbins 


8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


James  Hay  on  the  Right  of  Richard  Coolidge 
Joseph  Coolidge  Josiah  Fuller 

Nehemiah  Mason  on  the  Right  of  Joseph  Mason  Esqr 
Daniel  Bond  on  the  Right  of  Daniel  Bond 
Abraham  Whitney  on  the  Right  of  John  Whitney 
Nathaniel  Collidge  on  the  Right  of  Thaddeus  Coollidge 
Elisha  Learned  on  the  Right  of  David  Learned 
Samuel  Randall 

Ezekiel  Whitney  on  the  Right  of  David  Whitney 
John  Stowel  Benjamin  Bond  James  Dix 
George  Harrington  George  Harrington  Jun1’ 

Josiah  Bisco  on  the  Right  of  Thomas  Bisco 
Edmund  Bernard  on  the  Right  of  Samuel  Stowel 
Samuel  Hide  on  the  Right  of  Richard  King 
William  Coollidge  Jun1’  on  the  Right  of  Joseph  Allen 
William  Coollidge  on  the  Right  of  John  Coollidge 
Thomas  Frost 

Thad3  Trowbridge  on  the  Right  of  Caleb  Trowbridge 
Samuel  Jackson  on  the  Right  of  Edward  Jackson 
David  Coollidge  David  Livermore  Nathaniel  Stone 
The  Names  of  the  Petitioners  withinmentioned,  were  Entred 
Agreeable  to  a Vote  of  the  Majority  of  said  Petitioners  at  their 
Meeting  on  the  12th  Day  of  March,  A D,  1770.  Rv-l- 

Joshua  Fuller  7 Comtee  for  said 
William  Coollidg  5 Petitioners 


AMHERST. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Narragansett  No.  3,  Dec.  18,  1728.  It  was 
afterwards  called  Salem  Narragansett  and  Souhegan  West.  The  grant  was  con- 
firmed by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  r,  1759.  Incorporated  as  Amherst, 
Jan.  18,  1760,  and  named  in  honor  of  Lord  Jeffry  Amherst.  The  charter  was 
renewed  in  April,  1762.  A large  part  of  Monson  was  annexed  in  1770.  A por- 
tion of  the  town  was  combined  with  parts  of  Hollis  and  Mile  Slip  to  make  up  the 
town  of  Milford,  Jan.  11,  1794.  Mont  Vernon  was  set  off  and  incorporated  Dec. 
15,  1803. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers,  in  this  and  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  6;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  57;  Index  to  Laws, 
18;  historical  sketch  by  John  Farmer,  5,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society, 
79  ; petition  of  inhabitants,  id.,  253  ; history,  by  Daniel  F.  Secomb,  1883,  pp.  978  ; 
sketch  by  same,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  219.] 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  6,  p.  31.] 

The  Plan  hereto  Annexed  Shews  the  bounds  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  for  one  of  the  Towns  Granted  by  the  Gen"  Court 
to  the  Narragansett  Soldiers  it  Lyes  on  the  North  Side  Sowheagan  River  and  Adjoyning  thereto  on  the  South.  The  East  part 
of  it  is  about  four  or  five  Mile  Westward  of  Merrimack  River,  and  is  at  or  Near  the  East  end  of  the  Late  proposed  Line  of 
Towns  between  Dunstable  and  Northfield  there  is  in  it  a Sufficient  Quantyty  of  Improveable  Land  Capable  of  making  a good 
Town.  The  whole  plan  Contains  24457  Acres  which  is  1417  Acres  More  than  is  Contained  in  Six  miles  Square  which  we  are 
Humbly  of  Opinion  ought  to  be  Allowed  for  the  Pond  and  for  Part  of  three  Farms  that  were  formerly  laid  out,  & now 


In  the  House  of  Representatives — December  i8»  1728  Read  and  accepted  and  Voted  That  the  Land  protracted  and 
described  in  the  within  plann  be  and  hereby  is  confirmed  to  the  officers  and  Soldiers  belonging  to  this  Province,  who  were  in 
the  Service  of  their  Country  in  the  late  Naraganset  War,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  or  lawfull  Representatives, — provided  it 
exceeds  not  the  Quantity  of  Land  within  mentioned,  nor  interferes  with  any  other  or  former  Grant  of  this  Court,  provided  also 
they  comply  with  the  Conditions  mentioned  in  the  said  vote  of  7th  June  for  Setling  the  said  Town — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  Wm  Dudley  Speak' 

In  Council  Dec:  18.  1728 — Read  & Concur’d  J.  Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to,  W Burnet 


AMHERST. 


9 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  18,  1728.] 

A Plat  of  One  of  the  Towns  granted  to  the  Narraganset  Sol- 
diers, Surveyed  and  laid  out  by  an  Order  of  this  Court  of  the 
Seventh  of  Jane  last  by  Major  Chandler , Mr.  Shove , and  Mr. 
Hobson , adjoining  to  Sowheagen- River,  and  lying  on  the  North- 
side  thereof,  and  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  was  pre- 
sented for  Allowance.  Read  and  Accepted  and  voted , That  the 
Land  protracted  and  described  in  the  within  Plan  be  and  hereby 
is  confirmed  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  belonging  to  this  Prov- 
ince who  were  in  the  Service  of  their  Country  in  the  late  Narra- 
ganset War,  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  or  lawful  Representa- 
tives, provided  it  exceeds  not  the  Quantity  of  Land  within  men- 
tioned, nor  interferes  with  any  other  or  former  Grant  of  this  Court, 
provided  also  they  comply  with  the  Conditions  mentioned  in  the 
said  Vote  of  June  *jth , for  setling  the  said  Town. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Grant  to  William  Davis,  Isaac  Johnson,  and  others.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  28,  1659.] 

The  Court  also  Judgeth  It  meete  to  Graunt  to  Cap1  wm  Davis 
Cap1  Eliazer  Lusher  Cap1  ffrauncis  Norton  & Cap4  Isaac  Johnson 
two  hundred  and  fiffty  acres  apeece  on  the  same  termes  as  was 
Graunted  to  Cap1  Savage  Oliver  &c 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

Laid  out  to  Cap1  wm  Davis  of  Boston  and  to  Cap1  Isack  Johnson 
of  Roxbury  to  each  of  them  two  hundred  & fifty  acres  of  land 
more  or  lesse  wch  lyeth  together  in  one  platt  in  the  wildernesse  on 
the  west  of  merremak  River  and  about  six  miles  by  estimation 
from  merremake  at  a place  Called  by  the  Indians  quohquinnapass- 
kessanahnoy  upon  and  on  both  sides  sowheaganock  River  lying 
two  hundred  & forty  pole  in  length  upon  a streight  line  downe 
the  River  and  extends  about  halfe  a mile  on  each  side  the  River 


IO 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


being  butteld  and  bounded  on  the  west  wth  land  lately  laid  out  for 
mrs  Anna  Lane  and  on  the  east  wth  a farme  laid  out  for  mr  John 
Wilson  sen1'  the  wilderness  elswhere  surrounding  according  unto 
the  bound  marked  trees,  wch  are  sufficiently  marked  wth  P all 
which  doth  more  fully  appeare  by  a platt  taken  of  this  same  by 
Jonathan  Danforth  surveior. 

The  Court  doth  allow  & Approve  of  this  Returne. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  i,  p.  it.] 


[Grant  to  Anna  Lane.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

Laide  out  to  Mrs  Anna  Lane  five  hundred  acres  of  land  more  or 
lesse  in  the  wildernesse  on  the  west  of  merremacke  River  and 
about  seven  miles  by  estimation  from  merremake  at  a place  Called 
by  the  Indians  Quoquina-passkessanahnoy  which  is  upon  sowhea- 
ganocke  River  lying  two  hundred  & eighty  pole  in  length  upon 


AMHERST. 


1 1 

the  River  about  two  hundred  acres  lyeth  on  the  north  side  and 
three  hundred  acres  on  the  south  side  being  bounded  wth  land  laid 
out  for  mr  Davis  and  Capt  Isacke  Johnson  on  the  east  wilderness 
land  elswhere  surrounding  the  same  as  by  a plott  taken  of  the 
same  is  more  fully  demonstrated  by  Jonathan  Danforth  surveyor. 
The  Court  doth  Approove  allow  & Confirme  this  Returne. 


[Grant  to  John  Wilson.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659.] 

whereas  mr  John  wilson  senr  hath  mett  wth  severall  Disapoint- 
ments  about  laying  out  his  thousand  acres  of  land  Graunted  him 
by  this  Court  above  twenty  yeares  since  It  is  ordered  that  mr  Dan- 
forth be  desired  & hereby  Impowred  by  himself  or  his  order  to  lay 
out  the  said  thousand  acres  in  one  or  two  places  where  It  shall  be 
found. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660,  and  Maps  and  Plans, 

Vol.  1,  p.  12.] 

Laid  out  to  mr  John  Wilson  sen1'  of  Boston  one  thousand  acres 
of  land  more  or  lesse  in  the  wilderness  on  the  west  of  merremacke 
River ; one  part  or  parcell  of  the  same  Conteining  seven  hundred 
acres  more  or  lesse  lieth  upon  Sowheaganock  River  at  a place 
Called  by  the  Indians  quohquima-paskessa-nahnoy  wch  is  about 
five  miles  by  estimation  from  merremacke  River  lying  three  hun- 
dred sixty  fower  pole  in  length  upon  sowheaganuck  river  fower 
hundred  acres  more  or  lesse  on  the  North  side  of  the  River  and 
three  hundred  acres  more  or  lesse  on  the  South  side  being  Butteld 
and  bounded  on  the  west  wth  land  lately  laid  out  for  Capt  wm  Davis 
& Capt  Isack  Johnson  of  Roxbury  the  wilderness  elswhere  sur- 
rounding according  to  Bounded  trees  marked  wtb  L Also  one 
part  or  parcell  more  Conteining  three  hundred  acres  more  or  lesse 
lieth  about  one  mile  & halfe  by  estimation  southward  of  the  former 
farme  upon  the  head  of  penichuck  brooke  being  bounded  by  a 
great  pond  on  the  southwest  called  pennichuck  pond,  extending 
downe  the  brooke  about  two  hundred  & eighty  pole  in  length  lying 


12 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  i,  p.  12.] 


I 


|c 

’ll 


BEDFORD. 


13 


almost  wholly  on  the  northwest  side  of  the  said  Brooke  the  wilder- 
ness, elswhere  surrounding  according  unto  bounded  trees  w°h  are 
marked  wth  L all  which  is  more  fully  demonstrated  by  a platt 
taken  of  the  same  by  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveior. 

The  Court  Allowes  & Approoves  of  the  land  so  laid  out  in  this 
Returne. 

The  magiste  have  past  this  wth  Refference  to  the  Consent  of 
theire  brethren  ye  deput8  hereto  Alloing  & Approoving  of  the  Re- 
turne as  above 

21  October  1660  Edw.  Rawson  Secret 

Consented  to  by  the  deputyes 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 


BEDFORD. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Narragansett  No.  5,  Feb.  12,  1733-4.  After- 
wards called  Souhegan  East . The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprie- 
tors, Nov.  9,  1748.  Incorporated  as  Bedford,  May  19,  1750,  and  named  in  honor 
of  the  Duke  of  Bedford.  A portion  of  the  town  was  annexed  to  Manchester,  July 
!»  1853. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers,  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  50;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  176;  Index 
to  Laws,  51  ; topographical  description,  1,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society, 
286;  discourse  by  Thomas  Savage,  1841,  pp.  16;  centennial  address  by  Isaac  0. 
Barnes,  1850,  pp.  45  ; history,  pub.  by  Alfred  Mudge,  1851,  pp.  364 ; historical  dis- 
course, by  Ira  C.  Tyson,  1876,  pp.  31  ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hills- 
borough County,  1885,  pp.  265. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  11,  1733-4.] 

Mr.  Shove  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  ^oth  of  "June  1732, 
for  laying  out  the  Narragansett  Townships,  presented  a Plat  of 
the  Township  Number  Five , so  called  by  the  original  Grantees 
lying  on  Merrhnack  River,  of  the  contents  of  six  Miles  square  and 
five  hundred  twenty  one  acres  for  poor  Land,  allowed  and  to 
satisfy  a Grant  made  to  Benjajnin  Smith.  Read  and  Ordered, 
That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Lands  set  forth  and  de- 
scribed in  the  within  Plat  of  the  Narragansett  Township  Number 
Five  (exclusive  of  Benjamin  Smith's  Grant)  be  and  hereby  are 
confirmed  unto  one  hundred  and  twenty  of  the  original  Grantees 
their  heirs  and  assigns,  viz.  that  Society  of  them  of  which  Col. 
Thomas  Tilestone  and  others  were  appointed  a Committee  for 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


I4 

regulating  the  said  Township  Number  Five,  so  called  at  a general 
Meeting  of  the  Grantees  in  Boston  the  sixth  of  June  last  as  by 
their  Votes  and  Orders  may  appear,  provided  the  Plat  contains  no 
more  than  the  quantity  of  Land  within  mentioned,  and  that  it  does 
not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  12,  1733-4.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers  being  a 
Tract  of  Land  lying  on  Merrimack  & Sohegan  Rivers,  of  the 
Quantity  of  six  miles  square  with  five  hundred  Acres  allowed  for 
poor  Land  & Benjamin  Smiths  Farm  Being  bounded  as 
follows ; viz.  Beginning  at  a Pitch  Pine  Tree  on  the  North  Side 
of  Sohegan  River  five  miles  from  Merrimack,  as  said  Sohegan 
River  runs  ; & running  North  six  miles  to  the  Township  form- 
erly laid  out  to  the  Narraganset  Soldiers  to  a Heap  of  Stones ; 
then  running  West  on  said  Township  one  mile  & eighty  two 
rods  to  a Beach  Marked  ; then  running  North  one  mile  & two 
hundred  & sixty  rods  on  Province  Lands  to  a White  Pine  Tree, 
which  is  the  South  West  Corner  of  the  second  Township  for 
the  Narraganset  Soldiers  on  Merrimack ; then  running  on  said 
second  Township  East,  six  miles  & one  hundred  & ten  rods  to 
Merrimack  River,  nine  miles  above  the  Mouth  of  Sohegan  River 
as  Merrimack  runs,  & so  running  up  Merrimack  Rjver  to  Sohegan 
River,  & from  thence  along  Sohegan  River  to  ye  Bounds  first 
mentioned. 

In  the  House  of  Representves  Read  & Ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
accepted,  & that  the  Lands  set  forth  & described  in  the  within 
Plat  of  the  Narraganset  Township  Number  Five  (Exclusive  of 
Benjamin  Smiths  Grant)  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  unto  one 
hundred  & twenty  of  the  Original  Grantees,  their  Heirs  & Assigns  ; 
viz,  that  Society  of  them  of  which  Coll.  Thomas  Tilestone  & 
others  were  appointed  a Committee  for  regulating  said  Township 
Number  Five,  so  called,  at  a general  Meeting  of  the  Grantees  in 
Boston  the  sixth  of  June  last,  as  by  their  Votes  & Orders  may 
appear,  Provided  the  Plat  contains  no  more  than  the  Quantity  of 
Land  within  mentioned  & that  it  does  not  interfere  with  any  former 
Grant. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to, 


J Belcher 


BEDFORD. 


15 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  4,  1736.] 

In  Council  whereas  the  proprietors  or  present  possessors  of  the 
Narragansett  Township,  Called  Number  five,  have  voted  & 
Agreed  that  the  Several  lotts,  being  One  hundred  and  twenty  in 
the  whole,  besides  publick  Lots,  shall  pay  Sixty  of  them,  each  five 
pounds  and  the  other  Sixty  Lots  be  Settled  with  a Family  & built 
upon  and  brought  to  as  Directed  in  the  Grant  from  the  General 
Court,  the  Lots  being  all  Numbred  and  those  which  are  to  pay 
five  pounds  to  be  Distinguished  from  those  which  are  to  be  Settled 
in  the  following  manner,  viz*  Lot  Number  One  to  pay  Five  pounds 
Number  two  to  Settle  Number  three  to  pay  five  pounds  Number 
four  to  Settle  And  so  Alternatly  in  the  same  order  to  pay  five 
pounds  or  to  Settle  thro  the  whole  Number  of  Lots  being  One 
hundred  and  twenty  besides  Publick  Lots  And  whereas  Sundry 
Charges  have  Already  Arisen  and  must  Necessarily  further  Arise, 
to  procure  which  Sums,  as  well  as  to  Oblige  the  Settlers  to  Comply 
and  the  five  pound  lots  to  pay  their  Several  Sums  the  Authority  of 
this  Court  is  thought  Necessary  wherefore  It  is  Resolved  and 
Ordered  That  the  proprietors  of  the  said  Lots  whether  Setlers 
or  those  who  are  ordered  to  pay  five  pounds  each  do  Settle  and 
pay  Respectivly  According  to  the  said  Vote  ; the  five  pounds  to  be 
paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  Already  Appointed  by  the 
Proprietors  for  that  purpose,  and  by  him  to  be  paid  to  the  Settlers 
each  five  pounds  ; And  in  Case  the  Settlers  fail  in  Settling  Ac- 
cording to  the  Courts  Grant  and  Votes  of  the  proprietors  then  the 
proprietors  at  a meeting  Regularly  Assembled  shall  and  may 
dispose  of  said  Right  or  Rights  to  any  other  or  others  that  will 
Settle,  And  whereas  Sundry  proprietors  Neglect  to  draw  their 
Lots  and  pay  their  proportion  of  Charges  the  Committee  of  said 
proprietors  shall  have  power  to  sell  their  Lands  for  defreying  the 
Charge  Arisen  or  that  may  Arise  Attending  the  Methods  in  the 
Disposition  of  the  Lands  to  be  Observed  in  Gathering  Rates  & 
Taxes  Levied  by  Order  of  this  Court  on  Unimproved  Lands. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


1 6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[' Grantees  of  Bedford,  7757.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  844.] 

In  Obedience  to  and  Order  inserted  in  Publick  Print  That  the 
several  Clerks  of  the  respective  Townships  be  and  they  are  hereby 
directed  to  deposit  attested  Copies,  under  Oath,  of  all  the  Original 
Grants  that  have  been  Made  Within  these  thirty  years  past, 
together  With  a List  of  the  Names  of  the  Grantees,  & who  have 
fulfilled  the  Conditions  of  their  Grants  into  the  secretarys  Office  by 
the  Last  day  of  March  upon  pain  of  the  Displeasure  of  the  Court 
&c. 

This  May  therefore  Certifiethat  the  Lowest  Narraganset  Town- 
ship on  Merrimack  River  No.  5 bounded  East  on  Merrimack 
River,  South  on  sowbeeg  (or  sowhegan)  River,  West  partly  on 
salem  Narraganset,  or  otherwise  Called  sowhegan  West,  partly 
on  that  which  some  have  Called  New  Boston,  bounded  North  on 
that  which  some  have  Called  shovestown.  Granted  by  the  General 
Court  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  to  120  men. 
Whereof  60  Were  to  settle  in  such  time  as  was  then  set.  the  said 
town  hath  been  all  Laid  Out  in  3 divisions  beside  meadow  Each 
division  Except  the  first  hath  123  Rights  Laid  Out,  Viz.  One  for 
Each  proprietor,  One  for  the  first  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry, 
& One  for  the  school,  the  Meadow  Lotts  are  all  Laid  Out  & 
Numbred,  Each  meadow  Lott  Coupled  With  some  One  of  the 
third  division  Except  such  Lotts  in  the  third  division,  as  have 
meadow  in  them,  the  Lotts  througout  the  town  are  all  drawn,  & 
most  of  them  on  Record.  There  is  twenty  Acres  Laid  out  to  build 
a Meeting  house  on,  there  is  120  acres  Granted  by  the  proprietors 
to  Deacon  Jonathan  Williams  Our  proprietors  Treasurer  And  120 
Acres  to  Captain  Joseph  Blanchard,  he  to  Erect  a Good  sawmill 
& a Good  Corn-mill,  there  is  also  suitable  provision  Made  for 
ways,  I am  informed  there  is  about  60  families  setled  in  the  town : 
but  no  minister  setled,  nor  Meeting  house  built,  the  Late  War 
hath  been  some  discouragement,  since  the  Town  hath  been  Reck- 
oned in  New-hampshire  Government,  it  is  divided  not  far  from  the 
Middle,  & some  addition  Made  to  the  south  end,  & Erected  into  a 
township  And  some  addition  to  the  North  end,  & that  also  made 
a township. 

There  are  17  Gentlemen  belonging  to  New-hampshire  Which 
some  Call  Lord  proprietors,  Which  pretend  the  Land  is  theirs, 
yet  have  Confirmed  the  Rights  of  the  original  proprietors,  as  the 


BEDFORD. 


17 


Lots  have  been  already  Laid  out  & surveyed.  Excepting  and 
reserving  only  17  Rights  or  shares  as  According  to  said  Laying 
out,  the  particular  Rights  or  shares  to  be  determined  & ascertained 
hereafter. 

here  is  a true  Coppy  of  their  Vote  transcribed 


PROVINCE  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE 


At  a Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lands  Purchased  of 
John  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  held 
at  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  by  Adjournment  on  the  Ninth  day 
of  November  anno  Domini  1748 

Voted  That  the  Rights  of  the  Original  Proprietors  of  souhegan 
East,  Otherwise  Called  Narraganset  No.  5 on  Merrimack  River, 
be  and  are  hereby  Confirmed  to  them  according  as  the  said  Lots 
have  been  already  surveyed  and  Laid  Out,  excepting  and  reserv- 
ing only  seventeen  shares  or  Rights  as  according  to  said  Laying 
Out ; the  Particular  Rights  or  shares  so  Excepted  and  Reserved 
to  be  determined  and  ascertained  hereafter  : but  that  the  Particular 
Rights  and  shares  of  Major  Edward  White  and  the  Reverend 
Doctor  Ebenezer  Miller  be  not  among  the  excepted  and  Reserved 
rights  as  aforesaid,  but  that  their  said  Rights  & shares  among 
said  Proprietors  surveyed  as  aforesaid,  be  hereby  Granted  and 
Confirmed  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assigns. 

Copy  of  Record 

attest  Geo  : Jeffrey  junr  Propr”  Clerk 
At  a Proprietors  Meeting  of  the  Narraganset  Town  No  5 at  the 
house  of  Mr  Samuel  Knealand  in  Boston,  & met  accordingly  on 
ye  30th  Day  of  October  1734  at  ten  a Clock  in  the  forenoon 
and  Chose  the  Honoble  Samuel  Thaxter  Esqr  Moderator  of  said 
meeting — 

Then  they  Proceeded  to  Draw  the  setlers  Lotts  as  they  were 
Marked,  the  Even  numbers  were  setlers  and  the  Odd  were  non 
settlers. 

on  pescataquog 

No  1 Governour  Belcher  Esq.  2 James  Davenport 

on  Merrimack 


No  1 Jacob  Griggs 

2 John  Plimton 

3 Habijah  savage 

4 Thomas  simpkins 


5 Samuel  Hollis 

6 James  yates 

7 Israel  Hubbard 

8 Addington  Davenport Esqr 


i8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


9  Richard  Bill 

10  John  Dorrill 

11  John  Richards 

12  Thomas  Daws 

13  William  Dinsdell 

14  Richard  Foster 

15  Jabez  Hunt 

16  Thomas  Bernard 

17  Thomas  Holbrook 

18  Benjamin  Dyer 

19  William  Clark  Esqr 

20  Joseph  Thorn 

21  Samuel  Gill 

22  Paul  Dudley  Esqr 

23  Edmond  Weld 

24  David  Evans 

25  Thomas  Beatle 

26  George  Talbott 

27  John  Baker 

28  John  Barns 

29  Shadrach  Thayer 

30  Ebenezer  Williams 

31  John  Wilson 

32  Henry  Timberlake 

33  James  Townsend 

34  Sarah  Perkins 

35  Alford  Butler 

36  John  Morey 

37  Isaac  Hatch 

38  John  Langley 

39  Joseph  Prince 

40  Samuel  Gile 

41  Silence  Allen 

42  Benjamin  Williams 

43  William  Davenport 

44  Edward  White 

45  Robert  Vose 

46  Joseph  Savel 

47  Ebenezer  Williams 

48  Nathanael  Goodwine 

49  Samuel  Miller 

50  John  Arnoll 


51  John  Pay  son 

52  Samuel  Pollard 

53  Samuel  Wadsworth 

54  Owen  Harris 

55  Henry  Wilson 

56  Thomas  Viccos 

57  Joseph  Briggs 

58  Samuel  Lyon 

59  Jonathan  Gay 

60  Moses  Ayers 

61  Thomas  Jefferies 

62  Gamaliel  Roggers 

63  Gideon  Terril 

64  Ebenezer  Jones 

65  samuel  Gurnet 

66  Cap1  Ebenezer  Dorr 

67  Joseph  Benson 

68  Henry  Leadbetter 

69  Jonathan  Proutt 

70  Rebeccah  Abbott 

71  Thomas  Tilestone 

72  Benjamin  smith 

73  Madam  Levingston 

74  Benjamin  Turner 

75  samuel  Fisk 

76  John  Lane  for  Ephraim 

77  samuel  Bass 

78  William  Oglebe 

79  Caleb  stedman 

80  Zechariah  smith 

81  Benjamin  swain 

82  John  Lane 

83  John  Mears 

84  William  Dean 

85  John  Tuckerman 

86  Thomas  Way  mouth 

87  John  Rice 

88  Andrew  Oliver 

89  Jonathan  Williams 

90  John  Triscott 

91  Edward  Tyng 

92  Israel  Vicary 


BEDFORD. 


*9 


93  Ephraim  More 

94  Joseph  Gardner 

95  Benjamin  Bates 


96  Zechariah  Chandler 

97  John  Ruggles 

98  Benjamin  Langdon 


home  lots  on  Babbosick 


1 John  Burrill 

2 samuel  Belcher 
No  3 David  Jacobs 

4 samuel  Linkhorn 

5 Ebenezer  Hartshorn 

6 John  Leach 

7 sarah  Warren 

8 samuel  Williams 

9 John  Gridley 
10  John  Nelson 


11  Benjamin  Bicknall 

12  John  Chamberlin 

13  samuel  Thaxter 

14  John  Gridley 

15  Rebeccah  Hannors 

16  William  Hasey 

17  John  Cutler 

18  Thomas  Baker 

19  James  Pitts 

20  Ephraim  Colburn 


I am  inclined  to  believe  there  Was  One  Lot  Laid  out  for  the 
Minister,  & One  for  the  school,  in  the  first  Division,  between  the 
fifty  seventh,  & fifty  Lots  on  Merrimack  River  but  they  are  not 
Numbred  & Recorded,  as  i Can  find,  so  that  i fear  they  Will  be 
Lost.  The  first  Minister,  the  Ministry,  & school  Lots,  in  the  sec- 
ond & Third  Division  are  as  followeth 


second  Division 


Third  Division 


Minister  Lots  No. 
Ministry  Lots  No. 
school  Lots  No. 


jp " \ 9tl,Range 
11"  | 9 Range 
2T  ^ 9thRange 


no, 

upland  58 
meadow  87 
upland  59 
meadow  90 
upland  60 
meadow  89 


Ministry 

School 

First  Minister 


I have  No  Account  who  are  setled  in  the  Town  : but  by  Word 
of  Mouth,  according  to  that  account,  their  names  follow 


John  Moor  Robert  Gilmore 

John  Goff  Esqr  Paterson 

Thomas  Chandler  Macdugal 

mr  Woods  Bushnal 

samuel  Vose  now  setling 
Eleazer  Lyon  Robert  Gilmore 

widow  Farmer  Thomas  Farmer 


Thomas  Meglotherin 
David  smith 
James  Walker 
Lieu1  Moses  Barron 
Thomas  Viccary 
John  Robie 
Andrew  Walker 


20 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Widow  smith,  once 
William  Henry 
John  Tom 
James  Mathas 
Thomas  Barus 
William  Awls 
Robert  Read 
William  Corwell 
Deacon  Orr 
Richard  Macalister 
Robert  Walker 
John  Little 
John  Maglotherin 
Matthew  Patten 


'apt.  lovels  widow 
James  Canady 
James  Moor 
John  Burns 
Thomas  Viccary  jun. 
William  Arbuckle 
David  Tompson 
Benjamin  smith 
Widow  Maquade 
Goyn  Riddle 
Jonathan  Lyon 
Forgos  Canady 
Noah  Thare 
samuel  Patten 
Patrick  Taggard 


Capt.John  Chamberlin 
John  Moreland 
Wallice 

James  Moor  the  Miller 
samuel  Miller 
Robert  Mecormick 
Garret  Rowen 
John  Maquig 
William  Moor 
Hugh  Riddle 
James  Little 
John  Bell 
Lin 

James  Macknite 


I am  informed  there  are  four  sawmills  in  the  Town  and  two 
Corn  Mills.  I Cannot  inform  Who  have  Performed  the  setling 
Conditions,  any  Otherwise  than  I have  Done.  Humbly  offered 
Milton  march  25  1751  samuel  Wadsworth  Proprietors  Clerk 


Suffolk  ss.  Boston  26th  March  1751 

Mr  Samel  Wadsworth  appeared,  & made  solemn  Oath  that  the 
foregoing  Return  is  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge  just  & true 

Before  me  Thos  Hubbard  J.  Pac3 


[. Petition  of  Josef  h Joscelyn  for  Equivalent  Grant , 777^.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  763.] 

Province  of  > To  His  Excellency  Tho8  Hutchinson  Esqr 

Massachusetts  Bay  ) Cap4  General  & Governor  in  Chiefe  over 
Said  Province  to  the  Honble  his  Majestys  Council  & House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  January  the  26th  1774 — 
The  Petition  of  Joseph  Josselyn  of  Hanover  in  the  County  of 
Plymouth  Esqr  Humbly  Sheweth  that  there  was  a Grant  of  a 
Township  made  by  the  Great  & General  Court  in  June  AD.  1732 
To  Benjamin  Smith  and  Others  for  Services  done  in  the  Naragan- 
set  Indian  War. — 

which  Township  was  laid  out  on  Merimack  River  in  the  year 


BOSCAWEN. 


21 


1733.  and  Commonly  called  No  5.  Your  Petitioner  having  Pur- 
chased of  the  Heirs  of  Benjamin  Bates  one  of  the  Soldiers  in  that 
War  his  Right  which  was  afterwards  laid  out  in  said  Township  to 
your  Petitioner  who  has  been  at  Considerable  trouble  and  Cost 
from  Time  to  Time  in  Bringing  on  the  Settlement  agreable  to  the 
terms  of  said  Grant. — 

But  after  Some  Years,  upon  Runing  the  Line  Between  this 
Province  and  that  of  New  Hampshire,  the  whole  of  said  Town- 
ship was  taken  into  that  Province,  and  Your  Petitioner  was  thereby 
deprived  & Excluded  from  all  Property  and  Benefit  of  his  said 
Lands.  — Wherefore  He  Prays  your  Excellency  and  Honours  to 
take  this  his  Case  into  your  Wise  and  Compassionate  Consideration 
And  in  your  Wisdom  and  Goodness  make  him  Such  a Grant  of 
Some  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province  as  shall  appear  to 
you  Just  & Reasonable  or  otherwise  Relieve  him  in  this  Case  as 
to  you  Seems  meet. — 

And  as  in  Duty  bound  Shall  Ever  Pray  &c 

Joseph  Josselyn 

[In  answer  to  this  petition,  the  General  Court  granted  the  peti- 
tioner four  hundred  acres  of  land  to  the  eastward  of  Saco  River, 
March  3,  1774.] 


BOSCAWEN. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Contoocook , Dec.  8,  1732,  to  John  Coffin  and 
others,  of  Newbury,  Mass.  The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors, 
Jan.  10,  1758.  Incorporated  as  Boscawen,  April  22,  1760,  and  named  in  honor 
of  Admiral  Edward  Boscawen,  of  the  British  navy.  The  charter  was  renewed  Oct. 
7,  1763.  Webster  was  set  off  and  incorporated  July  4,  i860.  This  division  was 
attempted  in  1791,  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  west  part  of  the  town  asked  to  be 
set  off  and  incorporated  by  the  name  of  Bristol. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  57  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  193  ; Index  to 
Laws,  62;  Descriptive  and  Historical  Account  of,  by  John  Farmer,  1821,  XX, 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society  Collections,  71-76;  Chronological  Register,  by 
Ebenezer  Price,  1823,  pp.  1 1 6 ; Proceedings  of  Centennial  Celebration,  1876,  pp. 
27  ; History  of  Boscawen  and  Webster,  by  Charles  Carleton  Coffin,  1878,  pp.  656  ; 
One  Hundred  and  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  Settlement,  1883,  pp.  21 1,  pub.  1884; 
historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  169.] 


22 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  20,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  John  Coffin  and  others,  Inhabitants  of  sundry 
Towns  within  this  Province,  praying,  that  they  may  have  a Tract 
of  Land  above  and  adjoining  to  Pennicook , of  the  Contents  of 
seven  Miles  square  granted  to  them,  under  such  Limitations  as 
may  compel  them  to  settle  the  same,  for  which  they  are  willing  to 
pay,  for  the  use  of  the  Province,  Five  Hundred  Pounds  in  Bills 
of  Credit. 

Read,  and  Ordered , That  Mr.  Welles , Major  Chandler , and 
Major  Brattle , be  a Committee  to  consider  thereof,  and  Report 
what  may  be  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  22,  1731.] 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  John 
Coffin  and  others,  entred  the  20th  Instant,  Reported,  Read, 
Accepted  and 

Ordered , That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far  granted,  as 
that  the  Petitioners  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  by  a Surveyor 
and  Chain — Men  under  Oath,  to  Survey  and  lay  out  a Township 
of  the  Contents  of  seven  Miles  square  above  and  adjoining  to  the 
new  Town  at  Pennicook , on  both  sides  of  Merrimack  River,  to 
extend  three  Miles  on  the  East  side,  and  four  Miles  on  the  West 
side  of  the  said  River,  and  return  a plan  thereof  to  this  Court  at 
their  Session  in  May  next  for  Confirmation  ; at  which  time  the 
Grantees  shall  pay  into  the  Province  Treasury,  for  the  use  of  the 
Province,  Five  Hundred  Pounds  in  Bills  of  Credit,  and  that  there- 
upon the  Petitioners  be  impowered  to  chuse  and  appoint  a Com- 
mittee for  laying  out  one  Hundred  Home-Lots,  (which  shall  be 
drawn  for  by  the  Grantees)  and  such  other  Divisions  as  shall  be 
agreed  upon  by  the  Major  Part  of  them  ; the  whole  of  the  Charge 
to  be  equally  paid  by  the  said  Grantees.  And  that,  for  the  effec- 
tual bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township,  the 
Grantees  shall  within  six  Years  from  the  first  Day  of  July  next, 
have  actually  upon  the  Spot,  Ninety  Seven  Families,  each  of 
which  to  have  a Dwelling-House  of  eighteen  Feet  square,  and 
seven  Feet  Stud,  at  least,  and  three  Acres  of  Land  well  stock’d 
with  English  Grass,  fit  for  Mowing  and  four  Acres  of  Tillage 
Land  brought  to  fit  for  Improvement,  upon  pain  of  forfeiting  his 


BOSCAWEN. 


23 


Interest  to  the  Province,  and  the  Sum  of  Ten  Pounds,  for  which 
Security  shall  be  given  at  the  Payment  of  the  said  Five  Hundred 
Pounds,  to  a Committee  of  the  Court  to  be  appointed  for  that  Pur- 
pose; and  that  there  be  Three  Home-Lots,  with  all  after  Rights, 
part  of  the  said  One  Hundred,  sequestred,  viz.  One  for  the  first 
settled  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry  and  one  for  the  School. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  23,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  John  Coffin  & a great  number  of  others  praying  for 
a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  Seven  Miles  square  lying  on  each 
side  of  Merrimack  River  abover  Penicook,  for  the  Consideration 
of  the  Sum  of  Five  Hundred  Pounds  to  be  paid  into  the  province 
Treasury  & the  performance  of  such  Conditions  for  ye  Settlem*  of 
sd  Land  as  this  Court  shall  Order. 

In  the  House  of  Representves  Read  & Ordered  that  the  prayer  of 
the  Petition  be  so  far  granted  as  that  the  Petition13  be  & hereby  are 
impowered  by  a Surveyour  & Chain  men  under  Oath  to  Survey  & 
lay  out  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Seven  Miles  square  above 
& adjoining  To  the  new  Town  at  Penicook  on  both  sides  of  Merri- 
mack River  to  extend  three  miles  on  the  East  side  & four  Miles 
on  the  West  Side  of  the  sd  River  & Return  a Plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  at  their  Session  in  May  next  for  Confirmation,  At  which 
Time  the  Grantees  shall  pay  into  the  province  Treasury  for  the 
Use  of  the  Province  Five  Hundred  Pounds  in  Bills  of  Credit  & 
that  thereupon  the  Petition1*3  be  Impowered  to  Chuse  & Appoint 
a Commtee  for  laying  out  One  Hundred  home  Lotts  (which  shall 
be  drawn  for  by  the  Grantees)  & such  other  Divisions  as  shall  be 
Agreed  on  by  ye  Major  Part  of  them  ye  whole  of  the  Charge  to  be 
equally  pd  by  the  said  Grantees,  & that  for  the  Effectual  bringing 
forward  the  Settlem*  of  the  sd  Township  the  Grantees  shall  within 
six  Years  from  the  first  day  of  July  next  have  actually  upon  the 
Spot  Ninety  seven  Families,  Each  of  wch  to  have  a Dwelling 
House  of  eighteen  foot  square,  & seven  feet  Stud  at  least  & three 
Acres  of  Land  well  stock'd  with  English  Grass  fit  for  Mowing  & 
four  Acres  of  Tillage  brought  to  fit  for  Improvement,  upon  pain  of 
forfeiting  his  Interest  to  the  Province  & the  Sum  of  Ten  Pounds, 
for  which  Security  shall  be  given  at  the  Paymt  of  the  sd  £500,  to 
a Commtee  of  this  Court  to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose  & that 


24 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


there  be  three  home  Lotts  with  all  other  Rights,  part  of  the  sd  One 
Hundred  sequestred  viz4  One  for  the  first  Settled  Minister,  one 
for  the  Ministry,  & one  for  the  School. 

In  Council  Read  & Nonconcur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  6,  1732.] 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Coffin,  Joseph  Dole , and  sundry  others, 
praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  seven  miles  square 
above  Penny-Cook  on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack-. River  whereon 
to  make  a Township,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  in 
answer  to  this  Petition,  Ordered , That  there  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  to  the  Petitioners  a Tract  of  Land  of  seven  miles  square 
at  the  place  Petitioned  for,  viz . on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack 
River , to  be  laid  out  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  under  Oath,  a 
Plan  thereof  to  be  presented  to  this  Court  at  their  next  May  Ses- 
sion for  Confirmation,  the  said  Land  by  them  to  be  settled  on  the 
Conditions  following,  viz.  that  they  within  the  space  of  four  Year 
from  the  confirmation  of  the  Plan,  settle  and  have  on  the  spot 
eighty-one  Families,  each  setler  to  build  a good  convenient  dwell- 
ing House  one  story  high,  eighteen  feet  square  at  the  least,  and 
fence  clear  and  bring  to  four  acres  fit  for  improvement,  and  three 
acres  more  well  stock’d  with  english  Grass,  and  also  lay  out  three 
shares  throughout  the  Town,  each  share  to  be  ope  eighty  fourth 
part  of  the  said  Tract  of  Land,  one  of  said  shares  to  be  for  the  first 
settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  school ; and 
also  to  build  a convenient  Meeting  House,  and  settle  a learned 
and  orthodox  Minister  within  the  term  aforesaid. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  8,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  John  Coffin  of  Newbury  & eighty  others  pray- 
ing the  Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  Seven  miles  square  lying  on 
the  West  Side  of  Merrimack  River  adjoining  to  Penicook,  to  Set- 
tle themselves  or  their  Children  upon  on  such  Conditions  as  this 
Court  shall  judge  fit.  — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Petition 


BOSCAWEN. 


25 


Ordered  that  there  be  & hereby  is  granted  to  the  Petitio”  a Tract 
of  Land  of  Seven  miles  square  at  the  place  Petition’d  for  on  the 
West  side  of  Merrimack  River  to  be  laid  out  by  a Survey1  & 
Chainmen  on  Oath,  A plan  thereof  to  be  presented  to  this  Court 
at  their  next  May  Session  for  Confirmation  the  Lands  to  be  by 
them  settled  on  the  Conditions  following  viz.  That  within  the 
space  of  four  Years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan,  they  settle 
& have  on  the  Spot  eighty  one  Families,  Each  Settler  to  build  a 
good  convenient  Dwelling  House  one  Story  high,  eighteen  feet 
square  at  the  least,  & fence,  clear  & bring  to  four  Acres  fit  for 
Improvem*  & three  Acres  more  well  stock’d  with  English  Grass,  & 
also  lay  out  three  Shares  thro’  out  the  Town  Each  Share  to  be  one 
Eighty  fourth  part  of  the  sd  Tract  of  Land,  One  of  sd  Shares  to  be 
for  the  first  Settled  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry  & One  for  the 
School,  & also  to  build  a Convenient  Meeting  House  & Settle  a 
learn ’d  orthodox  Minister  within  the  Term  aforesaid — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  25,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent'69  Voted  that  Mr  John  Coffin  be  & 
hereby  is  fully  authorized  & impowered  to  Assemble  & Convence 
the  Propriet*8  or  Grantees  of  a Plantation  lately  made  by  this  Court 
of  a Tract  of  Land  of  Seven  Miles  square  above  Penicook  on  the 
West  side  of  Merrimack  River  at  such  Time  & Place  as  he  shall 
appoint  to  Choose  a Moderator  & Clerk  & to  make  such  Orders  & 
Rules  as  may  be  proper  & needful  to  bring  forward  the  Settlem1 
of  the  sd  Plantation  according  to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d  : — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  25,  1733.] 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Coffin  be  and  hereby  is  fully  authorized 
and  impowred  to  assemble  and  convene  the  Proprietors  or  Gran- 
tees of  the  Plantation  lately  made  by  this  Court  of  a Tract  of  Land 
of  seven  Miles  square  above  Penny-cook  on  the  West  side  of  Mer- 
rimack River,  at  such  time  and  place  as  he  shall  appoint,  to  chuse 


2 6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


a Moderator  and  Clerk,  and  to  make  such  orders  and  rules  as 
may  be  proper  and  needful  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the 
said  Plantation  according  to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  6,  1733.] 

A Plat  containing  the  contents  of  seven  Miles  square  of  Land 
above  Penny-cooke  on  the  west  side  of  Merrimack  River  laid  out 
by  order  of  this  Court,  pass’d  last  December  surveyed  by  Mr. 
Richard  Hazzen,  jun.  Surveyor  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  in 
answer  to  a Petition  of  John  Coffin , Joseph  Dole , and  others 
praying  for  a Township  as  entred  the  sixth  of  December  last,  was 
presented  for  allowance. 

Read  and  Voted , That  this  Plat  be  accepted,  and  that  the 
Lands  within  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  con- 
firmed unto  the  within  named  John  Coffin,  Joseph  Dole , and  the 
other  Petitioners  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever ; they  comply- 
ing with  the  orders  and  conditions  in  the  Grant  on  their  Petition, 
pass’d  in  December  last  provided  it  does  not  contain  more  than  the 
Contents  of  seven  Miles  square,  nor  interfere  with  any  other  or 
former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  6,  1733.] 

A plat  of  a Township  granted  at  the  last  Court  to  John  Coffin 
& others  lying  on  Merrimack  River  above  Penicook,  survey’d  by 
Richard  Hazzen  junr  & two  Chain  Men  on  Oath,  being  Bounded 
as  follows  ; Viz.  Beginning  at  the  Middle  of  Contoocook  River 
where  it  empties  itself  into  Merrimack,  where  it  Joins  on  Penicook 
Plantation,  Thence  running  West,  i5°.oo,  South  adjoining  on 
Penicook  Line  four  Miles  to  a white  Pine  Tree,  mark’d  for  Peni- 
cook Corner  Bounds,  thence  further  on  the  same  Line  three 
miles  & Eight  Poles  to  a Norway  Pine  mark’d  for  the  Corner 
Bounds,  Thence  turned  at  right  Angles  & runs  North,  i5°.oo, 
West  Seven  Miles  & eight  Poles  to  a crotched  white  Birch  Let- 
tered, Standing  on  the  South  East  Side  of  a Hill  which  is  the 
Northwest  Corner,  Thence  turned  & right  Angles,  & runs  East, 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  8.] 


Essex  ss:  at  the  mouth  of  Contoocook  river  in  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  May  14th  1733 — Then  and  there  Mr.  Richard 
Hazzen  Junr  as  Surveyor,  James  Osgood  & Ebenezer  Virgin  as  Chainmen  made  oath  faithfully  to  execute  the  office  & duty  of  their  trust  in 
laying  out  the  Plantation  at  Contoocook  of  the  Contents  of  seven  miles  square  agreeable  to  the  grant  of  the  Great  & Generali  Court — 

Before  me  Joseph  Gerrish — 

Justice  of  the  Peace — 


BOSCAWEN. 


27 


i5°-oo",  North,  near  Seven  Miles  & an  half  to  a white  Oak  & two 
White  Pines  mark’d  by  Merrimack  River  & by  sd  River  as  it  runs, 
to  Contoocook  River  to  ye  place,  where  it  first  began. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  8.] 

Mr.  John  Coffin  and  others  Proprietors  of  the  Plantation  of  Con- 
toocook, Granted  by  the  Great  & Generali  Court  of  their  Session 
in  the  Month  of  April  anno  Domini  1733 — Requesting  me  the  sub- 
scriber to  Survey  the  same  agreeable  to  the  Courts  order — I did 
in  Obedience  thereto  attend  the  Service  and  on  the  14th.  of  May 
last  I repaired  to  the  said  Plantation,  Run  the  lines  thereof  and 
bounded  out  the  same  as  followeth  : viz  — Beginning  at  the  mid- 
dle of  the  mouth  of  the  Contoocook  River  where  it  empties 
itself  into  Merrimack  where  it  Joyns  on  Pennycook  plantation 
thence  running  west  150  South  and  joyning  on  Pennycook  Line 
four  miles  to  a white  pine  tree  marked  for  Pennycook  Corner 
bounds,  thence  farther  on  the  same  line  three  miles  & Eight 
poles  to  a Norway  pine  marked  for  ye  corner  bounds — thence 
turned  at  Right  angles  & ran  north  150  West  seven  miles  & 8 poles 
to  a crotched  white  birch  lettered  standing  on  the  southeast  side  of 
an  Hill  which  is  in  Northwest  corner — thence  turned  at  right  angles 
& ran  east  150  north  near  seven  miles  and  an  half  to  a white  oak 
& two  white  pines  marked  by  Merrimack  river  and  by  said  river 
as  it  runs  to  the  mouth  of  Contoocook  river  where  we  first  begun  : — 
the  lines  are  well  marked  so  as  easily  found.  Laid  out  and 
finished  May  28th  1733  ^ Richard  Hazzen,  Junr,  Surveyr. 

Memorandum  : The  Township  is  contained  within  the  three 
prick1  lines  & the  River  Merrimack — the  eight  poles  on  two 
sides  allowed  for  Sagg  of  chain  & no  more — N.  B : The  varia- 
tion Betwixt  my  compass  & that  by  which  Pennycook  was  laid  is 
two  degrees,  though  the  lines  agree  well : & the  quallity  of  the 
land  described  by  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  on  the  extreem 
Lines — thus  from  “a”  at  the  mouth  of  Contoocook  River  to 
“ b ” is  broken  pitch  pine  Land — thence  to  “ c”  is  good  oak  land — 
thence  to  “ d”  is  oak  & pine  mixt — thence  to  “ e” — is  oak,  beech 
& hemlock,  from  “ e”  to  “ f”  is  a low  mossey  swamp  of  white 
pine  thence  to  “ g”  at  the  corner  is  oak  pine  and  Beech  Land — 
from  “ g ” to  “ h ” is  Beech,  Birch  & white  pine  from  “ h ” to  “ i ” 
is  a pine  hill  and  plaine  at  the  end  of  which  plaine  is  a long  meadow, 


28 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


from  thence  to  “k”  is  oak  maple,  beech  & hemlock,  thence  to 
the  Corner  is  beech,  Birch,  maple  & white  pine  land  mixt,  rocky 
& broken  land,  thence  toward  Merrimack  to  the  letter  “ m,”  tis 
broken  rocky  land,  thence  to  the  east  and  of  Kiasarja  tis  good 
Land — the  timber  & wood  growing  thereon  being  Oak,  Hemlock, 
Beech  maple,  white  ash  & poplar — thence  to  River  is  oak,  white 
pine  & Hemlock  Hilly-Land — By  Merrimack  river  tis  partly 
pitch  pine  broken  land  & partly  Intervall — where  the  line  inter- 
sects the  rivers  tis  put  down  exactly,  in  other  places  by  guess, 
The  Hills  are  stored  with  Deer  & Moose  & the  land  in  generall 
very  good  & suitable  for  a Township  according  to  the  best  obser- 
vation of 

Richard  Hazzen — Jur  Survey1 

N.  B.  The  whole  allowance  more  then  ye  exact  measure  is 
about  200  acres. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  June  6th,  1733 — 

Read  & voted  that  the  Plat  be  accepted  and  that  the  lands 
within  delineated  & described  be  and  hereby  are  confined  unto  the 
within  named  John  Coffin,  Joseph  Dole  & others  petitioners  their 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  they  complying  with  the  orders  and  con- 
ditions in  the  Grant  on  their  petition  passed  in  Dec.  last  provided 
the  Plat  does  not  contain  more  than  the  contents  of  Seven  miles 
square  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  other  or  former  grant — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence — J.  Quincy — Sp^ 

In  Council  June  6,  1733 — 

Read  & Concurd — J.  Willard — Sec’ry. 

June  6,  1733 — Consented  to  J Belcher — 


BRADFORD. 

[This  town  was  probably  Number  2 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to 
Connecticut  River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Afterwards 
granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors.  It  was  named  New  Bradford  by  settlers 
from  Bradford,  Mass.  Incorporated  as  Bradford,  Sept.  27,  1787,  and  included 
New  Bradford,  Washington  Gore,  and  apart  of  Washington.  A tract  of  land  was 
severed  from  Newbury  and  annexed  to  Bradford,  Dec.  6,  1796,  and  another,  June 
22,  1859. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  219; 
Index  to  Laws,  65  ; history,  by  John  M.  Hawks,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack 
County,  1885,  p.  185;  Proceedings  of  Centennial  Celebration,  1887,  pp.  no.] 


CANTERBURY. 


29 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1738.] 

A petition  of  Mr.  John  Hutchins  and  Thomas  Kimball,  Esq ; a 
Committee  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  called 
Number  Two  in  the  Line  of  Towns  from  Rumford  to  the  Great 
Falls  on  Connecticut  River , shewing  that  the  Lands  in  said  Town- 
ship are  so  rocky  and  mountainous  on  a View  thereof  that  renders 
the  settlement  impracticable  ; praying  they  may  be  allowed  to 
take  up  a Tract  of  Land  in  lieu  of  the  aforesaid  Township,  lying 
West  of  a Canada  Township  and  North  of  the  Line  of  Towns,  to 
be  laid  out  in  such  Form  and  under  such  Regulations  as  to  the 
Wisdom  of  the  Court  shall  seem  meet.  Read  and  referred  to  the 
next  sitting  of  the  Court  for  further  Consideration. 


CANTERBURY. 

[Granted  May  20,  1727,  to  Richard  Waldron  and  others,  and  then  included  the 
territory  of  Loudon  and  Northfield.  Full  town  privileges  were  granted  March  19, 
1741.  Named  for  an  English  town.  An  addition  was  made  on  the  southwest 
side,  June  13,  1765.  Loudon  was  set  off  and  incorporated  Jan.  23,  1773. 
Northfield  was  set  off  and  incorporated  June  19,  1780.  A small  tract  was  severed 
from  Canterbury  and  annexed  to  Concord,  June  2,  1784,  and  another  to  Loudon, 
Jan.  7,  1852. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  86;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  261  ; Index  to  Laws, 
81  ; Sketches  of  the  History  of,  by  William  Patrick,  4,  Collections  of  the 
N.  H.  Historical  Society,  174-193;  Historical  Sermon  delivered  Oct.  27,  1833,  by 
William  Patrick,  1834,  pp.  39;  sketch  of,  by  J.  N.  McClintock,  4,  Granite 
Monthly,  p.  387;  Births,  Marriages,  and  Deaths  in  Granite  Monthly,  4,  pp,  391, 
431,  507,  and  5,  pp.  163,  195;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack 
County,  1885,  p.  221  ; Concise  History  of  the  United  Society  of  Believers 
Called  Shakers,  by  Charles  Edson  Robinson,  1893,  pp.  134.] 


[Grant  to  Joseph  Gerrish.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1735-6.] 

A petition  of  Joseph  Gerrish  of  Newbury , Esq ; praying  for  a 
Grant  of  Lands  on  the  East  side  Merrimack  River  above  Penny- 
cook  ( now  Rumford)  adjoining  to  Col.  Kent's  Farm,  whereon  he 
would  actually  settle  by  himself  personally  by  ploughing  fitting  for 


30 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


mowing  and  fencing  &c.  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and 
in  answer  to  this  Petition,  Voted,  That  the  Petitioner  have  leave 
by  a Surveyor  & Chainmen  on  Oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  two 
hundred  & fifty  acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province 
on  the  East  side  of  Merrimack  River , and  adjoining  to  Col.  Rich- 
ard Kent's  Farm,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within 
twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  and 
assigns,  provided  the  Petitioner  by  himself  personally  within 
three  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the  Grant  brings  to  and  well 
subdues  thirty  acres  of  the  granted  premisses  by  ploughing  or  fit- 
ting the  same  for  mowing,  and  well  incloses  it  by  fencing,  and 
builds  and  compleatly  finishes  a good  dwelling  House  of  eighteen 
feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  least  on  the  premisses. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Grant  to  Richard  Kent.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  6,  1735.] 

A Plat  of  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Mr.  Richard 
Hazzen , Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath  to  satisfy  the 
Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  sixth  of  December  last  to  Richard  Kent , 
Esq;  adjoining  to  the  Town  o { Rumf or  d,  and  lying  on  the  East 
side  of  Merrimack  River,  was  presented  for  allowance.  Read 
and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the>  Lands  therein 
delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said 
Richard  Kent , Esq ; his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  provided  the 
Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  three  hundred  acres  of  Land,  and 
does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  6,  1735.] 

A Plat  of  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  Granted  by  the  General 
Court  to  Richard  Kent  Esqr,  Surveyed  by  Richard  Hazzen  Sur- 
veyor & Chainmen  on  Oath  ; lying  Adjacent  to  the  Town  of  Rum- 
ford  ; begining  at  a Stake  & Stones  by  Rum  ford  line  thence 
Runing  West  17  deg.  South  on  said  line  about  two  hundred  and 
twenty  five  poles,  to  a white  Ash  Mark’d  K,  by  Merrimack  River 
thence  Runing  up  said  River  about  two  hundred  and  Ninety  two 
poles  to  a horn  bean  Marked  R K thence  East  ten  deg.  North 


CONCORD. 


31 


about  two  hundred  & twenty  five  poles  to  a Pitch  pine  Mark’d  R K, 
thence  about  two  hundred  & Eight  poles  to  the  bounds  first  men- 
tioned— 

In  the  House  of  Represent11  Read  & ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
Accepted  and  the  Lands  herein  delineated  and  described  be  and 
hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Richard  Kent  Esqr  his  heirs  and 
Assignes  forever  ; Provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of 
three  hundred  Acres  of  land,  and  does  not  Interfere  with  any  for- 
mer Grant — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


CONCORD. 

[This  territory,  known  as  Penacook , was  granted  by  Massachusetts,  May  18, 
1659,  to  Richard  Waldron  and  others.  Again  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  17, 
1725-6,  to  Ebenezer  Eastman  and  others.  Incorporated  by  Massachusetts  as 
Rumford,  Feb.  27,  1733-4,  Incorporated  by  New  Hampshire  as  Concord,  June 
7,  1765.  The  grant  of  Bow  by  New  Hampshire,  May  20,  1727,  conflicted  with 
this  grant,  and  the  dispute  was  decided  by  the  king  in  favor  of  Rumford , Dec.  27, 
1762.  A gore  of  land  was  severed  from  Canterbury  and  Loudon  and  annexed  to 
Concord,  Jan  2,  1784.  Portions  of  Bow  were  annexed  Dec.  13,  1804,  and  July  10, 
1856.  The  State  House  was  built  in  1816,  and  remodeled  in  1865.  It  was  first 
occupied  by  the  legislature  in  June,  1819.  A city  charter  was  granted  July  6, 
1849,  but  was  not  adopted  until  March  10,  1853. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  128; 
XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  340;  Index  to  Laws,  1 1 6 ; Historical  Sketch,  1, 
Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  153-218;  History  of,  from  first  grant 
in  1725  to  organization  of  city  government  in  1853,  by  Nathaniel  Bouton,  1856, 
pp.  786;  sketch  of,  by  J.  N.  McClintock,  8,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  263;  historical 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  57.] 


[. Petition  for  Grant  of  Land  at  Penacook , /<5yp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  117.] 

To  the  Honred  Generali  Courte  Now  assembled  at  Boston  &c  : 

The  humble  petetyon  of  us  whose  names  are  under  written  beinge 
inhabytants  in  this  Jurisdiction,  & beinge  senceable  of  ye  need  of 
multeplyinge  of  towneshippes  for  ye  inlargement  of  ye  contrey 
And  accommodateinge  of  such  as  want  opportunity  to  improve 
themselves,  have  taken  into  our  consideration  a place  w*  is  called 
pennecooke,  wc  by  reporte  is  a place  fit  for  such  an  end,  Now  ye 


32 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


humble  request  of  yor  petetioners  to  this  honred  Courte  is  yi * * 4  wee 
may  have  ye  grant  of  a trackte  of  land  their  to  ye  quantyty  of 
twelfe  miles  square,  wch  beinge  granted  we  shall  give  up  our 
selves  to  be  at  ye  cost  and  charge  of  vewinge  of  it,  & consider 
fully  aboute  it  wheather  to  proseed  on  ffor  ye  settlinge  of  a towne  or 
noe  and  for  y 4 end  shall  crave  the  liberty  of  three  yeares  to  give 
in  our  resolution  And  in  case  y4  wee  doe  proseed  then  our  humble 
request  is  y4  we  may  have  ye  grant  of  our  freedome  from  publique 
charge  for  ye  space  of  seaven  yeares  after  ye  time  of  our  resolution 
given  in  to  this  Honred  Courte,  for  our  incorragement  to  settle  a 
plantation  soe  furre  remote ; as  Knowinge  y4  many  will  be  our 
inconvenyences  (for  a longe  time)  wch  we  must  expeckt  to  meet 
wttall,  wch  desires  of  ours  beinge  ansered  yor  petetioners  shall  ever 
pray  for  that  happynes  of  this  Honred  Courte  rest  yor  Humble 
petetioners 


Richard  Walderne 

his 

John  -j-  Hird 

marke 

Edward  woodman 
Benie  Swett 
John  Cheiney 
John  Poore 
william  Cotton 


Val : Hill: 

William  ffurbur 

John  Pike 
Jorge  littell 
Nathaniell : weare 
Robertt  Rogers 
John  wolcot 
willim  Titcomb 


Peter  Coffin 

Roger  Plaisteed 

Abraham  Toppan 
John  bayly 
Robard  coker 
Edward  Richison 
John  Bond 


i8:(3)  59:  The  Committee  do  Judge  meet  that'  ye  peticc’on13  be 

granted  a plantaccon  of  Eight  mile  Square,  upon  condiccon,  that 
at  the  Sessions  of  the  Genrall  Court  to  be  held  in  octo.  1660,  they 
make  report  to  that  Court  of  their  resolution  to  ^secute  ye  same, 
with  a competent  n°  of  meet  persons  that  Will  ingage  to  carry  on 
the  work  of  the  Said  place,  in  all  Civill  & Eclesiasticall  respects, 
and  that  within  two  yeares  then  next  ensueing,  there  be  20  families 
there  setled. — Also  that  they  may  have  Immunity  from  all  pub- 
lique charges  (excepting  in  cases  Extreordinary)  for  seven  yeares 
next  ensuing  the  date  hereof. 

Tho : Danforth 
Edward  Johnson 
Eleazer  Lusher 

The  Deputies  approve  of  the  returne  of  the  Committee  in  answer 
to  this  pet.  with  reference  to  the  Consent  of  or  honord  magis*3 
hereto 


William  Torrey  Cleric. 


CONCORD. 


33 


[Land  at  Pcnacook  Reserved  for  a Plantation , 1662.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  147.] 

1 6 : 3d  M°  1662  : 

Upon  Informac’on  that  Pennie  Cooke  is  An  Apt  place  for  A 
Townshipp  ; And  in  Considerac’on  of  the  lords  great  blessing  upon 
the  Countrie  in  multiplying  the  inhabitants  & plantac’ons  here  ; 
And  that  Allmost  All  such  places  are  Allreadie  taken  up — It  is 
Ordered  by  this  Court  that  the  lands  at  Pennie  Cook  be  reserved 
for  A plantac’on  till  So  many  of  such  as  have  petic’oned  for  lands 
there  or  of  others  shall  present  to  setle  A plantac’on  there,  the 
Deputyes  have  past  this  desireing  the  Consent  of  or  Honord  magists 
hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 


[. Petition  of  Malden , Mass.,  for  La7id  at  Penacook,  1662.  ] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  147.] 

To  the  honoured  Court  now  Assembled  at  Boston  the  7th  of  the  4th 
M°  1662  : the  Petic’on  of  the  inhabitants  of  Malden  humbly  Shew- 
ing. 

That  the  Bounds  of  our  Town  are  Exceeding  streight ; the  most 
of  our  Improved  Lands  & Meadow  being  limited  About  two  Miles 
in  length  and  one  in  Breadth  ; And  that  Allso  the  most  part  of  it 
by  purchase  from  Charlst0  wherof  wee  were  A small  Branch; 
from  whom  Allso  wee  had  all  the  Commons  wee  have  ; which  is 
verie  small  & Rockie. 

That  hitherto,  wee  have  had  no  Inlargement  from  the  Countrie ; 
nor  can  wee  have  Any  neere  Adjoyning,  being  Surrounded  by 
sundry  Townshipps. 

That  our  Charges  to  the  Countrie  & Ministry ; much  Exceedeth 
sundry  others,  who  have  many  times  our  Accommodac’ons  And 
as  many  here  doe  know. 

Our  Teacher  Allso  hath  been  long  visited  with  verie  great 
weaknesses ; from  which  it  is  much  feared  he  will  not  be  recov- 
ered. 

For  theis  and  other  weightie  Considerac’ons.  Our  most  humble 
Petic’on  to  this  much  honoured  Court  is;  That  A Tract  of  lands 
3 


34 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  About  fowre  Miles  Square  at  A place  Called  Pennycooke  may 
be  Granted  As  An  Addic’on  to  us,  for  our  better  Support  And 
Incouragement ; in  the  Service  of  Christ  & the  Countrie ; to  be 
Layd  out  by  mr  Jonathan  Danforth  or  some  other  Artist  And  Cap* 
Ed  : Jonson  or  John  Parker. 

So  with  our  heartie  prayers  to  God  for  your  utmost  peace  & 
prosperitie,  wee  Crave  leave  to  Subscribe  ourselves  yr  verie  hum- 
ble Servants. 

Joseph  Hills  : Will : Brackenbury  John  Wayte 

John  Sprague  Abram  Hill  Tho : Call 

Job  Lane  Peter  Tuffs  Robert  Bardin 

In  the  name  of  the  rest 

The  Deputyes  thinke  not  meete  to  grant  this  pet 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  6,  1721.] 

A Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  in  the  County  of  Essex , Pray- 
ing for  a Tract  of  Land  on  Merrimack- River,  Eight  Miles  square, 
extending  from  Suncook  to  Cuntacook  River  on  both  sides  of 
Merrimack- Riv  er , Read. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  9,  1721.] 

A Petition  of  120  Inhabitants,  in  the  County  of  Essex,  praying 
for  a parcel  of  Land  lying  on  Merrimack  River , between  Cunta- 
cook and  Suncook , to  be  Granted  to  them  for  a Township.  Read 
and 

Ordered , That  Capt.  John  Shelley,  Col.  Joseph  Buckminster , 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Winslow , be  a Committee  to  take  an  exact  Sur- 
vey of  the  Land  on  each  side  of  Merrimack , between  the  rivers  of 
Suncook  and  Cuntacook , and  lay  the  same  into  two  Townships,  if 
the  Land  be  capable  thereof,  taking  with  them  a Surveyor  and 
Chain-men ; & also  that  the  said  Committee  view  and  report  the 
quality  and  nature  of  the  Land  between  Dunstable  and  that  Land 
intended  for  the  two  Townships ; and  make  their  Report  to  this 
House  the  next  Sessions. 


CONCORD. 


35 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1722.] 

'Josef  h Buckminster  Esq ; Messieurs  John  Shefle  and  Josef  h 
Winslow  a Committee  appointed  in  March  last,  to  Survey  the 
Land  on  each  side  Merrimack- River  between  Suncook  and  Cunta- 
cook.  Reported, 

That  they  had  Surveyed  the  said  Land,  and  find  that  there  is  a 
great  Quantity  of  Waste  Land,  and  some  good  Land  in  it.  And 
are  of  Opinion  that  the  same  may  be  accommodable  for  Settling  a 
Township,  if  laid  out  large  enough.  That  they  had  also  viewed 
the  Lands  on  both  sides  the  River  between  Amaskeeg-Falls  and 
Dunstable , where  there  is  a great  deal  of  poor  Pine  Land,  and  a 
considerable  Quantity  of  good,  and  sufficient  for  a Township,  if 
the  Irish  do  not  Interrupt  their  Settlement,  &c.  Read,  And 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Dudley,  Mr.  Wainwright , Mr.  Ward,  Mr. 
Fullum , and  Mr.  Stoddard  be  a Committee  to  consider  their 
Report,  and  the  Petition  of  the  Ifswich  People,  for  the  Settlement 
of  another  Town  on  Merrimack  River.  To  propose  some  Terms 
and  Methods  for  the  Settling  them  in  a defensible  manner,  and  lay 
the  same  before  this  House. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1722.] 

Whereas  this  House  is  informed  by  a Committee  imfloyed  at  a 
Sessions  in  March  last  to  survey  the  Lands  on  each  side  0/*Merri- 
mack-River  between  Suncook  and  Cuntacook.  That  in  ferform- 
ing  said  Service  they  observed  a New  Line  marked  ufon  several 
Trees,  far  ticularly  on  one  corner  Tree  marked  with  the  Letter  N, 
and  several  other  Trees  with  other  Letters,  which  tree  is  not  more 
than  One  mile  and  a half  from  Merrimack-River  : And  discoursmg 
with  some  Irish  Peof  le,  they  declared,  that  they  had  a Grant 
from  the  Government  0/~New-Hampshire,  of  the  Land  home  to 
Merrimack-River  froin  Amaskeeg-Falls,  and  that  they  were 
Resolved  to  make  a sfeedy  Settlement  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Josef  h Buckminster  Esq : Capt.  Ward,  and 
Capt.  John  Shefle,  be  a Committee  to  wait  on  His  Excellency  the 
Governour,  and  desire  him  to  acquaint  the  House,  whether  the 
Goverment  of  New-Hamf  shire  have  Granted  any  such  Tract  01 
Land,  That  this  Government  may  prevent  any  such  Incroach- 
ments  on  the  Lands  and  Properties  of  this  Province. 


36 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  38  A,  p.  55.] 

Pennecook  March  22,  1723 

March  19  Capt  James  Frie  and  Lieu4  Stephen  Barker  with 
thirty  men  moved  from  Andover  to  go  to  Pennecook  ye  i4  Day  was 
Stormy  but  we  went  to  Nutfield  and  lodg’d  there  that  Night.  The 
2d  Day  we  Came  to  Amiskege  and  Lodg”d  there,  The  3d  Day  we 
Came  to  Suncook  in  Pennecook  and  built  four  Camps  and  Lodg’d 
there,  the  4th  Day  we  came  to  Pennecook  Plains  att  ye  Intervale 
Lands  about  11  of  the  Clock.  There  we  found  five  of  those  men 
which  came  from  N Ireland : Mr  Houston  was  one  of  them  they 
came  to  us  and  we  chose  Cap4  Frie  to  discourse  them  with  4 men. 
They  Say  that  they  have  a Grant  of  this  Pennecook  on  both  Sides 
of  the  River,  they  call  us  Rebbells  and  Commands  to  discharge 
the  Place  both  in  the  Kings  name  and  In  the  Provinces,  and  if  we 
don’t  in  a fortnight  they  will  gitt  us  off,  we  therefore  desire  you 
Justice  Stevens  with  the  Committe  to  Send  us  word  whether  we 
have  any  Encouragement  to  Stay  or  else  draw  off.  Butt  Cap4 
Frie’s  Courage  is  So  that  he  will  Stay  allone  rather  than  Let  them 
userpers  drive  us  off. 

A True  Coppy  of  ye  Journall  Sent  from  Pennecook  and  of  Their 
Treatment  when  they  got  there. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  20,  17*23.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent8  In  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  Sundry 
Inhabitants  of  Andover  Bradford  & Haverhill,  presented  Yester- 
day to  the  Court,  & also  the  petition  therein  Refer’d  to,  Sign’d  by 
Stephen  Barker  & Others  for  the  grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  Pen- 
nicook,  presented  to  this  Court  at  their  May  Session  1721,  & the 
proposals  made  by  the  petitioners  ; 

Resolved  that  the  Tract  of  Land  lying  & being  on  both  sides 
of  Merrimack  River  at  a Place  Call’d  Pennicook,  Lately  Survey’d 
& Laid  out  by  Wm  Ward  & John  Jones  in  May  1722,  Survey” 
upon  oath  by  Order  of  the  House  of  Represent9  be  & hereby  is 
Granted  to  one  hundred  persons  such  as  shall  be  Admitted  by  the 
Committee  hereafter  Named,  And  that  the  said  Tract  of  Land,  as 
particularly  delineated  & Described  in  the  plan  herewith  Exhibited 
be  & hereby  is  Erected  Into  a Township.  And  that  John  Wain- 
wright  of  Ipswich  Esq1'  Mr  John  Saunders  of  Haverhill  & Cap4 


CONCORD. 


37 


James  Fry  of  Andover  be  a Committee  fully  Authorized  by  this 
Court  to  Allot  & Grant  out  to  such  persons  as  will  Effectually 
Settle  the  same  within  three  Years  Next  after  the  End  of  the  pres- 
ent Indian  War,  giving  the  preference  to  Such  of  the  Petitioners, 
as  In  their  Judgem1  may  be  Most  Likely  to  Make  a Settlement: 
The  Lotts  & Settlements  to  be  Laid  out  by  the  said  Committee  in 
Equal  Proportion  According  to  the  best  Judgem*  of  the  Committee, 
To  be  In  as  Regular  & Defensible  Manner  as  the  Nature  & Cir- 
cumstan0  of  the  Land  will  admit  & Allow  of.  Each  person  or 
family  to  Whome  a Lott  with  ye  other  Rights  & Dividends  are 
granted  shall  be  Obliged  to  build  a Good  Dwelling  House  thereon 
& Inhabit  it,  & also  break  up  & Sufficiently  fence  in  three  Acres 
of  Land  each,  within  the  said  Term  of  three  Years,  as  foresaid ; 
That  there  be  Reserved  and  Laid  out  to  the  first  settled  Minister 
in  the  said  Town  a Convenient  Lot,  also  a Lot  for  the  School,  & 
a Ministerial  Lott  in  the  said  Town,  And  that  the  seders  be 
Obliged  to  build  a Convenient  House  for  the  Worship  of  God  in 
the  said  Town,  Within  the  Term  of  four  Years  ; the  Charge  of  the 
Committee  to  be  paid  by  the  Grantees,  And  that  the  Committee 
give  Publick  Notice  of  the  Time  & Place  of  their  Meeting  to  Grant 
Allotments  ; Provided  Nevertheless  That  In  Consideration  of  the 
Extent  of  the  Grant  & goodness  of  the  Soil  & the  Charge  hitherto 
Arisen  in  Surveying  the  Same  & taking  the  Aforesaid  Plan,  The 
Settlers  & Grantees  shall  be  Obliged  & hereby  are  Enjoyned  at 
their  own  Cost  & Charge  to  Erect  & Build  & finish  by  the  first 
Day  of  May  Next  a Sufficient  House  well  strengthen’d  & fortified 
in  Some  Convenient  Place  on  the  premisses,  & shall  Also  pay  & 
Subsist  twenty  Ablebodied  effective  Men  Well  Equip’d  with  Arm’s 
Amunition  &c,  In  the  said  House  to  be  posted  by  the  Commander 
in  Chief  for  the  time  being  for  the  Defence  & Security  of  the  Set- 
tlers, to  Cover  and  protect  them  from  the  Invasions  of  the  Enemy, 
& Also  a Guard  & Defence  to  the  Town,  The  Twenty  Men  as 
aforesaid  to  be  subsisted  & Paid  during  the  present  Indian  War 
& no  Longer. 

In  Council  Read  & Non  Concurd. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  17,  1725.] 

In  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens,  Andrew 
Mitchell,  David  Kimball , Ebenezer  Eastman,  John  Osgood  and 
Moses  Day,  a Committee  appointed  by  and  in  behalf  of  the  Peti- 


38 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tioners  formerly  for  a Tract  of  Land  at  a place  called  Penny- 
Cooke , praying,  That  this  House  would  Revive  their  Vote  pass’d 
the  igth.  of  June,  1724,  for  the  Granting  of  the  said  Tract  of 
Land,  on  a Petition  then  preferred  by  the  Petitioners  afore-named. 

Resolved , That  the  Tract  of  Land  lying  and  being  on  both 
sides  of  Merrimack  River , at  a place  called  Penny- Cooke , lately 
Surveyed  and  laid  out  by  William  Ward,  and  John  Jones,  in 
May,  1722,  Surveyors  upon  Oath  by  Order,  Be  and  hereby  is 
granted  unto  One  Hundred  Persons,  such  as  shall  be  admitted  by 
the  Committee  hereafter  Named,  and  that  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
as  particularly  delineated  and  discribed  in  the  Plan  herewith 
Exhibited  ; Be  and  hereby  is  Erected  into  a Township,  and  that 
John  Wainwright  of  Ipswich  Esq ; Mr.  John  Sanders  of  Haver- 
hill, and  Capt.  John  Shelley  of  Groton,  with  such  as  the  Honour- 
able Board  shall  Appoint,  be  a Committee  fully  Authorized  and 
Impowred  by  this  Court  to  Allot  and  Grant  out  to  such  Persons, 
and  only  such  as  will  Effectually  Settle  the  same  within  Three 
Years  next  after  the  Date  of  this  present  Grant,  giving  the  prefer- 
ence to  such  of  the  Petitioners  as  in  their  Judgment  may  be  most 
likely  to  make  a Settlement,  the  Lotts  and  Settlements  to  be  laid 
out  by  the  said  Committee,  in  equal  Proportion  according  to  the 
best  Judgment  of  the  Committee,  to  be  in  as  Regular  and  Defens- 
ible a Manner  as  the  Nature  and  Circumstance  of  the  Lands  will 
admit  and  allow  of,  each  Person  and  Family  to  whom  a Lott  with 
the  other  Rights  and  Dividends  are  Granted,  shall  be  obliged  to 
Build  a good  Dwelling  House  thereon,  and  Inhabit  it,  and  also  to 
Break  up,  and  Sufficiently  Fence  in  Three  Acres  of  Land,  each 
within  the  said  Term  of  Three  Years  as  aforesaid,  that  there  be 
Reserved  and  laid  out  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  in  said  Town; 
a Convenient  Lott,  also  a Lott  for  the  School,  and  a Ministerial 
Lott  in  the  said  Town,  and  the  Settlers  be  Obliged  to  Build  a Con- 
venient House  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  GOD,  in  said  Town, 
within  the  Term  of  Four  Years,  the  Charge  of  the  Committee  to 
be  paid  by  the  Grantees,  and  that  the  Committee  give  Publick 
Notice  of  the  Time  and  Place  of  their  Meeting  to  Grant  Allot- 
ments. 

Provided  Nevertheless,  That  in  Consideration  of  the  Extent  of 
the  Grant  and  Goodness  of  the  Soil,  and  the  Charge  hitherto 
arisen  in  Surveying  the  same,  and  taking  the  aforesaid  Plan,  that 
each  Settler  and  Grantee  shall  be  obliged,  and  hereby  is  enjoyned 
to  pay  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  to  the  Committee  aforesaid,  to  be 
by  them  paid  into  the  Publick  Treasury,  for  that  there  may  be 


CONCORD. 


39 


occasion  to  advance  Money  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury  for  the 
Encouragement  of  Setling  a Line  of  Towns  from  this  Grant  to 
Connecticut  River. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  21,  1725.] 

A Vote  came  up  from  the  House  for  Granting  a Tract  of  Land 
upon  Merrimack  River  at  Penycook  to  sundry  Persons  to  settle 
thereon ; 

Wch  Vote  being  Read  in  Council,  was  refer’d  to  the  next  Ses- 
sion of  this  Court : 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  22,  1725.] 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Lindall  go  up  with  a Message  to  the  Hon- 
ourable Board,  to  inquire  whether  they  have  pass’d  on  the  Vote  of 
the  House  for  the  Grant  of  a tract  of  Land  at  Penny-Cooke.  Who 
returned,  That  the  Board  informed  him,  They  had  referred  the 
Consideration  thereof  to  the  next  May  Session. 

Voted , That  a Message  be  sent  up  to  the  Honourable  Board, 
to  desire  they  would  Reconsider  their  Vote  for  referring  the  Con- 
sideration of  the  Vote  of  the  House  for  Granting  a Tract  of  Land 
at  Penny-Cooke,  to  the  next  May  Session  ; and  that  they  would 
now  pass  on  the  said  Vote  of  the  House  by  Concurring  or  Non- 
Concurring,  for  that  the  House  apprehend  there  is  a great  Probabil- 
ity that  the  said  Lands  will  be  Setled  by  others  than  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  Province,  before  the  next  May  Session,  as  it  hapned 
in  the  Case  of  Nutjield , Unless  this  Court  do  now  take  Effectual 
Order  for  preventing  such  Unjust  Setlements. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  29,  1725.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Ordered  that  Mr  Cushing,  Mr 
White,  Mr  Shove  & Mr  Wilder  be  a Committee  of  the  House 
to  confer  with  a Committee  of  the  Honble  Board  upon  the  Subject 
Matter  of  a Grant  of  Land  for  a Township  on  Merrimack  River  at 
a Place  called  Penycook ; The  Committee  to  sit  forthwith. 


4° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


In  Council : Read  & Concur’d,  And  Nathaniel  Byfield,  John 
Clark  & Elisha  Cook  Esq1'3  are  a Committee  of  the  Board  to  con- 
fer on  the  Affair  above. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  6,  1725-6.] 

Edmund  £>iiincey  Esq;  brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  iyth . of  Decemb.  past,  for  the  Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at 
Penny-Cooke.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council,  December 
21  si,  1725.  Read  and  Referred  to  the  next  May  Session.  Sent 
down  for  Concurrence,  with 

A Message,  That  the  Board  desired  the  House  to  Concur  with 
them  in  Referring  the  said  Vote  to  the  May  Session.  Read,  and 
the  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  House  would  Concur  with  the 
Honourable  Board  in  Referring  their  Vote  to  the  next  May  Ses- 
sion. It  pass’d  in  the  Negative.  And, 

Voted , That  the  House  Adhere  to  their  own  Vote  with  the 
Amendment,  Viz.  Between  the  Words — by  the  Committee  here- 
after Named — and  that  the  said  Tract  of  Land — add — with  a sav- 
ing of  the  Right  of  all  Persons  by  Virtue  of  any  former  Grant. 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  7,  1725-6.] 

Elisha  Cooke  Esq ; brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  for  the 
Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  Penny-Cooke,  sent  up  last  Night  with 
the  following  Vote  of  Council  thereon,  viz.  In  Council,  January 
yth , 1725.  Read  and  Non-Concur’d  and  Voted,  That  Nathaniel 
By  field,  John  Clark,  Samuel  Brown  and  Elisha  Cooke  Esqrs ; 
with  such  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Honourable  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, be  a Committee  to  consider  what  is  proper  for  this 
Court  to  do  on  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens,  &c.  within  Re- 
ferred to.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  Concur’d  and 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lindall,  Mr.  Wainwright,  Mr.  Wilder,  Mr. 
Hale  and  Mr.  Phillips  be  joyned  in  the  Affair. 


CONCORD. 


41 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  7,  1725-6.] 

A Vote  was  brought  up  from  the  House  of  Represent'63  re- 
specting the  Settlem1  of  a Town  upon  the  Lands  on  Merrimack 
River  that  are  near  the  Place  called  Penycook  ; Wch  Vote  being 
Read  at  the  Board,  A Non  Concurrence  was  Voted  thereon. 

In  Council ; Voted  that  Nathaniel  Byfield,  John  Clark  Samuel 
Brown  & Elisha  Cook  Esqr3  with  such  as  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Honble  House  of  Represent™9  be  a Committee  to  consider  what 
is  proper  for  this  Court  to  do  on  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens 
&c,  within  refer’d  to. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Concur’d  & Ordered  that 
Mr  Lindall  Mr  Wainwright,  Mr  Wilder  Mr  Hale  & Mr  Phillips  be 
joined  in  the  Affair. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  17,  1725-6.] 

Nathaniel  By  field  Esqr  from  the  Committee  of  both  Houses  on 
the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens  & others  Praying  for  a Grant  of 
Land  at  Penicook  gave  in  the  following  Report ; Viz. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  proper  for  this 
Court  to  do  on  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens  & others  are  hum- 
bly of  Opinion  That  it  will  be  for  the  Interest  & Advantage  of 
this  Province  that  Part  of  the  Lands  petitioned  for  by  the  said 
Benjamin  Stevens  & Company  be  assign’d  & set  a part  for  a Town- 
ship, Provided  the  same  be  done  in  a good  regular  & defensible 
Manner  to  contain  seven  Miles  square,  & to  begin  where  Conta- 
cook  River  falls  into  Merrimack  River,  & thence  to  extend  upon 
a Course  East  seventeen  Degrees  North  three  Miles,  & upon  a 
Course  West  seventeen  Degrees  South  four  Miles,  to  be  the  North- 
erly Bounds  of  the  said  Township,  & from  the  extream  Parts  of 
that  Line  to  be  set  off',  Southerly  at  Right  Angles  until  Seven 
Miles  shall  be  accomplished  from  the  said  North  Bounds ; And 
that  the  Petitioners  may  be  encouraged  & fully  impowered  to  pros- 
ecute their  intended  Settlements  ; Ordered  that  the  HonbIe  William 
Tailer  Esqr  Elisha  Cook  Esq1'  Spencer  Phips  Esq1'  William  Dudley 
Esq1’  John  Wainwright  Esq1’  Capt.  John  Shipley,  M1'  John  Saun- 
ders, Eleazer  Tyng  Esqr  & Mr  Joseph  Wilder  (any  five  of  whom 
to  be  a Quorum)  be  a Committee  to  take  special  Care  that  the  fol- 
lowing Rules  & Conditions  be  punctually  observed  & kept  by  all 


42 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


such  as  shall  be  admitted  to  bring  forward  the  proposed  Settle- 
ments ; Namely, 

That  the  aforesaid  Tract  of  Land  be  allotted  & divided  into  One 
Hundred  & three  equal  Parts  & Shares  as  to  Quantity  & Quality 
& that  One  Hundred  Persons  & Familys,  such  only  as  in  the 
Judgement  of  the  Committee  shall  be  able  to  pursue  & bring  to 
pass  their  several  Settlements  on  the  said  Lands  within  the  Space 
of  three  Years  at  furthest  from  the  first  Day  of  June  next, 

That  each  & every  intended  Settler  to  whom  a Lot  with  the 
Rights  & Privileges  thereto  be  assign’d  shall  Pay  into  the  Hands 
of  the  Committee  for  the  Use  of  the  Province  the  Sum  of  Five 
Pounds,  & be  obliged  to  build  a good  Dwelling  House  fit  comfort- 
ably to  receive  & entertain  a Family  who  shall  inhabit  the  same, 
& also  break  up  & fence  in  six  Acres  of  Land  for  their  House  Lot 
within  the  Term  afore  said,  And  that  the  first  fifty  Settlements 
shall  be  begun  & perfected  on  the  East  Side  of  the  said  River 
Merrimack,  & the  several  Houses  shall  be  erected  on  their  Home 
Lots  not  above  twenty  Rods  the  one  from  the  other  where  the 
Land  will  possibly  admit  of  it  in  the  most  regular  Manner  the 
Committee  in  their  best  Prudence  can  project  & order ; The 
Houses  & Home  Lots  on  each  Side  the  River  to  be  alike  subjected 
to  the  above  mentioned  Conditions  : That  a convenient  House  for 
the  publick  Worship  of  God  be  compleatly  finished  within  the 
Term  afore  said  for  the  Accomodation  of  all  such  as  shall  inhabit 
the  afore  said  Tract  of  Land  upon  such  Part  thereof  as  shall  be 
Agreed  on  by  the  aforesaid  Committee  for  the  Eas'e  of  the  Commu- 
nity ; And  that  there  shall  be  reserved  allotted  & laid  out  for  the 
first  Minister  that  shall  be  lawfully  settled  among  them  one  full 
Right  Share  & Proportion  of  & in  the  afore  said  Tract  of  Land 
with  all  the  Rights  & Privileges  belonging  thereto,  his  Home  Lot 
next  adjoining  to  the  Land  whereon  the  Meeting  House  shall 
stand,  one  other  full  Right  Share  & Proportion  of  & in  the  afore 
said  Tract  of  Land  to  be  appropriated  for  the  Use  of  the  School 
for  ever,  & one  other  Ministerial  Lot  of  equal  Value  with  the 
Rest,  the  Home  Lot  appertaining  thereto  affixed  near  to  the 
Meeting  House  ; And  for  the  better  enabling  the  intended  Settlers 
to  perfect  what  they  are  hereby  enjoined  & impowering  them  to 
remove  all  such  Letts  & Impediments  as  they  may  meet  with  in 
the  Progress  of  their  lawful  Undertaking,  That  when  & so  soon 
as  there  shall  be  one  Hundred  Persons  accepted  & allowed  by  the 
Committee  to  go  and  improve  those  Lands  for  the  Ends  & Uses 
above  specified  upon  Application  made  to  the  above  said  Com- 


K!'rf  ur  pnu.ztr.i : 

' 


ryjs?a’  ’/J^bs  3vq  / o b J‘ 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  6,  p.  3.] 


'U'ritzpfr  Ctfatr 


CONCORD. 


43 


mittee,  It  shall  & may  be  lawful  for  them  to  Notify  ihe  Undertak- 
ers to  meet  at  some  convenient  Time  & Place,  they  being  season- 
ably Notified  of  such  Meeting ; Who,  when  assembled  shall  make 
such  necessary  Rules  & Orders  as  to  them  shall  be  thought  most 
conducible  for  Carrying  forward  & Effecting  the  afore  said  Settle- 
ments, Provided  that  three  fourth  Parts  of  ye  Persons  present  at 
such  Meeting  are  consenting  to  what  Rules  or  Orders  shall  be 
then  proposed  & agreed  on,  two  or  more  of  the  Committee  to  be 
present  at  such  Meeting ; Who  shall  enter  into  a fair  Book  to  be 
kept  for  that  Purpose  all  such  Rules  Orders  & Directions  Agreed 
on  as  afore  said,  & give  out  Copys  thereof  when  required. 

The  whole  Charge  of  the  Committee  to  be  paid  by  the  Settlers 
And  that  when  they  shall  have  performed  the  Conditions  above 
expressed,  Provided  it  be  within  the  Space  of  three  Years  as  before 
limited,  That  then  the  said  Committee  for  & in  Behalf  of  this 
Court  execute  good  & sufficient  Deeds  & Conveyances  in  the  Law 
to  all  such  Settlers  for  the  afore  said  Tract  of  Land  with  all  the 
Rights,  Members,  Profits,  Privileges  & Immunties  thereon  stand- 
ing,  growing  or  being  for  the  sole  Use  of  them  their  Heirs  & 
Assigns  for  ever,  with  a Saving  of  all  or  any  former  Grant  or 
Grants. 

(Sign’d)  In  the  Name  of  ye  Comm*68 

Nath11  Byfield 

In  Council ; Read  & Ordered  that  this  Report  be  Accepted. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™55  Read  & Concur’d 

Consented  to  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  Council  Records,  March  3,  1725-6.] 

His  Honour  the  Lieut4  Gov*  communicated  to  the  Board  a Letter 
he  received  from  the  Honble  John  Wentworth  Esqr  L4  Governour 
of  New  Hampshire  complain8  of  the  order  of  the  Gen1  Court  pass’d 
at  their  last  Session  for  opening  a new  town  at  Pennicook  on  Mer- 
rimack River  & suggesting  that  Pennicook  is  within  ye  Province 
of  New  Hampshire 


[Mass.  Council  Records,  March  5,  1725-6.] 

His  Honour  the  Lieut4  Governour  havg  communicated  to  the 
Board  a Letter  from  the  Honble  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Lt.  Govr  of 


44 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


New  Hampshire  dated  the  23rd  of  February  last  touching  a Vote 
of  ye  Gen1  Court  of  this  Province  granting  a Township  at  Penni- 
cook & suggesting  that  the  same  encroached  on  ye  bounds  of  that 
Province 

The  Board  are  of  Opinion  the  said  suggestion  is  alltogether 
groundless  for  that  the  Committee  impowered  to  lay  out  the  Town- 
ship cannot  by  that  Vote  extend  above  three  miles  Northerly  from 
the  River  Merrimack  or  any  part  thereof  for  ye  North  Bounds  of 
the  said  Township. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1726.] 

A Memorial  of  the  Settlers  admitted  to  bring  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  Township  lately  granted  at  Penny-Cook,  praying  that 
they  may  be  allowed  to  make  their  Settlements  on  the  Western- 
side  of  the  River  Merrimack,  that  they  may  have  an  Equivalent 
for  500  Acres  of  Land  which  falls  within  the  Grant  of  the  said 
Township  on  the  East-side  of  the  River,  and  was  formerly  con- 
firmed by  this  Court,  to  satisfy  a Grant  made  to  the  late  Honour- 
able Governour  Endicott , and  also  that  the  Five  Pounds  each 
Settler  was  Ordered  to  pay  at  the  drawing  of  his  Lott  may  be 
abated,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  referred  to  the 
next  Fall  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  24,  1726.] 

William  Tailer  from  the  Committee  on  the  Affair  of  Pennicook 
Gave  in  the  following  Report  Viz4 : 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Great  and  General  Court  in 
their  Sessions  begun  and  held  in  November  last  to  bring  forward 
a Settlement  and  admit  one  Hundred  persons  therein  on  a Tract 
of  Land  lying  on  Merrimack  River  at  a Place  there  known  by  ye 
Name  of  Pennicook  and  having  given  Sufficient  Notice  to  any 
Persons  that  were  ready  and  would  engage  in  the  Settlement,  To 
meet  the  Committee  at  Haverhill  the  first  week  in  February  last 
The  Committee  at  that  Time  and  Place  admitted  one  Hundred 
Persons  or  Grantees  into  the  Said  Tract  or  Grant  Giving  Prefer- 
ence to  the  Petitioners  that  appeared  to  us  most  Suitable  therefore, 
■<&  in  May  last  we  proceeded  to  the  Place  in  Order  to  lay  out  ye 


CONCORD. 


45 


whole  Township,  and  the  Lotts  directed  in  the  Order  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court  beginning  at  the  Mouth  of  Contoocook  River  where 
that  joyns  Merrimack  River,  and  thence  ran  a Line  East  17  De- 
grees North  three  Miles  and  upon  a Course  West  17  Degrees 
South  four  Miles  And  So  at  Right  Angles  from  the  Extreams  of 
Each  of  ye  Aforesaid  Lines  Seven  Miles  Southerly  Each,  and 
thence  from  the  Termination  of  the  Seven  Miles  which  compleats 
the  Grant  and  is  according  thereto,  And  upon  View  and  Strict 
Survey  of  the  Lands  on  the  East  Side  of  Merrimack  we  find  that 
there  is  little  or  no  Water, — The  Land  near  the  River  extream 
Mountainous  and  almost  Impassible  And  very  unfit  for  and  uncap- 
able  of  Receiving  Fifty  Families  as  the  Court  has  ordered,  more 
especially  considering  That  near  ye  Centre  of  the  Town  on  ye  East: 
Side  of  the  River  Merrimack,  The  Honble  Sam11  Sewall  Esqr  has  a 
Farm  of  Five  Hundred  Acres  of  Good  Land  formerly  granted  by 
this  Court  and  laid  out  to  Governour  Endicott,  The  Committee 
therefore  with  Submission  to  the  Honble  General  Court  thought  it 
advisable  and  accordingly  have  laid  out  one  Hundred  & Three 
Lotts  of  Land  for  Settlements  on  the  West  Side  contiguous  to  each 
other  regularly  and  in  a Defensible  Manner,  as  by  the  Platt  of 
them  and  of  the  whole  Grant  (which  is  hereby  presented)  will  ap- 
pear And  inasmuch  as  the  Generality  of  the  Land  answers  not  the 
Grantees  Expectations  and  five  Hundred  Acres  laid  out  as  afores* 
Humbly  offer,  That  the  like  Number  of  unappropriated  Lands  ad- 
jacent to  ye  Township  made  be  made  to  the  Settlers  as  an  Equiv- 
alent therefor. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  and  Ordered  that  this- 
Report  be  so  far  Accepted  as  that  the  Settlers  or  Grantees  be  and 
hereby  are  Impowered  and  Allowed  to  make  their  Settlements  on 
the  West11  Side  of  the  River  Merrimack  according  as  is  proposed 
in  the  Said  Report,  and  projected  in  and  by  Said  Plan  the  former 
Order  of  this  Court  Notwithstanding,  and  the  Said  Committee  are 
directed  to  proceed  Accordingly. 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d — 

Consented  to  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  Court  Records  and  House  Journal,  June  28,  1726.] 

In  Council,  Voted  That  a Letter  be  prepared  to  be  Sent  to  Mr 
Agent  Dummer,  Advising  him  that  this  Court  apprehend  the 
Neighbouring  Government  of  New  Hampshire  are  or  may  be 


4<5 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


sending  Home  a Complaint  against  a Grant  of  Land  for  a Town- 
ship at  Pennycook  on  Merrimack  River  within  this  Province  lately 
made  and  pass’d  by  this  Government,  And  that  he  take  effectual 
Care  to  Answer  any  such  Complaint,  And  to  enable  him  to  justifie 
this  Court  in  their  proceedings  on  that  Affair,  That  he  be  furnish- 
ed with  Such  Records  Papers  and  other  Matters  as  any  Ways  re- 
late thereto,  And  that  he  be  Acquainted  with  the  Measures  taken 
h>y  this  Court  to  Adjust  the  Difference  between  the  two  Provinces 
as  to  the  Line  or  Boundary,  & that  Nathaniel  Byfield,  Addington 
Davenport  and  Paul  Dudley  Esqrs  with  Such  as  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives Shall  appoint  be  a Committee  for  the  Said  Service. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  and  Concur’d  and  Or- 
dered that  Mr  Ezekiel  Lewis,  Joseph  Wadsworth  John  Ballantine 
& Charles  Chambers  Esqrs  be  added  to  the  Committee  of  the 
Honble  Board  in  ye  Affair. 

Consented  to,  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  6,  1726.] 

A Memorial  of  the  Settlers  admitted  to  bring  forward  the  Town- 
ship lately  granted  at  Penny-Cook , praying  That  an  Equivalent 
for  500  Acres  of  Land  which  falls  within  the  Grant  of  the  Town- 
ship formerly  made  & confirmed  to  satisfy  a Grant  made  to  the 
late  Honourable  Governour  Endicott  may  be  made  them  as  to 
Quantity  & Quality ; and  that  the  1.  5 to  be  paid  by  each  Setler  at 
the  drawing  his  Lot  may  be  abated,  as  Entred  the  15th  of  "June 
last,  and  referred  to  this  Session.  Read. 

And  the  House  took  under  Consideration  the  subject  Matter  of 
the  said  Petition ; and  Unanimously  Resolved , That  in  Considera- 
tion of  the  500  Acres  of  Land,  formerly  Confirmed  by  this  Court  to 
satisfy  a Grant  made  to  the  late  Honourable  Governour  Endicott , 
which  falls  within  the  Lines  of  the  said  Township,  the  Petitioners 
be  and  hereby  are  allowed  and  impowred  by  a Surveyor  and 
Chain-Men  on  Oath,  to  extend  the  South  Bounds  of  their  Town- 
ship One  Hundred  Rods,  the  full  Breadth  of  the  said  Town;  and 
the  said  One  Hundred  Rods  of  Land  is  hereby  accordingly  Grant- 
ed & Confirmed  unto  them  as  an  Equivalent,  and  in  Satisfaction 
of  the  aforesaid  Five  Hundred  Acres  confirmed  to  satisfy  the 
Grant  to  the  said  late  Governour  E7idicott.  And  in  Consideration 
of  the  Distance  of  the  Grant  of  the  said  Township  from  any  Eng- 
lish Settlement  and  to  Encourage  the  Setlers  to  make  a speedy 


CONCORD. 


47 


and  effectual  Settlement  of  the  Township,  which  may  be  of  great 
Service  and  Security  to  some  parts  of  the  Western  Frontiers ; 
That  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  Ordered  to  be  paid  by  each  Setler 
at  the  Time  of  drawing  his  Lot,  shall  be  & hereby  is  Abated  to  the 
said  Setlers  ; and  the  Committee  for  Effecting  and  bringing  for- 
ward the  said  Settlement,  are  hereby  directed  and  impowred  to 
admit  the  Setlers  to  draw  their  respective  Lotts  accordingly,  the 
former  Order  of  the  Court  notwithstanding. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  20,  172 6,  and  House  Journal,  June 

7, 1727.] 

A Memorial  of  the  Persons  lately  admitted  to  bring  forward  a 
Settlem*  at  Penicook,  Shewing  that  whereas  this  Court  have  been 
pleased  to  make  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  seven  Miles  square 
at  a Place  called  Penicook  on  each  Side  of  Merrimack  River,  It 
was  Ordered  that  the  Settlers  at  their  own  Cost  should  have  the 
Land  divided  into  One  Hundred  & three  equal  Parts  as  to  Quan- 
tity & Quality,  & that  the  first  fifty  Allotments  should  be  begun  & 
perfected  on  the  Eastern  Side  of  the  River,  the  Memorialists  would 
have  cheerfully  complied  with  the  said  Order  & therefore  waited 
on  the  Commitee  of  this  Court  with  Surveyors  & Chain  men  upon 
Oath  to  Survey  the  said  Land  according  to  the  Grant ; But  so  it 
happen’d  that  in  Laying  out  the  Allotments  on  the  East  Side  of 
the  River,  they  discovered  a Tract  of  Five  Hundred  Acres  of  Land 
granted  to  the  late  Governor  Endicot,  Of  which  Two  Hundred 
Acres  are  Interval,  lying  in  the  very  Center  of  the  said  Eastern 
Part ; Which  renders  the  Settlemf  of  the  first  fifty  Lots  impractic- 
able ; But  the  Lands  on  the  Western  Side  of  the  River  are  very 
accomodable  for  making  a handsom  & regular  Settlem*  And 
therefore  Praying  that  they  may  be  allowed  to  settle  (as  they  may 
in  a regular  compact  & defensible  manner)  on  the  Western  Side 
of  the  River  (The  Interval  on  the  East  lying  convenient  for  Im- 
proverrfi  in  General  Fields,)  And  also  that  this  Court  would  please 
to  allow  an  Equivalent  for  the  said  Five  Hundred  Acres  formerly 
granted  to  the  late  Govern1  Endicot,  And  in  Consideration  of  the 
Distance  of  the  Place  from  any  English  Settlemts  & that  in  all 
Probability  it  will  be  a Frontier  for  a long  Time  to  come  & will 
cover  the  Towns  within,  in  Case  of  a Rupture  with  the  Indians, 


48 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


That  the  Court  would  please  to  remit  the  Payment  of  the  Five 
Pounds  ordered  to  be  paid  by  each  Settler  at  the  Time  of  draw- 
ing his  Lot. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read,  And  the  House  having 
taken  into  Consideration  the  Subject  Matter  of  this  Petition ; 

Unanimously  Resolved  that  in  Consideration  of  the  Five  Hun- 
dred Acres  of  Land  formerly  confirmed  by  this  Court  to  satisfy 
a Grant  made  to  the  late  Honble  Govern1'  Endicot ; Which  falls 
within  the  Lines  of  the  said  Township,  the  Petitioners  be  & here- 
by are  allowed  & impowered  by  a Survey*  & Chain  men  under 
Oath,  to  extend  the  South  Bounds  of  their  Township  One  Hundred 
Rods  the  full  Breadth  of  the  said  Town,  And  that  the  said  One 
Hundred  Rods  of  Lands  is  hereby  accordingly  granted  & con- 
firmed as  an  Equivalent,  & in  Satisfaction  of  the  aforesaid  Five 
Hundred  Acres  confirmed  to  satisfy  the  Grant  of  the  late  Governr 
Endicott. 

And  in  Consideration  of  the  Distance  of  the  Grant  of  the  said 
Township  from  any  English  Settlem*  & to  encourage  the  Settlers 
to  make  a speedy  & effectual  Settlement  of  the  Township  ; which 
may  be  of  great  Service  & Security  to  some  Part  of  the  Western 
Frontiers,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  ordered  to  be  paid  each 
Settler  at  the  Time  of  Drawing  his  Lot  shall  be  & hereby  is 
abated  to  the  said  Settlers,  And  the  Committee  for  effecting  & 
bringing  forward  the  said  Settlement  are  hereby  directed  & im- 
powered to  admit  the  Settlers  to  draw  their  respective  Lots  accord- 
ingly  ; The  former  Order  of  the  Court  Notwithstanding. 

In  Council ; Read  & Non  Concur’d. 

[June  io,  1727,  the  same  resolve  was  again  passed  by  the 
House,  and  again  non-concurred  in  Council.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  18,  1727,  and  House  Journals 

Dec.  1 6,  1727.] 

A Petition  of  John  Osgood  in  behalf  of  the  Settlers  at  Peni- 
cook,  Praying  that  this  Court  would  please  to  allow  them  an 
Equivalent  of  Lands  for  five  Hundred  Acres,  lying  within  their 
Bounds,  formerly  granted  to  Govern1’  Endicot,  And  that  the  Five 
Pounds  ordered  to  be  paid  by  each  Grantee  or  Settler  may  be 
abated,  and  also  that  the  Number  of  the  Committee  appointed  by 
this  Court  to  direct  the  said  Settlement  may  be  reduced,  they 


CONCORD. 


49 


being  put  to  great  Charge  by  reason  of  the  great  Number  of  the 
said  Committee,  & that  the  Vote  pass’d  by  the  House  on  their 
Petition  in  June  last  may  be  revived. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Read  & Resolved  that  in  Con- 
sideration of  the  Five  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  Confirmed  formerly 
by  this  Court  to  satisfy  a Grant  made  to  the  late  Govern1  Endicot, 
which  falls  within  the  Lines  of  the  said  Township,  the  Petitioners 
be  and  hereby  are  allowed  & impowered  by  a Surveyour  and 
Chain  men  under  Oath  to  extend  the  South  Bounds  of  their  Town- 
ship One  Hundred  Rods  the  full  Breadth  of  their  Town  ; And  the 
said  One  Hundred  Rods  of  Land  is  hereby  accordingly  granted 
and  confirmed  to  them  as  an  Equivalent  & in  Satisfaction  of  the 
afore  said  Five  Hundred  Acres  confirmed  to  satisfy  the  Grant  to 
the  said  late  Honble  Govern1  Endicott,  & in  Consideration  of  the 
Distance  of  the  Grant  of  the  said  Township  from  any  English 
Settlement ; And,  to  encourage  the  Settlers  to  make  a speedy  & 
effectual  Settlement  of  the  Township  Which  may  be  of  great  Ser- 
vice & Security  to  some  of  the  Western  Frontiers,  That  the  Sum 
of  Five  Pounds  ordered  to  be  paid  by  each  Settler  at  the  Time  of 
his  drawing  his  Lot,  & for  which  the  Settlers  have  respectively 
given  Security,  shall  not  be  insisted  on  at  present,  nor  the  Pay- 
ment of  the  Bonds  they  have  given  demanded  till  the  further 
Order  of  this  Court ; And  for  as  much  as  the  Settlers  have  been 
put  to  very  great  & extraordinary  Expence  for  the  Payment  of  the 
Committee  of  this  Court,  which  consists  of  nine  Persons,  for  their 
Time  & Charges  in  bringing  forward  the  said  Settlement,  that  the 
whole  Power  & Authority  invested  in  the  said  Committee  shall 
from  hence  forward  cease  & determine,  & the  Settlers  shall  be  & 
hereby  are  impowered  to  chuse  a Committee  to  consist  of  three  or 
more  of  such  prudent  & discreet  Persons  as  they  shall  think  fit, 
who  shall  have  the  same  Power  & Authority  as  was  invested  in 
the  aforesaid  Committee  appointed  by  this  Court  for  effecting  & 
bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township  only,  The 
aforesaid  Order  of  this  Court  Notwithstanding  : 

In  Council ; Read  & Non  Concur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Aug.  5,  1728.] 

Upon  a Motion  made  and  Seconded  in  behalf  of  the  Penny- 
Cook  Setlers,  Resolved,  That  in  Consideration  of  the  Five  Hun- 


5o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


dred  Acres  of  Land  formerly  confirmed  by  this  Court  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  made  to  the  late  Governour  Endicot , which  falls  within  their 
Boundaries,  the  Setlers  be  and  hereby  are  allowed  and  impowred 
by  a Surveyor  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  extend  the  South  bounds 
of  that  Township  One  hundred  Rods  the  full  breadth  of  their 
Town,  and  the  said  One  hundred  Rods  of  Land  is  accordingly 
granted  and  confirmed  unto  them  as  an  equivalent  for  the  afore- 
said Five  hundred  Acres. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  6,  1728.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Upon  a Motion  made  & seconded 
in  behalf  of  the  Pennicook  Settlers ; Resolved  that  in  considera- 
tion of  the  Five  hundred  Acres  of  Land  formerly  confirmed  by  this 
Court  to  satisfy  a Grant  made  to  the  late  Governor  Endicot,  which 
falls  within  their  Boundaries,  the  Settlers  be  & hereby  are  allowed 
& impowered  by  a Survey1'  & Chain  men  on  Oath  to  extend  the 
South  Bounds  of  that  Township  One  hundred  & thirty  rods  the 
full  breadth  of  their  Town  ; And  the  One  hundred  Rods  of  Land 
is  accordingly  granted  & confirmed  unto  them  as  an  Equivalent 
for  the  afore  said  five  Hundred  Acres  of  Land. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to,  Wm  Burnet 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  4,  1729.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  Penicook  Setting  forth  that  they 
have  made  considerable  Advances  towards  the  Settlement  of  the 
said  Place  by  clearing  of  the  Land,  building  of  Houses  & erecting 
a Meetinghouse;  And  therefore  Praying  that  they  may  be  vested 
with  the  Powers  of  a Township  in  order  to  their  assessing  & levy- 
ing a Tax  on  the  Proprietors  for  the  necessary  Charges  on  the 
said  Place,  & that  this  Court  would  please  to  remit  to  them  the 
sum  of  Five  hundred  Pounds  which  they  are  obliged  to  pay  into 
the  Province  Treasury  for  their  respective  Lots  there. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Read  & In  answer  to  this  Petition, 
Voted  that  the  Committee  of  this  Court  be  so  far  superseded  as 
that  the  Lands  granted  to  the  Settlers  at  the  new  Town  of  Peni- 


CONCORD. 


51 


cook  be  & hereby  are  incorporated  into  a Township,  to  have  & 
enjoy  all  Privileges  as  other  Towns  within  this  Province  do,  And 
that  Mr  William  Burton,  a principal  Inhabitant  there  warn  the 
Inhabitants  to  assemble  as  soon  as  may  be,  & chuse  all  Town  Offi- 
cers, to  stand  until  the  Anniversary  Meeting  in  March  next;  And 
that  the  Five  hundred  Pounds  to  be  paid  by  the  Settlers  of  the  said 
Town  be  for  given  & remitted  & the  Courts  Committee  are  to  con- 
form hereto  accordingly  & proceed  in  their  Power  as  directed  by 
this  Court  in  giving  a Deed  of  the  said  Tract  of  Land  upon  the 
Conditions  of  their  Grant  being  performed ; which  the  said  Com- 
mittee are  hereby  further  directed  to  take  Care  of  & see  accom- 
plished according  to  the  Trust  reposed  in  them  by  this  Court. 

In  Council ; Read  & Non  Concur’d,  & Ordered  that  Richard 
Hazzen  John  Chandler,  William  Parker  & Nathaniel  Symonds  or 
any  three  of  them,  be  & hereby  are  impowered  to  assess,  levy  & 
collect  such  sum  or  sums  of  Money  as  are  or  shall  be  granted 
agreed  to  be  raised  by  & on  the  Settlers  & Grantees  of  Penicook 
for  carrying  on  the  necessary  Charges  of  the  said  Place. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™55  Read  & Concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  6,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  Penicook,  Setting  forth  that  they 
have  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Committee  of  the  General  Court 
the  Consideration  Money  for  their  Lots  there,  that  they  have  been 
at  very  great  Charge  for  building  a Meeting  house  & settling  a 
Minister,  making  High  ways  &c,  and  that  they  are  like  to  meet 
with  difficulty  in  gathering  the  Money  they  have  thus  laid  out ; 
And  therefore  Praying  that  they  may  be  made  a Township  & have 
the  Privileges  of  other  Towns  within  this  Province,  & that  the 
Court  would  order  that  One  hundred  Pounds  or  more  of  the  Money 
they  have  paid  in  as  afore  said  may  be  reimbursed  them  for  the 
extraordinary  Charges  they  have  been  at. 

In  Council ; Read  & Ordered  that  this  Petition  be  refer’d  to 
the  Session  of  this  Court  in  May  next,  & that  in  the  mean  time 
Henry  Rolfe  Esqr  give  sufficient  Warning  by  Notifications  at  Pen- 
icook & else  where  to  the  Inhabitants  & Grantees  of  the  said  Tract 
of  Land  to  assemble  at  their  Meeting  house  on  the  last  Monday 
(being  the  29th)  of  this  Instant  March  by  ten  of  the  Clock  in  the 
Forenoon,  then  & there  to  chuse  a Clerk  to  enter  all  their  Votes, 


52 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Elections,  Orders  & Rules  by  the  Inhabitants  made,  to  chuse 
Assessors,  & Collectors  of  all  such  Ministerial  Rates  & Taxes 
granted  & agreed  on  by  the  Settlers  & Grantees,  & any  other 
Rates  & Taxes  that  may  be  thought  necessary  for  the  Well  being 
of  that  Plantation,  who  are  impowered  hereby  thereunto;  All  the 
Rates  & Taxes  to  be  levied  equally  on  all  the  Lots,  Except  the 
Ministery  & School  Lots  ; A to  chuse  a Constable,  Fence  Viewers 
& Hogreves  ; All  to  be  sworn  to  their  respective  Offices  by  the 
said  Henry  Rolfe,  hereby  appointed  Moderator  of  the  said  Meet- 
ing ; that  the  said  Henry  Rolfe  take  an  exact  Account  of  what  is 
done  in  each  Lot,  in  fencing,  building  & improving,  & lay  the 
same  before  this  Court  at  the  next  May  Session,  That  the  Com- 
mittee for  the  settlement  of  this  Plantation  be  fully  impowered  to 
grant  anew  any  Lots,  the  Grantees  whereof  have  not  complied 
nor  shall  comply  by  the  first  of  June  next  with  the  Terms  of  their 
Grants  & the  Orders  of  this  Court  to  such  other  Persons  as  shall 
speedily  & effectually  fulfill  the  Conditions  of  their  respective 
Grants,  & that  the  said  Henry  Rolfe  do  notify  all  the  Settlers  & 
Grantees  of  this  Order  for  impowering  the  Committee  ; And  that 
the  said  Plantation  be  & hereby  is  declared  to  ly  in  the  County  of 
Essex. 

In  the  House  of  Representves  Read  & Concur’d  with  the  Amend- 
ment (to  be  inserted  at  A)  viz,  And  paid  into  the  hands  of  the 
Assessors,  by  them  to  be  disposed  of  for  defraying  the  Ministerial 
& other  Charges  of  the  Plantation  as  the  Settlers  shall  agree. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  2,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  Penicook  with  the  Order  of  the 
House  Representves  thereon  was  read  in  Council  & Refer’d  to  next 
Session. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  2,  1730.] 

A Memorial  and  Petition  of  Henry  Rolfe  Esq ; and  John 
Pecker , in  Behalf  and  by  Order  of  the  admitted  Settlers  of  Penni- 
cook , praying,  That  the  payment  of  Five  Hundred  Pounds  to  the 
Province  may  be  abated,  and  that  the  Township  may  be  endowed 


CONCORD. 


53 


with  equal  Powers,  Privileges  and  Immunities  with  the  other 
Towns  in  the  Province,  and  be  declared  to  lie  within  the  County 
of  Essex , for  Reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted, 
and  the  Lands  together  with  the  Inhabitants  thereon,  be  and  here- 
by are  incorporated  into  and  made  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
and  declared  to  lie  within  the  County  of  Essex . Provided 
nevertheless  that  the  Lands  of  such  of  the  Grantees  as  shall  not 
effectually  settle  on  the  Land  within  Twelve  months  from  this 
Date,  shall  and  hereby  are  declared  subject  to  the  payment  of  the 
Five  Hundred  Pounds  to  the  Province,  the  first  Grant  notwith- 
standing : And  that  Mr.  Ebenezer  Eastman , a principal  Inhabi- 
tant in  said  Town,  be  fully  authorized  and  impowered  to  notify 
and  warn  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  to  assemble  and  convene 
as  soon  as  may  be  to  chuse  Town-Officers,  to  stand  until  the  next 
Anniversary  Meeting. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  21,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  Henry  Rolfe  Esq1’  in  behalf  of  the  propritrs  & Set- 
tlers of  Penycook,  Shewing  that  there  are  ab*  Eighty  Families 
settled  there  & ye  Duty  performed  on  their  Lots,  but  that  ab* 
Twenty  of  the  propritrs  have  failed  of  performing  the  Conditions  of 
their  Grants,  so  that  their  Lots  are  forfeited,  praying  ye  Order  of 
this  Court  referring  to  the  sd  Lots,  as  also  that  the  sd  place  may  be 
erected  into  a Township  & the  Inhabitants  vested  with  the  privi- 
ledges  of  a Town  without  which  they  can’t  carry  on  the  Affairs  of 
the  sd  plantation  wth  any  regularity 

In  Council,  Read  & Ordered  that  Benja  Lynde  & Jos  : Wads- 
worth Esq1*  with  such  as  the  Honble  House  of  Representves  shall 
appoint  be  a Commtee  to  Consider  & report  w*  they  Judge  proper 
for  this  Court  to  Do  on  this  Petition — 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Read  & Concur’d  & Ordered  that 
Mr  Tyng  Major  Epes  & Mr  Hobson  be  join’d  in  the  Affair. — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  1,  1731.] 

The  Commtee  on  the  Affair  of  Penycook  gave  in  ye  following 
Report  Viz*. 


54 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Commtee  having  considered  the  Petition  of  Henry  Rolfe 
Esq1'  in  behalf  of  the  Grantees  or  Settlers  at  Penicook  together 
with  the  report  of  two  of  the  General  Courts  Committees  who  last 
took  a View  of  the  Circumstancs  of  the  sd  Grantees  of  their  Sev- 
eral Improvem*3  thereof  & there  appearing  by  the  sd  Report  that 
Eighty  of  the  sd  Grantees  or  others  in  their  room  are  actual  Inhab- 
itants or  Settled  there,  And  in  as  much  as  the  sd  Inhabitants  labour 
Under  many  Difficulties  for  Want  of  Power  to  regulate  themselves 
for  the  good  Order  & Benefit  of  the  said  plantation,  We  are  hum- 
bly of  Opinion  that  the  said  Inhabitants  be  vested  with  the  same 
powers  & priviledges  that  other  Towns  in  this  Province  by  Law 
have  do  or  ought  to  Enjoy,  And  there  appearing  by  sd  Committs 
Report  that  there  are  Twenty  Lots  belonging  to  some  of  the  sd 
Grantees  who  have  made  considerable  Improvemts  on  their  sd 
Lots,  but  have  not  as  yet  fully  complied  with  the  Conditions  of 
sd  Grant,  are  of  Opinion  that  the  space  of  Twelve  months  be 
allowed  to  such  deficient  Grantees  on  Condition  they  pay  yr  full 
proportion  to  all  Town  & Ministerial  Charges  as  to  their  Lands 
equal  with  such  as  have  fully  complied  with  their  Grants  ; But  in 
Case  such  defich  Grantees,  or  any  of  them  fail  of  fulfilling  the 
Condition  of  sd  Grant  by  the  Time  above  expressed,  & of  paying 
their  proportion  of  sd  Charges  as  they  shall  become  due  ; Then 
their  said  Grants  be  & hereby  are  declared  to  be  absolutely  void 
& forfeited,  & be  disposed  of  as  this  Court  shall  Order. — 

By  Order  & in  behalf  of  the  Committee 

Benja  Lynde 

In  Council  Read  & Ordered  that  this  Report  be  accepted 
In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & Concur’ d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  21,  1731-2.] 

Jonathan  Dowse  Esq ; brought  down  from  the  Honourable 
Board,  a Memorial  of  Henry  Rolfe  Esq ; in  behalf  and  by  Order 
of  the  admitted  Settlers  of  Pennicook,  praying  the  Court,  by  some 
Act  or  Resolve , to  endow  them  with  Powers,  Privileges  and 
Immunities  equal  to  any  Town  in  the  Province,  or  such  other 
Order  taken  for  their  Relief  and  Government,  as  may  be  thought 
best;  as  also  that  the  Committee  for  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment, may  have  further  Orders  and  Directions,  forthwith  to  cause 
the  deficient  Grantees  to  comply  with  the  Terms  of  the  Grant,  or 


CONCORD. 


55 


in  Default  thereof,  to  be  disposed  of  to  others  who  shall  forthwith 
settle  the  same,  and  compleat  the  Number  of  One  Hundred  Set- 
tlers ; that  so  the  Committee  may  perfect  what  they  were  directed 
to  in  the  Court’s  first  Order  for  Settlement.  Pass’d  in  Council, 
viz . In  Council,  January  21,  1731.  Read,  and  Ordered  That 
Benjamin  Lynde  and  Josejh  Wadsworth  Esqrs.  with  such  as  the 
Honourable  House  of  Representatives  shall  appoint,  be  a Commit- 
tee to  consider  and  Report,  what  they  judge  proper  for  this  Court 
to  do  on  this  Petition, 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1732.] 

Capt.  Josefh  Hale  reported  that  agreable  to  the  order  of  the 
House  of  the  10//2  Currant  he  had  prepared  a Bill  for  erecting  the 
Plantation  at  Penny-cook  into  a Township,  which  he  laid  on  the 
Table. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1732.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a new  Town  within  the 
County  of  Essex  at  a Plantation  called  Penny-cook  by  the  Name 
of . Read  a first  Time. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1732.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a new  Town  within  the 
County  of  Essex  at  a Plantation  called  Penny-cook  by  the  Name 

of . Read  a second  and  a third  Time,  and  pass’d  to  be 

Engross’d 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  24,  1732.] 

The  Bill  entitled  An  Act  for  Erecting  the  Lands  at  Penicook 

into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 

In  Council  Read  a second  Time  & pass’d  a Concurrence  to  be 
Engross’d. 


56 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  20,  1732.] 

Joseph  Wadsworth  Esq ; brought  down  a Petition  of  Henry 
Rolfe  Esq  ; in  behalf  of  the  Settlers  of  Penny-cooke , praying  some 
suitable  Person  may  be  appointed  and  impowred  to  call  the  first 
meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  for  the  ends  and  purposes  and  agreable 
to  the  order  of  the  Court  in  "January  last,  pass’d  in  Council,  viz. 
In  Council  Decemh  20 th,  1732.,  Read  and  Ordered,  That  Mr. 
Benjamin  Rolfe  one  of  the  principal  Inhabitants  of  the  Plantation 
of  Pennycooke  be  and  hereby  is  fully  impowred  to  assemble  and 
Convene  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Plantation  to  chuse  Officers  and 
to  do  all  other  matters  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  this  Court  at 
their  Session  begun  and  held  at  Boston  the  first  day  of  December 
1731.  which  Officers  when  chosen  are  to  stand  until  the  anniver- 
sary meeting  in  March  next. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  21,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Benja  Rolfe  Esqr  in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
Penicook  Praying  that  some  Person  may  be  impowered  by  this 
Court  to  Summon  a Meeting  of  the  sd  Inhabitants  for  the  Choice  of 
Officers  of  the  sd  Plantation  in  pursuance  of  the  Order  passd  at  the 
Session  held  in  Decr  1731 — , 

In  Council  Read  Ordered  that  Mr.  Benjamin  Rolf  one  of 
the  principal  Inhabitants  of  the  Plantation  of  Penycook  be  & here- 
by is  fully  impowered  to  Assemble  & Convene  the  Inhabitants  of 
sd  Plantation  to  Chuse  officers  and  to  do  other  Matters  in  pursuance 
of  an  Order  of  this  Court  begun  & held  at  Boston  the  first  day  of 
Decri73i.  Which  Officers  when  chosen  are  to  Stand  until  the 
Anniversary  Meeting  in  March  next. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Read  and  Concur’d. — 

Consented  to  J Belcher. — 


[Mass.  Council  Records,  Aug.  21,  1733,  and  Archives  Vol.  31, 
p.  183.] 

Wanalawet  Chief  of  the  Penicook  Indians  and  divers  others  of 
that  Tribe  attending,  were  admitted  into  Council. 


CONCORD. 


57 


Wanalawet  made  demand  of  the  Lands  at  Penicook  from  Sun- 
cook  to  Contocook  as  his  Inheritance,  saying  that  they  were  never 
purchased  of  him  nor  his  Fathers  ; and  he  likewise  in  behalf  of  the 
Indians  resorting  to  Penicook,  prayed  that  a Trading  house  might 
be  set  up  there. 

The  Govr  thereupon  acquainted  the  Indians,  that  Wanalanset 
Chief  Sachem  on  Merrimack  River  had  sold  all  those  Lands  to  the 
English  almost  forty  years  agoe,  and  the  Secretary  shew’d  the  In- 
dians the  Record  of  his  Deeds  ; with  which  they  express’d  them- 
selves fully  satisfied  and  acknowledged  that  the  English  had  a 
good  right  to  the  said  Lands  by  those  Deeds 
And  then  the  Indians  were  dismiss’d. 

Voted , that  Thomas  Cushing  and  Ezekiel  Lewis  Esqrs  be  de- 
sired to  provide  and  distribute  among  the  Penicook  Indians  now 
in  Town  such  things  as  they  Judge  most  proper,  to  a value  not 
exceeding  fifteen  pounds,  besides  a good  Blanket  to  Abraham’s 
Son,  in  consideration  of  his  loosing  his  Cloaths  in  carrying  a Mes- 
sage from  this  Government  to  the  Indians  at  the  end  of  the  last 
War. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  8,  1733.] 

An  Accomft  presented  by  Cpt.  Joseph  Kellog  of  the  Claims  of 
divers  Indians  to  Lands  at  Pennicook,  and  to  other  Lands  on  Con- 
necticut River. 

In  the  House  of  Representves  Ordered  that  Col0  Stoddard  & Cpt. 
Israel  Williams  be  desired  to  make  Inquiry  into  ye  sd  Claims,  & if 
they  find  ye  Indian  Right  has  not  been  already  conveyed,  to  report 
on  what  Conditions  they  will  accomodate  the  province  with  ye  sd 
Lands. — 

In  Council,  Read  & Concur’d. — 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  8,  1733-4.] 

Samuel  Came , Esq ; brought  down  a Petition  of  Henry  Rolfey 
Esq  ; for  himself  and  the  other  Grantees  of  the  Plantation  of  Penny- 
Cooke , praying  that  they  may  be  heard  to  make  it  appear  to  the 
Court  that  they  have  fulfilled  the  Conditions  of  their  Grant,  and 
that  thereupon  they  may  be  allowed  to  bring  in  a Bill  to  erect  the 


58 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Plantation  into  a Township,  for  the  reasons  mentioned,  Pass’d  in 
Council,  viz.  In  Council  Febr.  8tk.  1733.  Read  and  Ordered, 
That  Thomas  Cushing,  and  Edward  Goddard , Esqrs  ; with  such 
as  shall  be  joined  by  the  honourable  House  be  a Committee  to 
consider  of  this  Petition,  and  report  as  soon  as  may  be  what  may 
be  proper  for  this  Court  to  do  thereon.  Sent  down  for  Concur- 
rence. 

Read  and  concur’d,  and  Capt.  Hill , Mr.  Hobson,  and  Mr.  Hall 
are  joined  in  the  affair. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  9,  1733-4.] 

William  Pejyperrill,  Esq ; brought  down  the  Petition  of  Henry 
Rolfe , Esq  ; in  behalf  of  the  Penny-Cooke  Settlers  and  Grantees  as 
entred  yesterday,  with  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  both  Houses 
thereon,  viz.  Febr.  yth,  17 33.  The  Committee  appointed  to  con- 
sider of  the  within  Petition  of  Henry  Rolfe,  Esq ; report  thereon 
as  follows,  viz.  that  it  appearing  to  the  said  Committee  that  the 
several  Grantees  of  the  Lands  at  the  Plantation  called  Penny-Cooke 
have  fully  complied  with  all  the  Articles  and  Conditions  expressed 
in  the  Court’s  Grant  respecting  the  Settlement  of  their  respective 
Lotts,  are  therefore  of  Opinion  that  they  be  allowed  to  bring  in  a 
Bill  as  prayed  for  in  said  Petition,  all  which  is  humbly  submitted 
by  order  of  the  Committee,  Thomas  Cushing.  Pass’d  in  Council, 
viz.  In  Council  Febr.  gth.  1733.  Read  and  accepted  and 
Ordered , That  the  Petitioners  have  leave  to  bring  in  a Bill  accord- 

ingty- 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  9,  1733-4.]. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  the  Grantees 
of  Penicook  gave  in  the  following  Report,  viz, 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  within  Petition  .of 
Henry  Rolfe,  Esqr  report  thereon  as  follows  ; viz. — 

That  it  appearing  to  the  said  Committee  that  the  several  Grantees 
of  the  Lands  at  the  Plantation  called  Penicook  have  fully  complied 
with  all  the  Articles  & Conditions  as  expressed  in  the  Courts 
Grant  respecting  the  settlement  of  their  several  Lots  Are  therefore 


CONCORD. 


59 


of  Opinion  that  they  be  allowed  to  bring  in  a Bill  as  prayed  for  in 
the  said  Petition  : All  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

By  order  of  the  Committee 

Tho.  Cushing. 

In  Council ; Read  & Accepted,  & Ordered  that  the  Petitioners 
have  leave  to  bring  in  a Bill  accordingly — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™55  Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  25,  1733-4.] 

Mr.  Secretary  brought  down  a Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting 
a new  Town  in  the  County  of  Essex  at  a Plantation  called  Penny- 
Cooke  by  the  Name  of  ...  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In 
Council  Febr.  'I'id.  1733.  Read.  25 th.  Read  a second  time  and 
pass’d  to  be  Engross’d.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence. 

Read  a first  time. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  26,  1733-4.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a new  Town  within  the 
County  of  Essex  at  a -place  called  Penny  Cooke  by  the  Name  of 
. . . . Read  a second  and  a third  time  and  pass’d  a Concur- 

rence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  1,  1733-4.] 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Benjamin  Rolfe,  a principal  Inhabitant  of 
the  new  Township  at  the  Plantation  of  Penny-Cooke , be  and  here- 
by is  impowred  and  directed  to  assemble  the  Freeholders  and 
other  Inhabitants  there  lawfully  qualified  to  vote,  with  all  con- 
venient speed,  to  chuse  Town  Officers  and  do  such  other  things  as 
may  be  thought  proper  for  the  interest  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
said  Township  and  Plantation.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  4,  1733-4.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  ejecting  a new  Town 
within  the  County  of  Essex,  at  a Plantation  called  Penny-Cooke, 
by  the  name  of  Rumford. 


6o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  23,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  Divers  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Rumford  for- 
merly Called  Pennycook,  Praying  for  an  Addition  to  their  Town- 
ship of  a Tract  of  Province  Land  three  Miles  in  bredth  Adjoyning 
to  their  West  bounds  and  of  the  same  Extent  in  length — 

In  the  House  of  Represent51  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  petition, 
Ordered  that  the  petrs  have  leave  by  a Survey1  and  Chainmen  on 
Oath  to  Extend  the  Westerly  bounds  of  the  Township  of  Rumford 
three  Miles  Westerly  and  that  they  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation  to  them  their  heirs 
and  Assignes  Respectivly  ; provided  they  do  within  four  Years 
from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plat  Settle  Forty  Good  familys 
Upon  the  Granted  premisses,  each  of  which  to  have  Six  Acres  of 
the  Granted  premisses  fenced  in  and  well  Inclosed  and  plowed  and 
fitted  for  Corn  and  English  Grass  and  also  to  have  a Dwelling 
house  each  thereon  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  Seven  feet  Stud 
at  the  least  wherein  the  said  Familys  are  Actually  to  Inhabit;  And 
provided  also  that  this  Grant  do  not  Incommode  the  Settlement  of 
the  proposed  lines  of  Townships  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecti- 
cut and  Merrimack — 

In  Council  Read  & Nonconcured 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  20,  1735-6.] 

A Petition  of  Capt.  Ebenezer  Eastman  and  Benjamin  Rolfe , 
Esq ; for  themselves  and  upwards  of  forty  others  Proprietors  and 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Rumford , praying  they  may  obtain  a 
tract  of  three  miles  of  Land  Westward  of  the  West  Bounds  of  their 
Township,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and  in  answer  to 
this  Petition,  Ordered,  That  the  Petitioners  have  leave  by  a Sur- 
veyor and  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  extend  the  Westerly  bounds  of 
the  Township  of  Rumford  three  miles  Westerly,  and  that  they  re- 
turn a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confir- 
mation to  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively,  provided  they 
do  within  four  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the  Plat  settle  forty 
good  families  on  the  granted  premisses,  each  of  which  to  have  six 
acres  thereof  fenced  in  and  well  inclosed  and  ploughed,  and  well 
fitted  for  Corn  & English  Grass,  as  also  each  to  have  a dwelling 
House  thereon  of  eighteen  feet  square  & seven  feet  stud  at  the  least, 


CONCORD. 


6 1 


wherein  the  said  families  are  actually  to  inhabit,  and  provided  also 
that  this  Grant  does  not  incommode  the  Settlement  of  the  proposed 
Lines  of  Townships  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecticut  and  Merri- 
mack, 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


£. Petition  of  Timothy  Walker , Jr.,  and  Others  for  Equivalent  to 
Pe7iacook  Grant,  1774.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  751.] 

To  His  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr  Captain  General 
& Governor  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 

To  the  Honorable  His  Majesty’s  Council  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  said  Province  in  General  Court  assembled  Boston 
Jany  26.  1774 

The  Petition  of  Timothy  Walker  Junr  on  behalf  of  himself  and 
Associates  humbly  sheweth 

That  They  and  their  Ancestors  in  the  year  1725  for  a valuable 
Consideration  purchased  a Township  of  a little  more  than  Seven 
Miles  Square  of  this  Goverment  at  a Place  then  called  Pennicook 
afterwards  Rumford  on  Merrimack  River,  That  not  at  all  doubt- 
ing the  Authority  of  this  Government  to  make  the  said  Grant,  the 
Grantees,  notwithstanding  the  extreme  difficulty  & Cost  of  effecting 
a settlement  so  far  up  in  the  Indian  Country  at  that  Time,  yet  so 
vigorously  applied  themselves  thereto,  that  in  the  year  17 33,  con- 
sequent upon  ye  Report  of  a Committee  sent  by  them  to  view  the 
same,  The  then  General  Court  of  this  Province  declared  that  the 
Grantees  had  to  full  satisfaction  fulfilled  the  Terms  of  their  Grant, 
& incorporated  them  by  the  Name  of  Rumford,  That  by  the  deter- 
mination of  the  Boundary  Line  between  this  Province  and  that  of 
New  Hampshire  by  his  late  Majesty  in  the  year  1740  the  said 
Township  fell  near  Fory  Miles  to  the  Northward  of  the  dividing 
Line,  That  about  the  1749  a Society  under  a Grant  from  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  began  to  molest  us  in  our  Possessions 
and  sued  us  in  several  Actions  of  Ejectment  and  always  recovered 
against  us  in  the  Courts  of  New  Hampshire,  In  this  distressed 
State  of  our  Affairs  we  applied  to  this  Goverment  to  enable  us  to 
lay  our  Case  before  his  Majesty  by  Way  of  Appeal,  That  by  virtue 
of  several  Grants  from  this  Goverment  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
about  the  original  purchase  Consideration  together  with  simple  In- 


62 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


terest  for  the  same  and  also  by  much  larger  Sums  raised  amongst 
ourselves  we  have  been  enabled  to  prosecute  two  Appeals  to  his 
Majesty,  and  altho’  in  each  we  obtained  a reversal  of  the  Judg- 
ment that  stood  against  us  here,  yet  the  Royal  Order  extending  in 
express  Terms  no  farther  than  the  Land  sued  for,  the  advantage 
fell  far  short  of  the  Expence,  and  our  Adversaries  went  on  troub- 
ling us  with  new  suits,  Thus  exhausted  and  seeing  no  end  of  our 
Troubles,  we  have  been  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  repurchasing 
our  Township  of  our  Adversaries  at  a Rate  far  exceeding  its  Value 
in  its  rude  State,  That  we  have  been  at  considerable  expence  in 
taking  a View  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  Ammoroscoggin  River  on  the 
Easterly  side  of  Fullers  Town  (so  called)  which  we  apprehend 
would  answer  for  a Township.  We  therefore  Humbly  Pray,  That 
your  Excellency  & Honours  would  be  pleased  so  far  to  pity  our 
hard  Case  as  to  make  us  a grant  of  a Township  at  the  said  Place 
to  lie  on  each  side  of  Ammoroscoggin  River  of  equal  extent  with 
that  formerly  granted  us  by  this  Province  on  such  reasonable 
Terms  as  you  shall  think  proper,  And  your  Petitioners  shall  as  in 
Duty  bound  ever  pray 

Timothy  Walker  Junr  in  behalf  of  himself  & Associates 
[In  answer  to  this  petition,  the  General  Court  granted  the  peti- 
tioners the  township  of  Rumford,  Me.,  Feb.  3,  1774-] 


[Grant  to  John  Endicott.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  27,  1668.] 

Laid  out  to  Jn°  Endecot  Esqr  Govrnor  five  hundred  acres  of  land 
in  the  wilderniss  at  Pennicooke  one  part  or  parcell  of  the  same 
conteyning  thirty  six  acres  more  or  lesse  lieth  upon  an  Island  in 
the  said  River  of  merrimacke  which  Island  lyeth  at  the  very 
farthest  end  of  that  place  Called  Pennicooke  alsoe  one  part  or 
parcell  of  the  same  Conteyning  fewer  hundred  sixty  fower  acres 
more  or  lesse  lyeth  upon  the  aforesaid  River  on  the  east  side  of  it 
it  begins  at  the  North  East  End  of  that  Intervaile,  at  a great  pine 
standing  by  merrimack  side  marked  wth  J I and  from  this  pine  it 
runns  doune  the  River  by  a crooked  line  five  hundred  thirty  fower 
pole,  where  it  is  bounded  by  an  elme  a great  one  standing  by  the 
side  of  the  bancke  markt  as  before  wth  J I from  thence  it  runns  to 
the  high  upland  almost  upon  an  East  & by  north  Point  two  hun- 


CONCORD 


63 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  45,  p.  228.] 


64 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


dred  siventy  six  pole  unto  a stake  standing  in  a swampish  peece  of 
Ground  a tree  standing  behind  it  eastward  marked  wth  J I : and 
from  thence  it  runs  to  the  first  pine  wch  is  fower  hundred  fifty 
fower  pole  also  there  is  two  very  smale  Islands  laid  to  it  one  lieth 
betweene  this  land,  & the  great  Island  wch  Conteins  by  estima- 
tion about  twelve  pole  and  another  Island  wch  lieth  on  the  north 
west  of  the  first  Conteyning  about  sixteene  or  twenty  pole  by  esti- 
mation all  wch  is  more  fully  demonstrated  by  a plott  taken  of  the 
same  by  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveyor 

the  Court  Approoves  of  this  returne/ 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  45,  p.  228.] 

John  Endicot  Esq1’  his  farme  at  penicooke  lying  upon  Merimack 
Rivr  on  ye  North  east  ofsd  river  containing  464  acres,  with  ye  Hand 
above  it  36,  acres  ye  wholl  is  500  acres  laid  out  by  Jo  : Danforth 
Survey1,  there  was  present  at  ye  laying  it  out,  Capt : Hull,  Capt 
Hinchman  and  John  Joanes  of  Concord 


[Grant  to  William  Hawthorne.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  22,  1661.] 

This  Court  Considering  the  Good  service  of  major  william 
Hauthorne  for  severall  yeares  past  in  magistericall  transactions  for 
the  Towne  of  Salem  & marblehead  and  otherwise  to  the  great  hin- 
derance  of  his  personall  occasions  & the  dimunition  of  his  estate 
doe  hereby  Graunt  unto  him  five  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  wil- 
dernes  where  it  may  not  hinder  a Towneship  to  be  laid  out  before 
the  next  Court  of  Election,  by  mr  Edmond  Batler  & Left  Lathrop 
& some  Approoved  Artist./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  7,  1668.] 

Upon  the  motion  of  Capt  Thomas  clarke  The  Court  Doeth  order 
& Appoint  Left  Peter  Coffyn  of  Dover  & Ralph  Hall  of  Exeter  to 


CONCORD. 


65 


lay  out  the  land  granted  formerly  to  major  william  Hathorne 
according  to  grant  & to  make  returne  thereof  to  the  next  Court  of 
Election. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  18,  1672.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  motion  of  major  wm  Hauthorne  that  whereas  this 
Court  in  may  1661  granted  him  five  hundred  acres  of  land  severall 
yeares  since  & not  yet  laid  out  that  he  may  have  liberty  to  lay  it 
out  a mile  square  at  or  About  Penecooke.  The  Court  Judgeth  it 
meet  to  grant  his  request  Provided  it  hinder  not  a Tounship  as  is 
exprest  in  that  grant  and  that  it  Interfere  not  wth  any  former 
grants./ 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Sewall.] 

\_Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall  and  Wife , /<5py.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  45,  p.  227.] 

To  the  Honorable  William  Stoughton  Esqr  Lieut  Governour  of 
his  Majs  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England  and 
to  the  honourable  Council  & Representatives  assembled  in  General 
Court  at  Boston  Novembr  20th  1695 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall  and  Hannah  his  wife  Daughter 
& Heir  of  John  Hull  Esqr  late  of  Boston  deceased,  humbly  shew- 
eth 

That  wheras  the  late  Governour  & Compa  of  the  Masschusetts 
Bay  in  N.  E.  at  a General  Court  held  at  Boston  May  6,  1657,  did 
Grant  unto  John  Endicott  Esqr  then  Governour,  one  Thousand  Acres 
of  Land  in  these  words,  “ In  answer  to  the  Motion  of  John  Endi- 
“ cott  Esqr  our  present  Governour,  this  Court  doth  grant  Him  One 
“ Thousand  Acres  of  Land  to  be  laid  out  unto  Him  in  any  place 
“not  prejudicing  former  Grants:  and  is  in  lieu  of  Seventy  five 
“ pounds  by  him  and  his  Wife  in  the  general  Adventure. 

And  whereas  the  sd  John  Endicott  Esqr  & Elisabeth  his  Wife 
upon  the  ninth  of  March  1658.  in  Consideration  of  Fifty  pounds, 
did  sell  and  confirm  unto  the  sd  John  Hull  and  his  Heirs  for  ever, 
their  abovementioned  Grant  of  Land  and  all  the  Benefit  to  be 
received  by  it,  as  by  Deed  under  their  Hands  & Seals  appears. 


66 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


And  whereas  no  Land  has  been  laid  out  & allowed  nor  other 
Compensation  made  to  the  sd  John  Endicott  Esqr,  Elisabeth  his 
Wife,  or  to  the  sd  John  Hull  Esqr  or  any  of  their  Heirs  or  Assigns. 
(That  granted  to  your  Petitioners  Novr8,  1693,  being  included  in 
a Grant  of  all  Mericoneg  Neck  to  Harvard  Colledge  as  now 
appears) 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray,  That  Five  Hundred 
Acres  of  land  at  Pennicook  on  the  North-East  side  of  Merrimack 
River  be  Laid  out  by  Capt  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveyor,  as  by  the 
Platt  hereunto  anexed  apeareth,  may  be  Granted  & Confirmed 
unto  your  Petitioners  and  their  Heirs  for  ever  in  part  of  the  afore- 
mentioned Grant  of  One  Thousand  Acres  : And  your  Petitioners 
as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  &c 

Read  & Voted  in  Council  Novr  29,  1694  [1695]  to  be  granted 
and  sent  down  for  concurrence 

Isa  Addington  Secry 


Decembr  3d  1695. 
sentatives 


Voted  a Concurrence  in  the  house  of  Repre- 
William  Bond  Speaker 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  29,  1695.] 

Upon  reading  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall  Esqr  and  Hannah 
his  Wife,  Daughter,  and  Heir  of  John  Hull  Esqr  Praying  that  five 
hundred  Acres  of  Land  lying  at  Pennicook  on  the  North  east  side 
of  Merrimack  River,  as  in  the  Platt  thereof,  therewith  Presented, 
made  by  Capt  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveyer,  may  be  granted,  and 
Confirmed  to  them  in  Part  of  a Grant  of  One  thousand  Acres  Con- 
firmed to  them  upon  an  Ancient  Grant  made  unto  John  Endicott 
Esqr  then  Governour,  and  Purchased  by  the  said  John  Hull,  And 
formerly  sett  forth  unto  the  Petitioners  at  Merriconeg  neck  in  Casco 
bay  upon  the  said  Grant,  Appearing  to  be  before  granted  unto 
Harvard  Colledge 

The  Aforesaid  Five  hundred  Acres  Petitioned  for  is  ordered  to 
be  granted,  and  Confirmed  unto  the  Petitioners,  and  their  Heirs 
forever 

I consent  Wm  Stoughton 


DEERING. 


67 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  24,  1738.] 

Col.  Alden  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  14/^  currant, 
reported  according  to  Order,  on  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall , 
Esq ; and  others,  the  Children  &c.  of  Stephen  Sewall , late  of 
Salem , Esq ; deceased,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  in 
Answer  to  this  Petition,  Voted,  That  five  hundred  Acres  of  the 
unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  be  and  hereby  is  given  and 
granted  to  the  Petitioner  Samuel  Sewall,  Esq ; and  the  other  Chil- 
dren and  Heirs  of  their  Father  Stephen  Sewall  late  of  Salem,  Esq  ; 
deceased,  and  the  legal  Representatives  and  Descendants  of  such 
of  them  as  are  deceased,  on  account  of  the  Services  and  Expence 
of  their  said  Father,  as  within  mentioned,  and  that  the  Grantees 
be  allowed  and  impowred  to  survey  the  same  by  a Surveyor  and 
Chain  Men  on  Oath,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within 
twelve  Months  for  Confirmation  accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1738-9.] 

Samuel  Sewall  Esq;  laid  on  the  Table  a Plat  of  five  hundred 
Acres  of  Land  laid  out  on  the  East  side  o i Merrimack  River , oppo- 
site to  the  Plantation  called  Contoocooh,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this 
Court  in  their  Session  in  May  last  to  the  Heirs  &c.  of  his  late  hon- 
oured Father  Stephen  Sewall,  Esq ; deceased.  Read  and  Ordered, 
That  the  Plat  be  referred  to  the  next  sitting  for  Consideration. 


DEERING. 

[This  town  was  originally  a part  of  Cumberland  or  Society  Land.  It  was  incor- 
porated Jan.  17,  1774,  and  named  by  Gov.  John  Wentworth  in  honor  of  his  wife, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Frances  Deering. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  759;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  490;  Index  to  Laws,  146;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  366.] 


68 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Jonathan  Butterfield.] 

[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  n,  p.  21.] 

On  the  Petition  of  Jonathan  Butterfield  Chelmsfd 
In  the  House  of  Represent^9  Dec1’  4,  1736  Read  and  in  Answer 
to  this  Petition  Ordered  That  the  Petitioner  have  Leave  by  a Sur- 
veyor and  chain-men  on  Oath  to  Survey  and  lay  out  three  Hun- 
dred Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  adjoin- 
ing to  Some  Township,  and  return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court 
within  Twelve  Months  for  Confirmation  to  him  his  Heirs  and 
Assignes  : provided  he  or  they  do  within  three  Years  from  the 
Confirmation  build  an  House  of  Eighteen  feet  Square,  and  Seven 
Feet  Stud  at  the  least,  Settle  a Family  therein,  and  bring  to 
English  Grass  fit  for  Mowing  Six  Acres  of  Land. — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  January  15,  1736.  Read  & Concur’d 

Simon  Frost  Dep4  Secry 

18  Consented  to,  J Belcher 

A true  Copy  Examd  ^ Simon  Frost  Dep4  Secry 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  13,  1737,  and  House  Journal,  Dec. 

12,  I737-] 

A Plat  of  Three  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Joseph 
Wilder  Junr  Surveyr  and  Chain  Men  upon  Oath,  to  fulfill  a grant 
of  this  Court  made  to  Jonathan  Butterfield,  lying  adjacent  to  the 
Township  Number  Seven  in  the  Line  of  Towns;  Beginning  at  a 
Hemlock  Tree  marked  with  the  letter  A standing  in  the  South 
Line  of  the  said  Township  three  miles  from  the  South  East  corner  ; 
thence  running  South  n°  30'  Fast  by  a line  of  marked  Trees 
three  hundred  and  twenty  rods  to  a Stake  and  Stones  B ; thence 
East  50  30'  north,  one  hundred  and  sixty  rods  by  a Line  of  marked 
Trees  to  a Hemlock  Tree  to  the  letter  C;  thence  North  n°  30' 
East  three  hundred  and  twenty  rods  by  a Line  of  marked  Trees  to 
a Stake  and  heap  of  Stones  in  the  aforesaid  Town  Line  to  the 
letter  D,  and  from  thence  in  the  said  Line  to  the  first  mentioned 
Station. 


DEERING. 


69 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  20.] 


September  15th  1737*  Then  Layed  out  a farm  of  three  hundred 
Acres  of  Land,  to  Satisfie  a Grant  of  the  Great  and  Generali  Court 
of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  Made  to  Jonathan 
Butterfield  of  Chelmsford  December  ye  4th  1736  which  lyeth 
Adjoyning  to  the  Town  Ship  N°  7 in  the  line  of  Towns  and  began 
at  a Hemlock  tree  marked  with  the  Letter  A Standing  in  the  South 
line  of  the  said  Town  Ship  N°  7 three  Miles  from  the  South  East 
corner,  and  from  thence  it  ran  South  Eleven  degrees  and  thirty 
Minutes  west  by  a line  of  marked  trees  320  rods  to  a Stake  & 
Stones  to  the  Letter  B from  thence  East  five  degrees  & thirty 
Minutes  North  One  hundred  and  Sixty  rods  by  a line  of  marked 
trees  to  a hemlock  tree  to  the  Letter  C from  thence  North  Eleven 
degrees  and  thirty  Minutes  East  three  hundred  & Twenty  rods 
by  a line  of  marked  trees  to  a Stake  & heap  of  Stones  in  the 
aforesaid  Town  line  to  the  Letter  D and  from  thence  with  said  line 
to  where  it  began,  in  the  lines  above  said  Ten  Acres  is  allowed  for 
Swagg  of  Chain. 

^ Joseph  Wilder  Junr  Surveyer 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  20,  and  Court  Records,  Dec. 

x3>  I737-] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  12th  1737  Read  and 
Ordered  that  the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Jonathan 
Butterfield  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  he  or  they  performing 


7o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  three  hundred  Acres  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp^ 

In  Council  Decr  13,  1737  Read  and  Concurr’d 

Simon  Frost  Dep*  Sec17 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  21.] 

Middlesex  ss  Dunstable  Novr  ye  23d  1737 
Then  Mr  Joseph  Wilder  Junr  as  Surveyor  & Mr  Isaac  Baldwin 
as  Chainmen  personally  Appearing  made  Oath  that  in  Surveying 
and  measuring  A tract  of  ye  unappropriated  Land  of  the  province 
Containing  Three  Hundred  Acres  to  Satisfie  ye  grant  made  by  the 
great  and  Gen11  Court  to  Mr  Jona  Butterfield  That  they  Acted  faith- 
fully & Impartially  According  to  their  Respective  trusts 
Jurat  Coram  me  Joseph  Blanchard  Juse  pacs 

Worcester  sss  Shrewsbury  decer  1737 

John  Clark  Junr  of  Worcester  of  Lawfull  age  personally 
appeared  before  me  the  Subscriber  One  of  his  Majestys  Justices  of 
the  Peace  & made  Oath  that  he  Together  with  Mr  Isaac  Baldwin 
of  Sudbury  Carried  the  Chain  in  Measuring  Three  hundred  acres 
of  Land  Adjoyning  on  a Town  Ship  called  Number  Seven  in  ye 
Line  of  Townes  being  a Grant  made  by  the  Great  & General 
Court  to  Jonathan  Butterfield  of  Chelmsford  whereof  Joseph  Wilder 
Junr  of  Lancaster  was  the  Survey er  to  Measure  the  sd  Three 
hundred  acres  & that  he  the  sd  John  Clark  acted  therein  faithfully 
and  truly  according  to  his  best  Skill  & Judgment  Sworn  before  me 

John  Keyes  Just®  peace 


[Grant  to  Thaxter,  Turner,  and  Dudley.] 

[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  25,  and  Court  Records,  Dec. 

3. 1736-] 

In  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Thaxter,  John  Turner,  and 
William  Dudley  Esq1'3 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Decr  ist  1736.  Read  & 
Ordered  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted  and  the 


DEERING. 


71 


Petitioners  are  hereby  allowed  & Impowered  to  Lay  out  the  Said 
Eight  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  aforesd 
Grant  of  Twelve  hundred  Acres  of  Land  in  three  Equal  Parts  or 
Shares  Accordingly,  And  that  the  Sanction  of  any  Right  or  Tittle 
to  the  Eight  hundred  Acres,  Laid  out  & Confirmed  before  the 
19th  of  Decr  1735  be  Superseded  & Declared  Null  & Void  and  that 
they  return  the  Platts  thereof  to  this  Court  adjoyning  to  some 
Township  or  former  Grant  within  Twelve  Months  for  Confirm- 
ation. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Decr  3d  1736  Read  & Concurred 

Simon  Frost  Dep*  Secy 

Consented  to  J Belcher 

A True  Copy  Exd  ^ Simon  Frost  Depk  Secry 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  13,  1737.] 

A Plat  of  Eight  Hundred  Acres  of  land  laid  out  by  Joseph 
Wilder  Junr  and  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  made  by 
the  General  Court  to  Samuel  Thaxter,  John  Turner,  and  William 
Dudley  Esqrs  lying  South  on  the  line  of  Towns  and  bounding 
North  on  the  Township  Number  Six  in  said  Line  of  Towns  and 
every  other  way  on  Province  Land ; Beginning  at  a Hemlock 
Tree  marked  for  an  Angle  with  the  letter  S standing  in  the  South 
Line  of  the  Line  of  Towns  two  hundred  rods  East  from  the  Ten 
Mile  Mark  in  said  Line ; thence  running  South  50  30'  by  a Line  of 
marked  Trees  three  hundred  and  twenty  rods  to  a Beach  Tree 
marked  with  the  Letter  T ; thence  West  50  30'  South,  by  a Line  of 
marked  Trees  four  hundred  and  twenty  rods  to  a Beach  Tree 
marked  with  the  letter  W,  and  thence  by  a Line  of  marked  Trees 
North  50  30'  West  three  hundred  & twenty  rods  to  a Stake  in  the 
Line  of  the  Township  Number  Six  marked  D,  and  Stones  at  the 
bottom  ; thence  with  the  Line  of  said  Township  to  the  first  Station. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  25.] 

July  the  11th  1737  Layed  out  Eight  Hundred  acres  of  Land 
to  Satisfie  a Grant  Made  to  ye  Honbl  John  Turner  Samuel  Thaxter 
and  William  Dudley  Esq1'9  being  in  full  Satisfaction  of  the 


72 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Remainder  of  a Grant  of  Twelve  Hundred  acres  part  where  of 
being  formerly  Laid  out,  Said  Eight  Hundred  acres  Lieth  South 
of  the  line  of  Towns  and  Bounds  north  on  the  Township  N°  Six  in 
the  Said  line  of  Towns  and  Every  other  way  on  Province  Land  It 
began  at  a Hemlock  tree  marked  for  an  angle  mark  and  with 
ye  Letter  S Standing  in  ye  South  line  of  ye  Line  of  Towns  two 
Hundred  Rods  East  from  the  Ten  mile  mark  in  Said  Line;  and 
from  thence  it  Ran  South  five  degrees  thirty  minutes  East  by 
a line  of  Mark  trees  Three  Hundred  and  Twenty  Rods  to  a Beach 
tree  marked  with  ye  Leter  T and  from  thence  it  Ran  West  (by 
a line  of  Mark  Trees)  five  degrees  thirty  m South  four  Hundred 
and  Fourty  Rods  to  a Beach  tree  marked  with  ye  Letter  W and 
from  thence  by  a line  of  mark  trees  North  five  degrees  thirty  m 
West  Three  Hundred  and  Twenty  Rods  to  a Stake  in  ye  line  of  ye 
Township  N°  Six  marked  with  D and  Stons  at  the  botom,  and  from 
thence  with  ye  line  of  Said  Township  to  the  Hemlock  Tree  marked 
with  ye  Letter  S where  it  began — There  is  alowed  in  the  above 
said  lines  Thirty  acres  for  sagg  of  Chane  and  fifty  acres  for  a 
pond  lying  in  it 

By  Joseph  Wilder  jn  Surveyor 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  n,  p.  25.] 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  25,  and  Court  Records,  Dec. 

13.  I737-] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  12th  1737  Read  and 


DOVER. 


73 


ordered  that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  are  hereby  confirmed  to  the  said  John 
Turner  Samuel  Thaxter  & William  Dudley  Esqr  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  respectively  for  Ever  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  of 
twelve  hundred  acres  of  Land  formerly  made  them  by  this  Court, 
provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  Eight  Hundred 
Acres,  exclusive  of  the  Allowance  of  thirty  Acres  for  swag  of 
Chain  and  fifty  acres  for  a pond  lying  in  it  as  within  mentioned 
and  interferes  with  no  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Decr  13,  1737  Read  and  Concurr’d 

Simon  Frost  Dep*  Secry 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  25.] 

Worcester  ss 

July  ye  i8lh  1737  Then  Joseph  Wilder  jn  appearing  Made  oath 
that  in  Surveying  the  Eight  Hundred  acres  of  Land  above 
delineated  He  faithfully  attended  the  Duity  of  a Surveyor  accord- 
ing to  the  best  of  his  Skill  and  Judgment — 

Before  me  Joseph  Wilder  Justice  of  ye  Peace 

Amos  Rugg  appearing  ye  day  aforesaid  belore  me  ye  Subscriber 
made  oath  that  in  the  Surveying  the  above  Said  Eight  Hundred 
acres  of  Land  he  faithfully  performed  ye  service  of  a Chane  man 
according  to  his  best  Judgment — 

Joseph  Wilder  Justice  of  ye  Peace 


DOVER. 

[Formerly  known  as  Cochecho  and  Wortham.  The  town  was  never  formally 
incorporated,  but  early  assumed  a municipal  organization.  Submitted  to  the 
Massachusetts  government  in  1641.  The  name  of  Dover  was  taken  from  an 
English  town.  Newington  was  set  off  as  a parish  in  1713,  and  was  given  town 
privileges  in  1764.  Somersworth,  including  Rollinsford,  was  set  off  as  a parish  Dec. 
19,  1729,  and  incorporated  April  22,  1754.  Durham,  including  Lee  and  a part  of 
Madbury,  was  set  off  and  incorporated  May  15,  1732.  Madbury,  made  up  partly 
from  Dover  and  partly  from  Durham,  was  set  off  as  a parish,  May  31,  1755,  and 
was  given  town  privileges  May  26,  1768.  Dover  was  incorporated  as  a city  June 
29,  1855,  and  the  charter  was  amended  the  following  year. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  153;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  506;  Index 


74 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


to  Laws,  152.;  Farmer’s  Belknap's  History  of  New  Hampshire,  chapters  1 and  2,  et 
seq. ; Historical  Memoranda,  comprising  450  articles  in  the  Dover  Enquirer , from 
1850  to  1890,  principally  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  a few  being  contributed  by  John 
Wentworth,  Ballard  Smith,  Charles  Wesley  Tuttle,  and  Mary  P.  Thompson ; 
sketch  of  Dover,  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  Hurd's  History  of  Strafford  County, 
1882,  p.  758;  The  First  Parish  in  Dover,  1633  to  1883,  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint, 
1884,  pp.  148;  The  Wentworth  Genealogy,  by  John  Wentworth,  1878,  in  three 
volumes ; Landmarks  in  Ancient  Dover,  and  the  Towns  Which  Have  Sprung 
Therefrom,  by  Mary  P.  Thompson,  1888,  pp.  85  ; special  papers  relating  to  the 
early  history  of  the  town  in  the  appendix  to  this  volume : consult  authorities  cited 
under  titles,  Exeter,  Hampton,  Isles  of  Shoals,  Gosport,  New  Castle,  and  Ports- 
mouth.] 


[ Petition  of  Dover  and  Portsmouth  for  Grant  of  Land , a Mag- 
istrate , &c.,  i66y.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  172.] 

To  ye  Honed  Gen1  Court  now  assembled  In  Boston  May  1667 
The  Humble  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  two  Townes  of 
Dover  & Portsm0  on  piscattaq  River  Humbly  Sheweth  : 

That  whereas  yor  petition13  both  from  ye  Necessitie  of  or  Naked 
condic’on  & Injuntion  by  this  Honed  Court  to  erect  some  ffortifi- 
cac’ons  for  defence  in  piscattaq  Rivers  mouth,  the  charge  whereof 
Lying  only  upon  the  two  sd  townes  & ye  burthen  heavier  upon  us 
then  upon  any  part  of  the  Countrie  Considering  the  Numb1’  of  or 
Inhabitants  As  also  considering  the  straitness  'of  or  townshipps 
especially  that  of  portsm0,  being  Crowded  into  a very  Narrow, 
& or  Inhabitants  growing  Numerous  & wanting  accomodations 
Humbly  desires  this  Hon**1  Court  to  grant  yor  petition1^  a tract  of 
Land  in  the  Wilderness  upon  the  head  of  Dover  bounds  Not  yet 
granted  unto  any  town-e  or  person  wch  may  be  an  enlargemen*  to 
or  Inhabitants  & an  Inabling  them  to  carry  on  & ^Acting  of  ye 
Sayd  ffortificac’on  begun,  wherein  the  whole  Collony  is  deeply 
concerned  farther  desireing  this  Honed  Court  that  they  will  please 
that  some  declaration  may  be  made  in  the  sd  townes  (or  otherwise 
as  their  wisdoms  shall  see  meete)  for  the  quietting  and  quallifiing 
or  Inhabitants  concerning  pattents  & claimes  made  by  Some  per- 
sons disafected  unto  this  Goverm* 

moreover  Considering  y4  we  for  prsent  are  & Still  for  a time 
may  be  without  a Magestrate  to  Cohabit  among  us  (w^  we  most 
earnestly  desire)  Humbly  pray  this  Court  for  the  Confirmac’on  of 
Magistratticall  power  as  formerly,  & Settleing  of  it  upon  some 


DOVER. 


75 


Meete  persons  whome  yor  wisdoms  make  choise  of  especially  in 
the  towne  of  portsm0,  that  sin  & wickedness  may  be  Curbed  wch 
much  abounds  in  these  Licentious  times,  the  Necessitie  of  wch 
urgeth  us  to  be  begg,  & we  hope  will  Incline  you  to  Grant,  And 
y*  all  farmes  already  granted  or  to  be  granted  greater  or  lesser 
may  belong  to  Such  of  the  two  townes  till  this  court  take  furth1’ 
ordr  ffinally  this  Honrd  Court  the  Last  year  were  pleased  to  prom- 
ise that  they  would  doe  w*  might  be  don  for  a supply  of  great 
Gunns  wch  is  or  great  want,  that  if  it  be  possible  we  may  have  som 
Lentt  us  untill  we  can  buy  or  that  they  would  be  a meanes  we 
might  purchase  som  for  such  pay  or  River  doth  afford  the  Grant 
of  all  wch  will  obleidg  us  as  formerly  So  still  to  pray  for  a happie 
Success  to  all  yr  most  weightie  affairs/ 


\_Grant  of  Land,  and  Magistrate  Allowed , to  Dover  and  Ports- 
mouth, i66y.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  173.] 

In  Answr  to  ye  petition  of  Dover  & portsm0  The  Deputies  Judg 
meete  to  Grant  them  a tract  of  Land  of  Six  myles  Square  for  a 
towne  in  Some  Convenient  place  above  Dover  Bounds  Not  former- 
ly Granted./  And  y4  all  farmes  that  are  or  shall  be  layd  out  there 
shall  belong  to  the  Jurisdicc’on  of  Dover  & portsm0  & yt  no  person 
or  dweller  shalbe  Left  wthout  Goverm*  to  ye  westward  of  Dover 
bounds  or  west  & by  North  as  sd  Dover  bounds  doth  run  tell  this 
Court  take  furthr  ordr  And  yl  Cap1  Rich  : Waldren  Mr  Ric  : Cutt 
& Mr  Elias  Stileman  have  Joyntly  & Severally  magestrattical 
powr  granted  unto  them  to  act  wthin  ye  bounds  of  either  the  two  sd 
townes  as  matters  & cases  may  prsent  untill  this  Court  take  further 
ordr 

And  whereas  this  Court  hath  been  Informed  y4  there  are  some 
persons  by  theire  meetings  & consultacions  who  are  disafected  to 
this  Goverm1  apt  to  disturbe  ye  peace  of  ye  place  by  endeavouring 
to  introduce  some  other  govern^  & This  Court  doth  ordr  y4  due 
Notice  shall  be  taken  of  all  & every  such  ^son,  & their  Names 
returned  to  Authoritie  there  established,  that  soe  due  course  may 
be  taken  by  those  yl  have  magestratticall  powr  to  suppress  & pre- 
vent the  same  & according  to  ye  Nature  of  y4  offence  they  are 
required  to  send  such  persons  to  answer  here  at  Boston  according 
to  Law : 


7 6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Deputyes  have  past  this  with  refference  to  the  Consent  of 
or  Honoed  Magists  hereto 

28  : 3d  : 1667  William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magists  Consent  not  hereto 

Edw  : Rawson  Secret’y 

3^et  the  magists  are  willing  & doe  hereby  Judge  it  meet  to  Im- 
power  Capt  Richard  Walderne  mr  Rich  : Cutt  & mr  Elias  stileman 
jointly  & severally  wth  magistrattical  power  enabling  them  to  act 
wthin  the  bounds  of  either  the  said  two  Townes*  as  matters  & cases 
may  prsent  untill  the  next  Court  of  Election  : theire  brethren  the 
Deputies  hereto  Consenting  : 

28  may.  67  Edw  : Rawson  Secret’y 

The  Deputyes  Consent  hereto,  so  as  in  the  4th  line  next  after  the 
word  Townes  marked,  be  added  (&  all  other  places  included 
within  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  Court  of  Dover  & Portsmouth  or 
Honord  magists  Consentinge  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

Consented  to  by  ye  magists  Edw  : Rawson  Secrety 


[Grant  to  Richard  Beers.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  19,  1664.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  Left  Richard  Beeres  : having  binn  one 
of  the  first  planters  of  this  Colony  & served  this  Country  in  their 
warrs  a gt  the  pecquotts  twice  &c  as  is  exprest  in  his  petition  wch  is 
on  file  This  Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Graunt  him  three  hundred 
acres  of  land  where  it  is  to  be  had  free  of  former  Graunts  accord- 
ing to  lawe 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  17,  1673.] 

three  hundred  acres  of  land  belonging  to  Left  Richard  Beers 
Graunted  by  the  Generali  Court  and  Joynes  to  mr  Georg  Brough- 
tons land  lying  neere  Dover  according  to  this  platt  A.  B.  C.  D.  A. 
laid  out  by  mr  Richard  walderne 

The  Court  Approoves  of  this  Returne — ye  plat  is  on  file  / 


DOVER. 


77 


[Grant  to  Emanuel  Downing.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  13,  1651.] 

In  Answer  to  the  peticion  of  mr  Emanuell  Downing  fFor  the  lay- 
ing out  his  farme  of  sixe  hundred  ackers  of  land  formerly  graunted 
him  by  this  Courte  in  sattisfaccion  of  fiffty  pounds  heertofore  paid 
& laid  out  by  him  for  the  Country,  Itt  is  Ordered  that  the  said 
six  hundred  ackers  of  land  be  laid  out  to  him  by  mr  wm  Howard  of 
Topsfeild  and  Roger  shawe  of  hampton  betweene  Hampton  and  the 
River  mouth  of  Pascataque  at  the  charge  of  the  said  mr  Downing 
Provided  the  said  land  specified  heerein  be  not  formerly  graunted 
and  that  it  be  not  prjudicial  to  any  plantation  Toune  or  village 
that  heereafter  may  be  errected  :/ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  22,  1651.] 

Whereas  it  appeares  by  the  Records  of  this  Court  Numb  : 436 
that  six  hundred  Acors  of  Land  was  graunted  to  m1'  Emanuel 
Downinge  which  he  affirmes  was  in  Consideration  of  fifty  pounds 
by  him  disbursed  in  England,  in  Answer  to  his  petition  It  is  Ordred 
that  the  sd  six  hundred  Acors  of  land  shalbe  layd  out  to  him  by 
mr  william  Howard  of  Topsfeild  & Roger  Shaw  of  Hampton  be- 
tweene Hampton  & the  rivers  mouth  of  Pascataque  At  the  Charge 
of  the  sd  mr  Downinge  “flvided  the  sd  land  Specified  herein  be  not 
formerly  graunted  & that  it  be  not  prjudiciall  to  any  plantation 
towne  or  village  that  may  hereafter  be  erected 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  10,  1653.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  mr  Emanuell  Downing  Itt  is  Ordered 
that  mr  Samuell  winsly  mr  Thomas  Bradbury  and  wm  Eastow  they 
or  any  two  of  them  mr  winsly  being  one  shall  and  heereby  are  Ap- 
pointed and  Authorized  to  lay  out  the  farme  of  six  hundred  acres 
formerly  graunted  him  (in  sattisfaccion  of  fiffty  pounds  heereto- 
fore  payd  and  layd  out  by  him  for  the  Countrie)  on  the  further 
side  of  the  River  neere  to  Dover  bounds  being  cleere  of  all 
gr  aunts. 


78 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


DUNBARTON. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  June  19,  1735,  to  Capt.  John  Gorham’s  men  and 
called  Gorham-town . Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  17,  1748,  to 
Archibald  Stark  and  others,  and  called  Stark'1  s-town.  Regranted  March  2,  1752. 
Incorporated  as  Dunbarton,  Aug.  10,  1765,  and  named  for  a town  in  Scotland.  A 
portion  of  Dunbarton' was  included  in  the  limits  of  Hooksett,  incorporated  July  2, 
1822.  The  line  between  Dunbarton  and  Goffstown  was  established  Jan.  7,  1853, 
and  the  line  between  Dunbarton  and  Weare,  July  2,  1853. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  189 ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  558 ; Index  to 
Laws,  157;  Early  History,  addresses  by  Amos  Hadley,  1845,  PP-  27  ? History 
from  the  Grant  by  Mason’s  Assigns  in  1751,  to  i860,  by  Caleb  Stark,  i860,  pp. 
272;  Centennial  Celebration,  1865,  pub.  1866,  pp.  124;  Dunbarton,  Past  and 
Present,  by  J.  B.  Connor,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  38;  historical  sketch  Hurd’s 
History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  291.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  18,  1735,  and  House  Journal,  April 

17.  I73S-] 

A Petition  of  James  Kitteridge  and  a Number  of  others  who 
were  Employed  in  an  Expedition  Against  Canada  under  Sr  Wil- 
liam Phips  & the  sons  or  Represent3  of  such  of  the  said  Souldiers 
as  are  deceased,  Praying  in  Consideration  of  the  Great  hardships 
they  Endured  and  that  the  Parents  of  divers  of  the  petrs  were  lost 
in  the  said  Expedition,  that  this  Court  would  Grant  them  a Tract 
of  land  of  Six  Miles  Square  bordering  on  Suncook  Plantation  & 
the  Town  of  Rumford  for  a Plantation 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Read  and  in  Answer  to  this  petition 
— Voted  That  a Tract  of  land  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square  be  laid  out  for  a Township  on  the  West  side  of  Rumford 
in  part  and  part  on  the  West  Side  of  Suncook,  the  Whole  to  be 
laid  out  into  Sixty  three  Equal  Shares  one  of  which  one  to  be  for 
the  first  Settled  Minister,  one  to  be  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry, 
and  one  for  the  School,  that  on  the  other  Sixty  Shares  there  be 
Sixty  Settlers  Admitted  and  that  in  the  Admission  thereof,  prefer- 
ence be  given  to  the  Petrs  who  are  desendants  of  the  officers  and 
Soldiers  who  were  lost  in  the  Expedition  to  Canada  in  the  year 
1690  on  the  same  Terms  and  Conditions  as  were  made  for  Settling 
the  two  new  towns  on  Ashuelet  and  that  at  Paquoig,  Excepting 
the  Settlers  paying  five  pounds,  And  that  Henry  Rolfe  Esq : & 
Mr  Samuel  Chandler  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall  Appoint 


DUNBARTON. 


79 


be  a Committee  fully  Authorized  and  Impowred  to  see  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  Township  brought  forward,  Admit  Settlers,  Return  a 
plat  of  the  Township  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Con- 
firmation— 

In  Council  Read  & Nonconcured 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  19,  1735,  and  House  Journal,  June 

18,  1735-] 

A Petition  of  Shubal  Goreham  Esqr  for  himself  & others  that 
Served  in  the  Compa  of  Cap11  John  Goreham  in  the  Expedition 
Against  Canada  in  the  Year  1690,  and  the  Descendants  of  such  as 
are  deceased  praying  for  the  Grant  of  Land  for  a Township  in 
Consideration  of  the  hardships  they  endured  in  said  Expedition  or 
their  Ancestors 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Voted  that  the  prayer  of 
the  petition  be  Granted  and  that  Shubal  Goreham  Esqr  and  Mr 
Samuel  Sturgis  junr  together  with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  by  the 
Honble  Board,  be  a Comtee  at  the  Charge  of  the  Governmt  to  lay 
out  a Township  of  Six  Miles  Square,  North  of  & Adjoyning  to  the 
Township  Reported  on  in  favour  of  Sundry  petitioners  of  Salem 
& Marblehead ; and  that  they  Return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court 
within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation,  And  for  the  more  Effectual 
bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  New  Town,  Ordered 
that  the  said  Town  be  laid  out  into  Sixty  three  equal  Shares,  one 
of  which  to  be  for  the  first  Settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry, 
and  one  for  a School ; and  that  on  each  of  the  other  Sixty  Shares 
the  petitioners  do  within  three  Years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the 
plan  have  Settled  One  Good  family,  who  shall  have  a house  built 
on  his  home  lott  of  Eighteen  feet  Square,  and  Seven  feet  Stud  at 
the  least,  and  finished,  that  each  Right  or  Grant  have  Six  Acres 
of  Land  brought  to  & plowed  or  brought  to  English  Grass  and 
fitted  for  Mowing,  that  they  Settle  a Learned  Orthodox  Minister 
and  Build  and  finish  a Convenient  Meeting  house  for  the  publick 
worship  of  God ; Provided  that  in  case  any  of  the  Rights  or  Lotts 
are  not  fully  Settled  in  all  Regards  as  aforesaid,  then  such  Lott 
with  the  Rights  thereof  to  Revert  to  and  be  at  the  disposition  of 
the  Province — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Jeremiah  Moulton  Esqr  is 
Joined  in  the  Affair — 


8o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  28,  1736.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent51  Ordered  that  twelve  Months  time 
more  be  Allowed  to  the  Canada  Officers  and  Soldiers  Mentioned 
in  the  petition  of  Subal  Goreham  Esqr  as  Entred  the  Eighteenth  of 
June  last,  to  take  and  Return  a plat  of  their  Township  they  Sur- 
vey1, on  whom  they  Depended  having  faild  them  ; — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  13,  1736-7.] 

A Plat  of  26,910  Acres  of  Land,  Surveyed  by  Jerahmeel  Cum- 
mins Survey1,  and  Chain  men  on  Oath  2130  (part  thereof)  having 
been  Granted  to  Zacheus  Lovewell  & 1680  Acres  laid  out  to  the 
proprietors  of  the  Township  Granted  to  Cap1  William  Tyngs 
Company,  which  leaves  twenty  three  thousand  & forty  Acres ; 
beginning  at  Suncook  South  West  Corner;  Running  from  thence 
Northerly  by  Suncook  Town  line  five  Miles  and  one  hundred 
perch  to  the  North  West  Corner  of  Suncook  Township,  and  the 
Corner  of  Rumford  & so  on  by  Rumford  town  line  One  hundred 
& Seventy  Rods  to  the  Corner  of  the  Township  Granted  to  Hop- 
kinton  petitioners;  thence  South  34.30  West  by  said  Township 
Eight  hundred  & fifty  two  perch  to  a Birch  tree  Mark’d  ; thence 
by  Province  Land  South  2 : 00  East  four  hundred  & twenty  Six 
perch  to  the  North  east  Corner  of  Doctr  Hales  Township  so 
Called,  and  by  said  Township  Six  Miles  to  a white  Oak  being  the 
South  east  Corner  of  said  Township ; & the  North  east  Corner  of 
Boston  Piscataquoag  Township,  then  on  the  same  Course  by  said 
Township  Six  hundred  & thirty  Nine  perch  to  a heap  of  Stones 
thence  East  by  the  Needle  Six  Miles  to  a pine  tree  Marked  on  the 
Bank  of  Merrimack  River,  & so  by  the  River  to  Suncook  Town- 
ship and  by  the  said  Township  to  the  first  Station ; which  is  to 
Satisfy  a Grant  of  a Township  made  by  this  Court  to  Cap*  John 
Goreham  & others — 

In  the  House  of  Represent51  Read  & Ordered  that  the  plat  be 
Accepted  & the  lands  therein  Delineated  & described  (excepting 
the  Grants  within  mentioned  heretofore  made  by  this  Court)  be 
Accordingly  Confirmed  to  the  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Com- 
pany late  under  the  Command  of  Cap*  John  Goreham  dece’d,  in 
the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690;  And  to  the  heirs  Legal  Rep- 


r- 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  pp.  17  and  23.] 


j 0 | [Offs'  f|»  t ■ l,  t ••  ' '■  l* 


DUNBARTON. 


8l 


resenta  & Descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  Since  deceased, 
their  heirs  and  Assignes  Respectively  forever ; they  performing 
the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  to  all  Intents  and  purposes ; provided 
the  plat  Exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  Twenty  Six  Thousand  Nine 
hundred  & ten  Acres  of  Land  & does  not  Interfere  with  any  other 
or  former  Grant  as  well  those  within  mentioned  as  any  other 
In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  13,  1736-7.] 

A Plat  containing  twenty  six  thousand  nine  hundred  and  ten 
Acres  of  Land  inclusive  of  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  thirty 
Acres  formerly  granted  to  Zecheus  Lovewell  and  others,  as  also 
one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty  Acres  surveyed  and  laid  out 
to  the  Proprietors  of  Old  Harry  Town  so  called,  by  Jerathmeel 
Cummings  Surveyor  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  of  this  Court  of  June  1735,  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  &c 
of  the  Company  under  the  Command  of  the  late  Capt.  John  Gor- 
ham deceased,  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  beginning  at 
Suncook  South  West  Corner,  thence  Northerly  by  said  Town  five 
Miles  one  hundred  Perch  to  the  North  West  Corner  of  that  Town- 
ship granted  to  Hofkinton  Petitioners,  thence  South  eighty  four 
gr.  thirty  m.  West  by  said  Township,  eight  hundred  fifty  two 
Perch  to  a Beach  Tree  marked,  thence  by  Province  Land  South 
two  gr  West  four  hundred  twenty  six  Perch,  to  the  North  East 
Corner  of  Dr.  Hales  Township  so  called,  thence  South  two  gr 
East  by  said  Township  six  miles  to  a white  Oak  Tree  the  South 
East  Corner  of  said  Township  and  the  North  East  Corner  of 
Boston  Piscataquiag  Township  and  on  the  same  Course,  thence 
six  hundred  thirty  nine  Perch  by  said  Boston  Township  to  a heap 
of  Stones,  thence  East  by  the  Needle  six  miles  to  a Pine  marked 
on  Merrimack  River  Bank,  and  so  by  the  River  to  Suncook  Town- 
ship, and  by  that  Township  to  the  first  bounds  mentioned  ; was 
presented  for  allowance.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be 
and  hereby  is  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  de- 
scribed (excepting  the  Grants  within  mentioned  heretofore  made 
by  this  Court)  be  accordingly  confirmed  to  the  Officers  & Soldiers 
in  the  Company  late  under  the  Command  of  Capt  John  Gorham 
deceased,  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  and  to  the  Heirs 
legal  Representatives  & Descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  since 


82 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


deceased,  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively  for  ever  they  per- 
forming the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  to  all  Intents  and  Purposes, 
provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  twenty  six  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  ten  Acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  other  or  former  Grant,  as  well  those  within  mentioned  as  any 
other. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  2,  1736-7.] 

In  Council  Voted  that  Shubal  Goreham  Esqr  be  Impowred  and 
directed  to  Assemble  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  Granted  to  the 
Soldiers  under  the  Command  of  Cap11  John  Goreham  in  the  Canada 
Expedition  in  1690,  in  such  place  and  at  such  time  as  he  shall 
think  fit,  then  to  Chuse  a Moderator  & proprietors  Clerk  to  Agree 
Upon  Rules  Methods  and  Orders  for  the  Division  and  Disposal  of 
the  Said  Propriety  in  the  Most  proper  Methods  for  the  Speedy  ful- 
fillment of  the  Conditions  of  their  Grant  and  Agree  Upon  Methods 
for  calling  future  Meetings. 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


DUNSTABLE  [NASHUA]. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Old  Dunstable  grant  made  by  Massachusetts  Oct.  16, 
1673.  Incorporated  April  1,  1746.  “One  Pine  Hill,”  belonging  to  Dunstable, 
was  annexed  to  Hollis  Dec.  13,  1763.  The  farms  of  Daniel  Merrill  and  Ebenezer 
Jacquith  were  taken  from  Dunstable  and  annexed  to  Hollis,  May  14,  1773.  The 
name  was  changed  to  Nashua  Dec.  8,  1836. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following:  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  193,  39 7, 
416;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  622;  Index  to  Laws,  158;  Scrap  of  History 
Relating  to  Hollis  and  Dunstable,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  p. 
57  ; History  of  the  Old  Township  of  Dunstable,  by  Charles  J.  Fox,  1846,  pp.  278  ; 
Bi-Centennial  Celebration,  1873,  pub.  1878,  pp.  189;  Historical  Sketch  of  West 
Dunstable,  by  Charles  S.  Spaulding,  10,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  165;  sketch  of 
Nashua,  by  John  H.  Goodale,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1886, 
P-  I39*] 


DUNSTABLE. 


83 


[' Charter  of  Old  Dunstable, 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  232.] 

To  the  Honoured  Govern1  Dep*  Gover*  with  the  Magists 
and  Deptes  now  assembled  in  the  Gen11  Court  at  Boston  Sep1  15th 

1673 

The  Petition  of  the  proprietors  of  the  farmes  that  are  laid  out 
upon  Merrimack  River  and  places  adjacent;  with  others  who 
desire  to  joyne  with  them  in  the  settlement  of  a plantation  there 

Humbly  Sheweth  that  whereas  there  is  a Considerable  tract 
of  the  Countrie  land  that  is  environed  with  the  proprietyes  of  per- 
ticular  persons  and  townes  (viz)  by  the  line  of  the  towne  of  Chel- 
mesford,  and  by  Grauton  line  and  by  Mr  Brentons  farme ; by 
Sowhegen  farmes  : And  beyond  Merrimack  River  by  the  outer- 
most line  of  Henery  Kemballs  farme  and  so  to  Chelmesford  line 
againe  all  which  is  in  little  Capacity  of  doeing  the  Countrye  any 
service  Except  the  farmes  bordering  upon  it,  be  adjoyned  to  the 
said  land  to  make  a plantation  there  : And  there  being  a consider- 
able number  of  persons  who  are  of  a Sober  and  orderly  conversa- 
tion that  doe  stand  in  great  need  of  accommodacions  who  are  will- 
ing and  reddy  to  make  pursent  improvement  of  the  said  vacant 
Land  : And  the  proprietors  of  the  said  farmes  are  therefore  willing 
to  joyne  with,  and  give  incouragem*  to  those  that  shall  improve 
the  said  Land  The  farmes  of  themselves  that  are  with  in  the 
tract  of  Land  before  discribed  containe  about  fourteene  thousand 
acres  at  the  Least 

Yor  PETiTiONOrs  therefore  humbly  request  the  favour  of  this 
honoured  Court  that  they  will  please  to  grant  the  said  tract  of 
Land  to  yor  Petitioners  and  to  such  as  shall  joyne  with  them  in  the 
settlement  of  the  land  afforementioned  so  that  those  who  have 
already  improved  their  farmes  there  and  others  also  who  speedyly 
intend  to  doe  the  like  : may  be  in  away  for  the  enjoyment  of  the 
publiq  ordinances  of  god  : ffor  with  out  which  the  greatest  part  of 
the  yeare  they  will  be  deprived  of:  the  farmes  lyeing  so  far  re- 
moat from  any  townes  : And  farther  that  this  Honoured  Court  will 
please  to  grant  the  like  immunities  to  this  plantacion  as  they  in 
their  favours  have  formerly  granted  to  other  new  plantacions  : So 
shall  yor  Petitionors  be  ever  engaged  to  pray  &c. 

Tho8  Edwards  Tho8  Wheeler  sen1'  Peter  Bulkeley 

John  Parker  John  morse  jr  Samuell  koms 


84 

James  Parrker  jr 
Nath  Blood 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Josiah  Parker 
Rob1  Parris 
Tho  : Brattle 


Joseph  Parker 
John  Jollife 
Jonathan  Tyng 
Robert  Gibbs 
Samuel  Scarlett 
James  knopp 


Zabenia  Long  : 
Joseph  wheler 
John  Turnor 


James  Parkersen 
Sampson  Sheafe 
Abraham  Parker 
Simon  willard 


William  Lakin 
Robert  Procter 


The  magists  Judge  it  meet  to  Grant  the  peticoners  Request 
herein  Provided  that  a farme  of  five  hundred  acres  of  upland  & 
meadow  be  layd  out  of  this  tract  for  the  publick  use  & that  they 
so  proceed  in  settling  ye  plantation  as  to  finish  it  once  wth  in  three 
years  & procure  & maintayne  an  able  & orthodox  minister  amongst 
them : the  magists  have  past  this  their  brethren  the  Deputyes 
hereto  Consenting 

1 6 October  73  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 

The  Deputyes  Consent  hereto 


A Petition  of  Capt.  Robert  Fletcher  and  sundry  others  of  the 
Town  of  Dunstable  on  the  East  side  the  River  Merrimack  praying 
that  that  part  of  the  Town  may  be  set  off  a distinct  Township  agre- 
able  to  the  Town  Vote  of  the  first  of  March  1730,  1.  and  that  they 
may  not  loose  their  proportionable  parts  of  Land  belonging  to  the 
Inhabitants,  and  that  the  Lands  of  the  non-resident  Proprietors 
on  the  East  side  the  River  may  be  subjected  to  the  Ministerial 
Charge  in  the  Town  prayed  for.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the 
prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far  granted  as  that  the  Lands  on  the 
East  side  Merrimack  in  the  Town  of  Dunstable  be  set  off  a distinct 
Township,  and  that  the  Petitioners  have  leave  to  bring  in  a Bill 
accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


A Petition  of  Robert  Fletcher  & others  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Dunstable  on  the  Easterly  side  of  the  River  praying  that  they 
may  be  set  off  a distinct  Township  agreeable  to  the  Vote  of  the 


William  Torrey  Cleric 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  28,  1732.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  29,  1732.] 


DUNSTABLE. 


85 


Town  pass’d  the  first  of  March  1730  that  they  may  have  their  pro- 
portion of  Lands  belonging  to  the  Inhabitants  and  that  they  may  be 
impowered  to  tax  the  Lands  of  the  Non  Residents  on  yt  side  of  the 
River  towards  the  Ministerial  Charges — 

In  the  House  of  Represent^8  Read  & Ordered  that  the  prayer  of 
the  petition  be  so  far  granted  as  yt  ye  lands  on  the  East  Side  of 
Merrimack  River  in  the  Town  of  Dunstable  be  sett  off  a distinct 
Township  & that  ye  petition1'3  have  Leave  to  bring  in  a Bill  accord- 

ingly— 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  9,  1732.] 

Francis  Foxcroft  Esq  ; brought  down  a Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for 
erecting  all  the  Lands  on  the  Easterly  side  of  the  River  Merrimack, 
belonging  to  the  Town  0/ Dunstable  into  a Township  by  the  Name 

of Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council  Novemb.  8th,  1732. 

Read.  9 th  Read  a second  time,  and  pass’d  to  be  Engross’d. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Read  a first  time. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  10,  1732.] 

The  Bill  entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  all  the  Lands  on  the  East- 
erly side  of  the  River  Merrimack  belonging  to  the  Towm  of  Dun- 
stable into  a Township  by  ye  Name  of 

In  Council  read  a second  Time  & pass’d  to  be  Engross’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  10,  1732.] 

A Bill  Entitled,  An  Act  for  Erecting  all  the  Lands  on  the  East- 
erly side  of  the  River  Merrimack,  belonging  to  the  Town  0/ Dun- 
stable, into  a Township  by  the  Name  of Read  a second 

and  a third  time,  and  pass’d  a Concurrence. 


86 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  14,  1732.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entitled  An  Act  Jor  erecting  all  the  Lands  on 
the  Easterly  side  of  the  River  Merrimack,  belonging  to  the  Town 

of  Dun  stable,  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of Read  and 

Resolved,  That  the  Bill  pass  to  be  Enacted. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  28,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  Capt.  fosefh  Blanchard  in  behalf  of  himself  and 
the  rest  of  the  Committee  for  the  Town  and  Proprietors  of  Dunstable , 
praying  that  a Committee  of  some  suitable  Persons  may  be 
appointed  to  run  the  Lines  of  the  Township  of  Dunstable,  including 
Nottingham,  where  the  same  joins  to  the  unappropriated  Lands  of 
the  Province,  that  the  marks  may  be  renewed,  and  that  new  ones 
may  be  raised,  and  marked  where  the  old  ones  are  down,  or  that 
such  order  may  be  taken  in  the  Premises  as  to  the  Court  shall  seem 
meet.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  John  Wainwright,  William 
White,  and  Charles  Church,  Esqrs ; with  such  as  the  honourable 
Board  shall  join,  be  a Committee  (any  Three  of  whom  to  be  a 
Quorum)  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  this  Province,  to  join  with  such 
Committee  as  shall  be  appointed  and  fully  authorized  by  the  Town 
and  Proprietors  of  old  Dunstable  inclusive  of  Nottingham,  to  peram- 
bulate and  renew  the  Line  within  mentioned*  and  make  report  to 
this  Court  with  their  doings  herein  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  29,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  a Comtee  for  the  Town  and  proprietors  of  Dunstable 
praying  That  this  Court  would  Appoint  some  Suitable  persons  to 
Run  the  lines  of  the  said  Town  including  the  Town  of  Nottingham 
where  they  Join  to  the  Province  Land  and  Renew  the  marks  and 
make  New  Ones  where  the  Old  Marks  are  lost  that  so  the  bounds 
may  be  Clearly  known. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Read  & Ordered  That  John  Wain- 
wright Willm  White  and  Charles  Church  Esqrs  with  such  as  the 
Honble  Board  shall  Join  be  a Comtee  (any  three  of  whom  to  be  a 
Quorum)  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  this  Province  to  Join  with  such 


DUNSTABLE. 


87 


Comtee  as  shall  be  Appointed  and  fully  Authorized  by  the  Town 
and  proprietors  of  Old  Dunstable  inclusive  of  Nottingham  to  peram- 
bulate and  Renew  the  line  within  mentioned  and  make  Report  to 
this  Court  of  their  doings  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Samuel  Thaxter  and  William 
Dudley  Esqrs  are  Joined  in  the  affair — 

Consented  to  J Belcher — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  26,  1734.] 

The  Committee  of  both  Houses  Appointed  to  Renew  Dunstable 
line  &c  gave  in  the  following  Report  Viz1 — 

The  ComteeAppointed  the  28th  of  June  last  to  Renew  the  line  of 
old  Dunstable,  where  the  same  Joins  to  the  Unappropriated  Lands 
of  the  Province,  have  attended  that  Service  & Report  thereon  as 
follows  viz1.  We  began  at  the  Stump  of  a pine  tree  the  Reported 
bounds  of  Dunstable  Dracutt  & Methuen,  which  had  been  formerly 
marked  with  the  letter  F the  Tree  fallen  down  which  stood  in  Sight 
of  Bever  Brook  ; from  thence  we  Ran  a Course  two  Degrees  West- 
ward of  the  Northwest  to  Merrimack  River  The  Bounds  from  the 
Stump  we  Renewed  by  heaving  Stones  about  it  from  thence  we  new 
marked  a pine  from  thence  to  an  Old  Marked  Pine  so  Renewed 
the  Marks  on  the  aforesaid  Course  Severall  Trees  being  Antiently 
marked  with  the  Letter  F to  Merrimack  River  which  we  Renewed 
and  marked  with  D on  the  Westerly  Side  & M on  the  Easterly  : On 
the  West  side  of  Merrimack  River  we  begun  at  a place  Called  Dram 
cup  hill  on  the  North  west  Corner  of  Charlestown  School  Farm  at 
Souheag  River  and  Ran  from  thence  a South  point  by  the  Needle 
finding  many  old  Marks  and  Renewing  the  same  & were  the  old 
marks  were  down  made  new  ones  and  we  lettered  many  of  them 
with  D M,  coming  by  the  Westerly  end  of  Muscatanapus  pond  and 
so  Continued  the  same  Course  till  it  intersected  the  Northerly  line 
of  Townshend  which  is  submitted  By  Your  Excellencys  & Honours 
most  obed1  Servants 

Sam1  Thaxter 
Jn°  Wainwright 
Charles  Church 

In  Council  Read  & Accepted 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Read  & Concurr’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


88 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


\_Petition  of  Inhabitants  of  Dunstable  and  Groton  to  Be  Made  a 
Separate  Township,  i738-~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  268.] 

To  His  Excellency  Jona  Belcher  Esqr  Captain  General  and 
Governour  in  Chief  &c  The  Honble  the  Council  and  House  of 
Reptives  in  General  Court  Assembled  at  Boston  November  the  29th 
1738— 

The  Petition  of  the  Subscribers  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of 
the  Towns  of  Dunstable  and  Groton — Humbly  Sheweth — 

That  your  Petitioners  are  Situated  on  the  Westerly  side  Dun- 
stable Township  and  the  Northerly  side  Groton  Township  those 
in  the  Township  of  Dunstable  in  General  their  houses  are  nine  or 
ten  miles  from  Dunstable  Meeting  house  and  those  in  the  Town- 
ship of  Groton  none  but  what  lives  at  least  on  or  near  Six  miles 
from  Groton  Meeting  house  by  which  means  your  petitioners  are 
deprived  of  the  benefit  of  preaching,  the  greatest  part  of  the  year, 
nor  is  it  possible  at  any  Season  of  the  year  for  their  familys  in 
General  to  get  to  Meeting  under  which  Disadvantages  your  petrs 
has  this  Several  years  Laboured  excepting  the  Winter  Seasons 
for  this  two  winters  past,  which  they  have  at  their  Own  Cost  and 
Charge  hired  preaching  amongst  themselves  which  Disadvantages 
has  very  much  prevented  peoples  Settling  land  there — 

That  there  is  a Tract  of  good  land  well  Situated  for  a Town- 
ship of  the  Contents  of  about  Six  miles  and  an  half  square 
bounded  thus,  beginning  at  Dunstable  Line  by  Nashaway  River 
So  running  by  the  Westerly  side  said  River  Southerly  One  mile 
in  Groton  Land,  then  running  Westerly  a Paralel  Line  with 
Groton  North  Line,  till  it  comes  to  Townsend  Line  and  then  turn- 
ing and  running  north  to  Grotton  Northwest  Corner,  and  from 
Grotton  Northwest  Corner  by  Townsend  line  and  by  the  Line  of 
Groton  New  Grant  till  it  comes  to  be  five  miles  and  an  half  to  the 
Northward  of  Groton  North  Line  from  thence  due  east,  Seven 
miles,  from  thence  South  to  Nashua  River  and  So  by  Nashua 
River  Southwesterly  to  Grotton  line  the  first  mentioned  bounds, 
which  described  Lands  can  by  no  means  be  prejudicial  either  to 
the  Town  of  Dunstable  or  Groton  (if  not  Coming  within  Six  miles 
or  thereabouts  of  either  of  their  Meetinghouses  at  the  nearest 
place)  to  be  taken  off  from  them  and  Erected  into  a Seperate 
Township — 

That  there  is  already  Settled  in  the  bounds  of  the  aforedescribed 


DUNSTABLE. 


89 


Tract  near  forty  familys  and  many  more  ready  to  come  on  were 
it  not  for  the  difficulties  and  hardships  aforesd  of  getting  to  Meet- 
ing — These  with  many  other  disadvantages  we  find  very  trouble- 
some to  Us,  Our  living  So  remote  from  the  Towns  We  respec- 
tively belong  to — 

Wherefore  your  Petitioners  most  humbly  pray  Your  Excellency 
and  Honours  would  take  the  premisses  into  your  Consideration 
and  make  an  Act  for  the  Erecting  the  aforesaid  Lands  into  a Sep- 
erate  and  distinct  Township  with  the  powers  priviledges  and 
Immunities  of  a distinct  and  Seperate  Township  under  Such 
restrictions  and  Limitations,  as  you  in  your  Great  Wisdom  Shall 
See  meet — 

And  Whereas  it  will  be  a great  benefit  and  Advantage  to  the 
Non  resident  proprietors  owning  Lands  there  by  Increasing  the 
Value  of  their  Lands  or  rendering  easy  Settleing  the  Same,  Your 
Petrs  also  pray  that  they  may  be  at  their  proportionable  part 
according  to  their  respective  Interest  in  Lands  there,  for  the 
building  a Meeting  house  and  Settling  a Minister,  and  so  much 
towards  Constant  preaching  as  in  your  wisdom  Shall  be  thought 
proper — 

Settlers  on  the  aforesd  Lands — 


Willm  Colburn 
Peter  Pawer 
Henry  Barton 
David  Vering 
William  Adams 
Willm  Shattuck 
Josiah  Blood 


Stephen  Harris 
Abrm  Taylor  Junr 
Peter  Wheeler 
Philip  Woolerick 
Joseph  Taylor 
Thos  Navins 
Jerahmal  Cumings 


Tho3  Dinsmoor 
Benja  Farley 
Robert  Colburn 
Nath1  Blood 
Moses  Proctor 
Obadiah  Parker 
Eben1'  Pearce 


Non-Resident  Proprietors. 


Samuel  Browne 
John  Fowle  Jun 
Joseph  Lemmon 
Daniel  Remant 
James  Cumings 


W Browne 
Nath  Saltonstall 
Jeremiah  Baldwin 
John  Malven 
Isaac  Farwell 


Joseph  Blanchard 
Joseph  Eaton 
Sam1  Baldwin 
Jona  Malven 
Ebenr  Procter 


In  Council  January  4th  1738 — 

Read  again  and  Ordered  that  the  further  Consideration  of  this 
Petition  be  referred  to  the  first  tuesday  of  the  next  May  Session 
And  that  James  Minot  and  John  Hobson  Esqr3  with  Such  as  the 
Honourable  Board  shall  joine  be  a Committee  at  the  Charge  of 
the  petitioners  to  repair  to  the  Lands  petitioned  for  to  be  Erected 
into  a Township  first  giving  Seasonable  notice  as  well  to  the  peti- 


9° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tioners  as  to  the  Inhabitants  and  Non  Resident  Proprietors  of 
Lands  within  the  sd  Towns  of  Dunstable  and  Groton  of  the  time 
of  their  going  by  Causing  the  Same  to  be  publish’d  in  the  Boston 
Gazette,  that  they  Carefully  View  the  sd  Lands  as  well  as  the 
other  part  of  the  sd  Towns,  so  farr  as  may  be  desired  by  the 
Partys  or  thought  proper,  that  the  Petitioners  and  all  others  Con- 
cerned be  fully  heard  in  their  pleas  and  Allegations  for,  as  well  as 
against  the  prayer  of  the  Petition ; and  that  upon  Mature  Consid- 
eration on  the  whole  the  Committee  then  report  what  in  their 
Opinion  may  be  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  in  Answer  thereto — 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1"1 

In  Council  Jan17  9th  1738 

Read  and  Concurred  and  Thomas  Berry  Esqr  is  joined  in  the 
Affair— 

Simon  Frost  Depty  Sec17 
Consented  to  J Belcher 

A true  Copy  Examd  ^ Simon  Frost  Dep1  Sec17 


\_R export  of  Committee  on  Foregoing  Petition,  //jp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  272.] 

The  Committee  Appointed  on  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants 
and  Proprietors  Situated  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Dunstable  and 
Northerly  side  of  Groton,  Having  after  Notifying  all  parties, 
Repaired  to  the  Lands,  Petitioned  to  be  Erected  into  a Township, 
Carefully  Viewed  the  Same,  Find  a very  Good  Tract  of  Land  in 
Dunstable  Westward  of  Nashaway  River  and  between  sd  River 
and  Souhegan  River,  Extending  from  Groton  New  Grant  and 
Townsend  Line  Six  Miles  East,  Lying  in  a very  Commodious 
Form  for  a Township,  And  on  said  Lands  there  now  is  about 
Twenty  Families,  and  Many  More  Settling,  that  none  of  the 
Inhabitants  live  nearer  to  a Meeting  House  then  Seven  Miles  and 
if  they  go  to  their  own  Town  have  to  pass  over  a ferry  the  great- 
est part  of  the  Year.  We  also  Find  in  Groton  a Sufficient  Quan- 
tity of  Land  Accommodable  for  Settlement,  and  a Considerable 
Number  of  Inhabitants  thereon,  that  in  Some  short  Time  when 
they  are  well  Agreed  may  be  Erected  into  a District  Parish ; And 
that  it  will  be  very  inconvenient  to  Erect  a Township  in  the 
Form  prayed  for  or  to  Break  in  upon  Either  Town.  The  Com- 
mittee are  of  Opinion  that  the  Petitioners  in  Dunstable  are  under 


DUNSTABLE. 


91 

such  Circumstances  as  necessitates  them  to  Ask  Releif  which  will 
be  fully  Obtained  by  their  being  made  Township,  Which  if  this 
Honble  Courtt  should  Judge  necessary  to  be  done ; The  Committee 
are  Further  of  Opinion  that  it  Will  be  greatly  for  the  Good  and 
Interest  of  the  Township  that  the  Non  Resident  Proprietors,  have 
Liberty  of  Voting  with  the  Inhabitants  as  to  the  Building  and 
Placing  a Meeting  House,  and  that  the  Lands  be  Equally  Taxed, 
towards  said  House  And  that  for  the  Support  of  the  Gosple  Minis- 
try among  them  the  Lands  of  the  Non  Resident  Proprietors  be 
Taxed  at  Two  pence  per  Acre  for  the  Space  of  Five  Years. 

All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  in  the  Name  & by  Order  of  the 
Committee. 

Thomas  Berry 

In  Council  July  7 1739 

Read  and  ordered  that  the  further  Consideration  of  this  Report 
be  referred  to  the  next  Sitting,  and  that  the  Petitioners  be  in  the 
meantime  freed  from  paying  any  thing  toward  the  support  of  the 
ministry  in  the  Towns  to  which  they  respectively  belong. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  J Willard  Sec’ry 

In  the  House  of  Reptives  June  7 : 1739 

Read  and  Concurred  J Quincy  Spkr 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 

In  Council  Decemr  27,  1739. 

Read  again  and  Ordered  that  this  Report  be  So  far  Accepted  as 
that  the  Land  mentioned  and  described  therein,  with  the  Inhabi- 
tants there  be  erected  into  a Separate  & distinct  precinct,  and  the 
Said  Inhabitants  are  hereby  vested,  with  all  Such  Powers  & Privi- 
leges that  any  other  Precinct  in  this  Province  have  or  by  Law 
ought  to  enjoy  and  they  are  also  impowered  to  assess  & levy  a 
Tax  of  Two  pence  per  Acre  per  Annum  for  the  Space  of  Five 
Years,  on  all  the  unimproved  Lands  belonging  to  the  Non  resident 
Proprietors  to  be  applied  for  the  Support  of  the  Ministry  accord- 
ing to  the  Said  Report. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Simon  Frost  Dep*  Secry 

In  the  House  of  Reptves  Decr  28,  1739 
Read  and  concur’d 
Janua  1 : Consented  to, 


J Quincy  Spkr 
J Belcher 


92 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Petition  of  Richard  Warner  and  Others , 77J9.] 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  274.] 


To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esquire  Captain  General 
and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty’s  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  the  Honourable  the  Council 
and  House  of  Representatives  of  Said  Province,  in  General  Court 
Assembled,  Dec-i2th  1739 — 

The  Petition  of  Richard  Warner  and  Others,  Inhabitants  of 
the  Towns  of  Groton  and  Dunstable.  Most  Humbly  Sheweth. 

That  Your  Petitioners  dwell  very  far  from  the  place  of  Public 
Worship  in  either  of  the  said  Towns,  Many  of  them  Eight  Miles 
distant,  some  more,  and  none  less  than  four  miles,  Whereby  Your 
Petitioners  are  put  to  great  difficulties  in  Travelling  on  the  Lords 
Days,  with  our  Families — Your  Petitioners  therefore  Humbly  Pray 
Your  Excellency  and  Honours  to  take  their  circumstances  into 
Your  wise  and  Compassionate  Consideration  And  that  a part  of  the 
Town  of  Groton,  Beginning  at  the  line  between  Groton  and  Dun- 
stable where  it  crosses  Lancaster  River,  and  so  up  the  said  River 
until  it  comes  to  a Place  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  Joseph 
Blood’s  Ford  Way  on  said  River  thence  a West  Point  ’till  it  comes 
to  Townshend  line  &c.  With  such  a part  and  so  much  of  the 
Town  of  Dunstable  as  this  Honourable  Court  in  their  great  Wis- 
dom shall  think  proper,  with  the  Inhabitants  Thereon,  may  be 
Erected  into  a separate  and  distinct  Township*  that  so  they  may 
attend  the  Public  Worship  of  God  with  more  ease  than  at  present 
they  can,  by  reason  of  the  great  distance  they  live  from  the  Places 
thereof  as  aforesaid. 

And  Your  Petitioners,  as  in  Duty  bound,  shall  ever  Pray,  &c — 

Richard  Warner  Benjamin  Swallow  William  Allin 

Isaac  Williams  Ebenezer  Gilson  Ebenezer  Peirce 

Samuel  Fisk  John  Green  Josiah  Tucker 

Zachariah  Lawrence  Junr  William  Blood  Jeremiah  Lawrence 
Stephen  Eames  (Inhabitants  of  Groton)  13 


Enoch  Hunt 
William  Blanchard 
Samuel  Parker 
Philip  Wolrich 


Eleazer  Flegg  Samuel  Cumings 

Gideon  Houe  Josiah  Blood 

Samuel  Farle  William  Adams 

(Inhabitants  of  Dunstable)  10 


In  the  House  of  Reptves  Decr  12th  1739 
Read  and  Sent  up. 


J Quincy  Spkr 


DUNSTABLE. 


93 


In  Council  Decemr  14,  1739. 

Read  & Ordered  that  the  Petitioners  Serve  the  Towns  of  Dun- 
stable & Groton  with  Copy’s  of  the  Petition  that  they  respectively 
Shew  Cause  if  any  they  have  on  Wednesday  the  Twenty  sixth 
Currant  if  ye  Court  be  then  Sitting  if  not  on  ye  first  Tuesday  of  ye 
next  Session  why  the  Prayer  thereof  Should  not  be  granted. — 
Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Simon  Frost  Dep*  Sec17 

In  the  House  of  Reptves  Decr  14,  1739. 

Read  and  concur’ d J Quincy  Spkr 

15  : Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[ Consent  of  Certain  Inhabitants  of  Dunstable  to  New  Townshif , 

*739'] 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  277.] 


Wee  the  Subrs  Inhabts  of  ye  Town  of  Dunstable  & Residence  in 
that  part  of  it  Called  Nissitisitt  Do  hereby  Authorize  and  Fully 
Impower  Abraham  Taylor  Junr  and  Peter  Power  to  Represent  to 
Gen11  Court  our  unwillingness  that  any  Part  of  Dunstable  Should 
sett  off  to  Groton  to  make  a Township  or  Parrish  and  to  Shew 
forth  our  Earness  Desire  that  a Township  be  made  intirely  out  off 
Dunstable  Lands  Extending  Six  miles  North  from  Groton  Line 
which  will  Bring  the  on  the  Line  on  ye  Brake  of  Land  and  Just 
Include  the  Present  Setlers  : or  otherwise  As  ye  Hon11  Commitee 
Reported  and  Agreeable  to  the  tenour  thereoff  as  The  Honle  Court 
Shall  See  meet  and  as  in  Duty  bound  &c 
Dunstable  Decer  ye  21st  1739 


Thos  Dinsmore 
Willm  Adams 
Jame  Whiting 
Joseph  Me. Daniels 
Robert  Colborn 
Tho3  Navins 
Joshua  Walch 


Joseph  whitemb 
William  Nevins 
James  McrDaniels 
William  Colburn 
Peter  wheeler 
Nath11  Blood 
Henry  Berten 


Jonathan  malven 
Moses  Prctor 
Rundall  Mcidaniels 
Stephen  Harris 
David  Nevins 
Willum  Shattack 
Jerath  Cumings 


These  may  Sertifie  to  ye  Hon1  Court  that  there  is  Nomber  of 
Eleven  more  y4  has  not  Signed  this  Nor  ye  Petetion  of  Richard 
Worner  & others)  that  is  now  Setled  and  About  to  Setle 


94 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Answer  to  Richard  Warner's  Petition , //jp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  278.] 

Province  of  the  ) To  His  Excellency  The  Governour  The 
Massachusetts  Bay  5 Hon11  Councill  & House  of  Reptives  in  Gener- 
ali Court  Assembled  Decr  1739 

The  Answer  of  ye  Subscribers  agents  for  the  Town  of  Groton  to 
ye  Petition  of  Richard  Warner  & others  praying  that  part  of  Said 
Town  with  part  of  Dunstable  may  be  Erected  into  a Distinct  & 
Seperate  Township — 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  & Honr 

The  Town  of  Groton  Duely  Assembled  and  Taking  into  Con- 
sideration ye  Reasonableness  of  Said  Petition  have  Voted  their 
Willingness  That  the  prayer  of  ye  Petition  be  Granted  as  ^ their 
vote  herewith  humbly  presented  appears,  with  this  Alteration 
Namely  That  they  Include  the  River  (viz*  Nashua  River)  over 
wch  is  a Bridge,  built  Intirely  to  Accomodate  Said  Petitioners  here- 
tofore, & your  Respondents  therefore  Apprehend  it  is  but  Just  & 
Reasonable  the  Same  should  for  the  future  be  by  them  Maintain’d 
if  they  are  Set  of  from  us 

Your  Respondents  Pursuant  to  ye  Vote  Aforesaid  humbly  move 
to  your  Excellency  & Honrs  That  no  more  of  Dunstable  be  Laid  to 
Groton  Then  Groton  have  voted  of,  for  one  Great  Reason  that  In- 
duced Sundry  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  Groton  to  come  into  Said  Vote 
was  This  Namely  They  owning  a very  Considerable  part  of  the 
Lands  Voted  to  be  Set  of  as  aforesd  were  willing  to  Condesend  to 
ye  Desires  of  their  neighbours  Apprehending  that  meeting  House 
being  Erected  on  or  near  ye  Groton  Lands  & a minister  Settled  it 
w7ould  Raise  their  Lands  in  Vallue  but  should  a Considerable  part 
of  Dunstable  be  set  of  more  then  of  Groton  it  must  of  Course  draw 
the  Meeting  House  farther  from  ye  Groton  Inhabitants  wch  would 
be  very  hurtfull  both  to  the  people  petitioners  & those  that  will  be 
Non  Resident  proprietors  if  the  Township  is  made 

wherefore  they  pray  That  Said  New  Township  may  be  Incor- 
porated Agreeble  to  Grotons  Vote  vizt  made  Equally  out  of  both 
Towns  & as  in  duty  bound  shall  Ever  pray 

Nathn  Sartell 
william  Lawrance 


DUNSTABLE. 


95 


[ Vote  of  Dunstable  Inhabitants,  i/jp-] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  280.] 

Att  a meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Dunstable  Reg- 
ularly Assembled  at  Dunstable  on  fryday  the  21st  day  of  December 

J739 

Unanimously  Voted  that  none  ot  the  lands  in  Dunstable  be  sett 
off  to  Joyn  with  Groton  to  make  a Seperate  Township — 

Also  Voted  that  Eleazer  Tyng  & Joseph  Blanchard  Esqrs  Messr3 
John  French  John  Kendall  & Abram  Taylor  Junr  be  a Comtee  De- 
sired & fully  Impowered  Joyntly  & Severally,  to  Reply  And  make 
Answer  to  the  Petition  of  Some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Dunstable 
And  Groton  Petitioning  to  be  made  a Seperate  Township  as  enter- 
ed ye  12th  CurP  And  to  Shew  reason  why  the  prayer  therof 
Ought  not  to  be  granted 

a true  Copy  Extracted  from  ye  Votes  of  sd  meeting 

Att*  Joseph  Blanchard  Town  Cler 


[ Vote  of  Groton  Inhabitants,  iyjp.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  281.] 

At  a Legall  town  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  & freeholders  of 
the  town  of  Groton  assembled  December  ye  24th  1739 

voted  and  Chose  Cap*  William  Lawrance  Modderator  for  Said 
meeting  &c  : — 

In  Answer  to  the  Petion  of  Richard  warnor  & others  voted  that 
the  Land  with  the  Inhabitance  mentioned  in  Said  Petion  Including 
the  River  from  Dunstable  Line  to  ye  ford  way  Called  and  Known 
by  ye  Name  of  Joseph  Bloods  ford  way  : be  Set  of  from  the  town 
of  Groton  to  Joyn  with  Sum  of  the  westordly  Part  of  the  town  of 
Dunstable  to  make  a Distinct  and  Sepprate  town  Ship  Provided 
that  their  be  no  : More  taken  from  Dunstable  then  from  Groton  in 
macking  of  Said  new  town — 

Also  voted  that  Nathaniel  Sawtell  Esqr  and  Capfc  William  Law- 
rance be  Agiants  In  the  affair  or  Either  of  them  to  wait  upon  the 
Great  and  Generial  Cort : to  use  their  Best  inDeaver  to  Set  off  the 
Land  as  aforesd  So  that  the  one  half  of  ye  Said  new  town  may  be 
made  out  of  Groton  and  no  : more  : 


96 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Abstract  Examined  & Compaird  of  the  town  book  of  Record  for 
Groton  ^ 

Jonah  Sheple  Town  Clark 

Groton  Decembr  24th  A : D : 1739 


[. Remonstrance  against  a New  Township, 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol  114,  p.  282.] 

Province  of  ye  > To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Gov- 
Masstt5  Bay  $ ernour  &c  To  The  Hon1  His  Majesty’s  Councill 
& House  of  Representatives  in  Gen11  Court  Assembled  Decem- 
ber 1739— 

Whereas  Some  few  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Groton  & Dunstable 
have  Joyned  in  their  Petition  to  this  Hon1  Court  to  be  erected  with 
Certain  Lands  into  a Township  As  ^ their  Petition  entered  the 
12th  Curr4  which  prayer  if  granted  will  very  much  Effect  ye  Quiet 
& Interest  of  the  Inhabitants  on  the  northerly  part  of  Groton 

Wherefore  the  Subscribers  most  Humbly  begg  leave  To  Remon- 
strate to  ye  Excellency  & Hon13  the  great  & Numerous  Damages 
that  wee  and  many  Others  Shall  Sustain  if  their  Petition  Shou’d  be 
granted  and  would  Humbly  Shew — 

That  the  Contents  of  Groton  is  ab4  forty  Thousand  Acres  Good 
Land  Sufficient  & happily  Situated  for  two  Townships,  And  have 
on  or  near  Two  Hundred  & Sixty  Family’s  Setled  there  with 
Large  Accommodations  for  many  more — 

That  the  land  pray’d  for  Out  of  Groton  Could  it  be  Spared  is  in 
a very  Incommodious  place,  & will  render  a Division  of  the 
remaining  part  of  the  town  Impracticable  & no  ways  Shorten  the 
travil  of  the  remotest  Inhabitnts — 

That  it  will  leave  the  town  from  the  northeast  end  to  the  South- 
west end  at  least  fourteen  miles  and  no  possibillity  for  those  ends 
to  be  Accommodated  at  any  Other  place  wch  will  render  the 
Difficulties  we  havelong  Laboured  under  without  Remidy — 

That  part  of  the  lands  Petitioned  for  (will  when  This  Hon1 
Court  Shall  see  meet  to  Divide  us)  be  in  & near  the  Middle 
of  one  of  ye  Townships — 

And  Altho  the  number  of  thirteen  persons  is  there  Sett  forth  to 
Petition. — it  is  wrong  and  Delusive  Severall  of  them  gave  no 
Consent  to  Any  Such  thing  And  to  Compleat  their  Guile  have 


DUNSTABLE. 


97 


entered  the  names  of  four  persons  who  has  no  Interest  in  that  part 
of  the  town  viz  Swallow  Tucker  Ames  & Green  That  there  is  near 
Double  the  number  On  ye  Lands  Petitd  for  and  Setled  amongst 
them  who  Declare  Against  their  Proceedings.  & here  Signifie  the 
Same  That  many  of  us  now  are  at  Least  Seven  miles  from  Our 
meeting  And  the  Only  Encouragement  to  Settle  there  was  the 
undeniable  Accommodations  to  make  An  Other  town  without  wch 
we  Should  by  no  means  have  undertaken — 

That  if  this  their  Petn  Shou’d  Succed — Our  hopes  must  Perrish — 
thay  by  no  means  benifitted — & we  put  to  all  the  Hardships 
Immaginable.  That  the  whole  tract  of  Land  thay  pray  may  be 
Taken  Out  of  groton  Contain  about  Six  or  Seven  Thousand 
Acres,  (the  Quantity  And  Situation  may  be  Seen  on  ye  plan  here- 
with And  but  Ab*  four  Or  five  hundred  Acres  therof  Owned  by 
the  Petirs  And  but  very  Small  Improvements  On  that — Under  all 
wch  Circumstances  wee  Humbly  Conceive  it  unreasonable  for  them 
to  desire  thus  to  Harass  and  perplex  us.  Nor  is  it  by  Any  means 
for  the  Accommodation  of  Dunstable  thus  to  Joyn  who  have  land  of 
their  Own  Sufficient  and  none  to  Spare  without  prejudicing  their 
begun  Settlement  Wherefore  we  most  Humbly  pray  Ye  Excellency 
& Honr3  to  Compassionate — Our — Circumstances  And  that  thay 
may  not  be  Sett  off  And  as  in  Duty  bound  &c 


Benja  Parker 
Samuel  Shattuck  jn 
Jonathan  Shattuck 
John  Chambrlen 
Thomas  Fish 
David  Shattuck 
John  Scott 
John  Swallow 
Enoch  larwance 
wiliam  Cumings 


John  Woods 
Joseph  Spoaldeng  j 
Nath11  Parker 
Jacob  Lakin 
Henery  gebes 
John  Shattuck 
Samuel  Wright 
Isaac  Woods 
Jonathan  woods 
James  Green 
Joseph  Blood 


Josiah  Sartell 
er  James  Larwance 
James  Shattuck 
John  Cumings 
Isaac  Lakin 
Seth  Phillips 
Benja  Robines 
William  Spoalding 
John  Blood 
Nathaniel  Lawrence  jr 


98 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Consent  of  Certain  Dunstable  Inhabitants  to  New  Township, 

I739-~] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  285.] 

Province  of  ye  ^ To  His  Excellency  Jona  Belcher  Esqr  Govr 
Massachusetts  Bay  >&c  the  Hon1  his  Majesty  Council  & House  of 
New  England  9 Representatives  in  Gen11  Court  Assembled 
December  26 : 1739 

Wee  the  Subscribers  Proprs  of  Lands  in  the  Township  of  Dun- 
stable at  and  near  Nissitisset  wou’d  hereby  Signifie  to  Yor  Excel- 
lency & Honrs  Our  Desire  and  Consent  that  the  Lands  there  may 
be  Erected  into  a Distinct  and  Seperate  township  According  to  the 
tenour  and  form  of  the  Report  made  by  the  Gen11  Courts  Comtee 
Appointed  to  view  the  Circumstances  of  that  Place  & As  in  Duty 
bound  &c 

Joseph  Blanchard  John  kendall 

Oliver  Farwell  Ben:Farwell 

Joseph  Phillips  Jos  : French 

John  Rush  by  order  Joseph  Wise 

Dunstable  Decemr  ye  22d  1739. 

These  May  Certify  Whom  it  may  Concern  yt  I Whose  Name  is 
hereunto  Subscribd  Notwithstanding  our  Names  are  in  ye  Petition 
of  Richard  Worner  & others  Inhabts  of  Groton  & Dunstable  that 
we  Never  Signed  nor  were  Concenting  nor  by  any  meens  Gave 
order  for  ye  Same 

his 

Will™  CO  Adams 

mark 


Isaac  Farwell 
John  Fowle  Junr 
Jos  Whitcomb 


[Remonstrance  of  Certain  Dunstable  Inhabitants , //jp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  286.] 

Province  of  ye  )To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher 
Massachusetts  Bay  5 Esc£  Governour  &c  To  The  Hon1  his 
Majestys  Council  & house  of  Representatives  in  Gen1  Court  Assem- 
bled December  ye  26  1739 


DUNSTABLE. 


99 


Whereas  Some  few  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Dunstable  And  Groton  at 
and  near  Nissitissett  (so  Called)  have  Joyned  in  their  Petition  to 
this  Hon1  Court,  as  entered  the  12th  Curr1  Praying  that  Certain 
Lands  in  Groton  together  with  part  of  Dunstable  may  be  erected 
into  a township — 

Wherefore  Wee  the  Subscribers  being  Authorized  thereunto  by 
The  Town  of  Dunstable  most  Humbly  beg  Leave  to  remonstrate, 
the  greate  Difficulties  And  hardships  (should  their  request  be 
granted)  it  wou’d  put  us  to 

first — Because  the  Lands  in  Dunstable  (as  reported  by  the 
Comtee  of  this  Hon1  Court,  who  went  to  view)  are  in  a Sutable  & 
Commodious  form  to  be  a Seperate  Township  And  good  Land 
Sufficient  to  make  a Compact  & good  Town  And  so  Situated 
that  Should  the  Southerly  part  be  taken  off  to  groton  it  would 
render  it  Improbable  for  many  of  the  Inhabitants  now  Settled  there 
and  those  who  will  hereafter — which  many  is  prepareing  to  do, 
ever  to  be  Accommodated  to  Any  Other  meeting — 

And  Altho  the  Original  Grant  of  Our  Township  Included  a 
Large  Quantity  of  Land,  Yet  greatest  part  therof  was  in  farms 
before — nor  had  the  grantees  or  Settlers  very  Little  Benfit  by 
any  Excepting  what  Lyes  in  the  Said  tract  at  Nissitissett ; in  all 
Other  parts  the  Lands  was  mean  And  Slips  Left  amongst  the  farms 
all  the  good  Lands  on  Merrimack  Nashua  & Souhegan  Rivers  and 
almost  All  Other  good  Spots,  was  before  granted  (Excepting  what 
Lay  there)  so  that  very  Considerable  part  of  Our  first  Divisions 
has  been  Lay’d  Out  at  and  near  the  sd  Nissitissett. — 

The  Remoteness  of  those  lands  And  the  Lamentable  Experience 
of  the  Danger  of  Indians  Compelled  us  (in  Order  to  Comply  with 
ye  terms  of  Our  grant,  to  buy  the  farms  on  Merrimack  where  we 
are  now  Settled,  And  Altho  Our  Town  has  been  thus  Settled  this 
Sixty  years  Our  Families  & Estates  we  may  say  has  usually  Served 
for  a yearly  Sacrifice  for  the  Heathen — 

That  the  Lands  at  and  near  Nissitissett  which  was  all  the  bene- 
fit we  Could  promis  Our  Selves  ; at  so  Dear  a price,  has  now  a 
fair  prospect  If  we  may  not  be  hack’t  by  Other  Towns,  when  we 
can  Settle  those  Lands  (which  has  for  Some  time  made  Consider- 
able Progress)  in  some  very  Small  degree  make  up  for  our  former 
Sufferings,  but  if  half  a township  Should  be  Sett  to  Groton  Our 
hopes  would  prove  Abortive  And  Our  gains  Immaginary  for  very 
Considerable  part  of  our  Interest  there,  (which  Our  more  then 
forty  Years  hardships  in  this  wilderness  has  procured  & those 
Lands  never  Accomodated  to  Any  Other  place  And  Altho  the 


IOO 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Contents  in  Dunstable  is  more  then  Six  miles  North  And  South. 
Yet  ther’s  not  more  than  that  Distance  from  Groton  line  that  can 
Admitt  of  Settlement,  And  Come  that  way  by  Reason  of  Mountain- 
ous & Barren  Lands  As  by  a Comtee  of  Dunstable  was  Observed  to 
the  Hon1  Comtee  who  went  to  view  (when  On  the  Spot)  and  a 
Further  view  Insisted  on  unless  Groton,  And  the  peti13  would  Alow 
& own,  which  they  readily  did — And  that  in  Laying  out  our  Lands 
we  Suted  our  Division  for  the  making  a township  wholly  in  Dun- 
stable And  the  present  Inhabitants  Are  Settled  there  Accordingly 
under  that  Expectation  Nor  is  there  Any  one  Nonresident  propr 
whose  Gen11  Interest  it  wou’d  be  to  have  Any  Off  our  Lands  Joyned 
to  Groton  nor  reason  to  Suspect  it,  unless  Some  wrong  Sugges- 
tions has  been  made,  and  then  twou’d  only  Touch  the  ears  of  those 
who  never  Saw  the  place 

When  ye  Comtee  before  mentnd  was  On  ye  Spot  the  nonresident 
Prop1-3  had  been  Duly  Notified,  And  many  of  them  by  them  Selves 
or  Agents  Appeard  And  Signified  their  unwillingness  And  the 

Disadvantage  it  wou’d  put  them  Under  to  be  Joyned  to  Groton 

And  Wee  beg  Leave  farther  Humbly  to  Shew  That  thay  have 
pretended  the  Names  of  ten  persons  in  Dunstable  to  that  Petin  wch 
is  unfair  And  A Sham,  for  Some  of  them  Never  Consented  to  Any 
Such  Request  As  ^ Certificates  herewith,  And  two  more  of  them 
has  not  One  peneworth  of  Real  Estate  in  Dunstable,  viz1  Gideon 
Houe  & Phillip  Olerick  (or)  Wolrick,  the  Sd  Gideon  being  a 
minor  And  only  transiently  there  his  Guardian  nor  Relations  has 
no  Interest  in  that  part  of  the  town  nor  knew  of  his  Name  being 

thus  Used,  by  them  in  AnyPeti11 

And  had  thay  thus  Increased  their  numbers  Still,  it  would  have 

Served  for  but  A mere  Amusement 

The  Whole  Quantity  of  Lands  Owned  by  them  all  in  Dunstable 
Amounts  to  but  About  five  Hundred  Acres  w**  is  not  more  then  the 
fortieth  part. 

And  tho  thay  have  been  pleased  to  Sett  forth  Samuel  Parker  as 
One  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Dunstable,  tis  making  their  work  all  of  a 
peice  for  their  is  no  Such  Inhabitant  in  the  Town  nor  ever  was 
And  upon  the  whole  we  Humbly  Conceive  their  Request  to  be 
altogether  unreasonable.  And  that  if  desining  men  are  thus 
Emitted  to  force  their  Scheems  & Perplex  their  neighbours  without 
Any  Umbrage  or  Shadow  for  what  thay  do  ’twill  give  us  Continual 
trouble — 

Wherefore  we  most  humbly  pray  Your  Excellency  & Honre  to 
take  the  premises  into  Your  wise  Consideration  And  that  No  part 


DURHAM. 


IOI 


of  the  Lands  in  Dunstable  may  be  Sett  of  to  Groton  And  As  in 
Duty  Bound  Shall  ever  pray — 

Eleazer  Tyng 
Joseph  Blanchard 
John  french  i>Comtee 

John  kendell 
Abraham  Taylor  Junr 


DURHAM. 

[Petitioned  to  be  set  off  from  Dover  as  a parish  by  the  name  of  Oyster  River , 
May  27,  1669.  Incorporated  as  Durham,  May  15,  1732.  Lee  was  set  off  and 
incorporated  Jan.  16,  1766.  The  south  line  of  the  town  was  established  June  19, 
1818.  A portion  of  Durham  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Newmarket,  July  2, 
1870. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers, 
234;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  566;  Index  to  Laws,  159;  Life  of  John 
Sullivan,  by  Thomas  C.  Amory,  1868,  pp.  320;  Memoir  of  Ebenezer  Thompson, 
by  Mary  P.  Thompson,  1886,  pp.  86;  sketches  of  history,  5,  Collections  of  N. 
H.  Historical  Society,  p.  129;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Strafford  County,  1882, 
p.  616.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1660.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Oyster  River  It  is 
Ordered  that  major  Atherton  Joyne  wth  Captn  Wiggens  in  keeping 
the  next  County  Court  at  strawbery  bancke  & Yorke.  And  that 
he  wth  the  rest  of  the  Comissioners  Joyned  wth  him  for  examining  & 
setling  the  respective  Interests  & rights  of  Mr  ffoxwell  Jourdan  & 
Phillips,  doe  heare  examine  & determine  the  matter  in  difference 
betwene  Dover  & oyster  River  and  that  all  parties  Concerned 
therein  doe  Attend  the  same  at  Strawberry  bancke  at  the  afore- 
said Court,  and  that  any  three  of  the  Comissioners  Major  Atherton 
being  one  be  Impowred  to  act  in  all  the  premisses./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  19,  1669.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Oyster  River.  The 
Court,  by  yeu  Comittee  having  heard  ye  petitioners  wth  what  Cap1 
Walderne  Alleadged  in  behalfe  of  Dover,  that  that  Toune  is  not 


102 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Informed  of  this  motion  & by  perusing  many  papers  presented  in 
the  case  together  wth  what  is  granted  & yeilded  on  both  hands  It 
is  hopefull  there  may  be  an  agreement  & Setlement  of  things  be- 
twixt themselves  wch  this  Court  Comends  to  them  Judging  it  best 
that  they  should  jointly  agree  upon  termes  wch  may  be  most 
advantagious  to  each  other  & for  publick  good  and  for  that  end 
Judge  it  meet  to  respit  the  case  till  next  sessions  of  this  Court 
when  what  they  shall  Agree  upon  may  be  confirmed  by  this  Court 
or  in  case  of  non  agreement  the  petitioners  to  give  notice  in  due 
season  to  their  neighbours  & brethren  of  their  Intendmts  further  to 
prosecute  this  motion  of  being  a Touneship  at  the  next  sessions  of 
this  Court  that  so  they  may  have  an  oppertunity  to  make  answer 
thereto 


\_Petition  of  Oyster  River  to  Be  Made  a Township,  i66^.~\ 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  io,  p.  104.] 

To  the  much  honoured  Generali  Court  of  the  Massachusets 
assembled  at  Boston  May  19 : 1669  : the  humble  petition  of  the 
inhabitants  of  oyster  River  is  as  followeth  : 

The  consideration  of  your  prudent  and  pious  care  for  the  carry- 
ing on,  the  main  end  of  planting  this  colonie,  in  the  setling  reli- 
gion, and  promoting  the  welfare  of  souls  in  everie  part  of  it  sub- 
ject to  your  goverment,  doth  imbolden  us  (Who  are  also  in  some 
measure  sensible  of  the  great  end  we  came  into  the  world  for,  the 
advancement  of  the  glorie  of  god  in  our  own  salvation)  to  present 
this  humble  address  unto  your  selves  : It  is  not  unknown  to  some 
of  you  that  the  inhabitants  of  Dover  (of  whom  for  the  present  we 
are  a part)  manie  years  since,  taking  into  consideration  the 
intolerable  inconvenience  of  our  travail,  manie  miles,  part  by  land, 
part  by  water  manie  times  by  both,  to  the  publick  worship  of  god, 
and  the  necessarie  stay  of  manie  of  us  from  publick  worship,  who 
cannot  undergo  the  difficulties  of  travail  to  it,  it  was  then  publickly 
agreed  and  concluded,  that  there  should  be  two  ministers  at  Dover 
the  one  in  oyster  River,  the  other  at  Dover  neck,  as  appears  by  a 
town  act,  bearing  date  the  fourteenth  of  the  fifth  fiftie  one,  the 
means  of  calling  and  maintaining  both  which  are  one,  yet  while 
we  continue  with  them  there  is  noe  power  improved  on  our  behalfe, 
to  that  end,  nor  have  we  anie  of  our  selves,  whereby  we  have  a 
long  time,  and  at  present  groan  under  intolerable  inconveniences, 


DURHAM. 


103 


our  ministrie  being  greatly  weakened,  yea  and  hazarded  thereby 
having  neither  head,  nor  hand,  to  move  in  order  to  calling  when 
without,  or  setling  and  mantaing  when  obtained,  and  it  being 
so  difficult  for  us  to  attend  civill  meetings  there  that  often  most  of  us 
cannot  be  there,  whence  we  are  in  danger  to  be  neglected,  or  not 
so  taken  care  of,  nor  our  affairs  so  well  provided  for  as  if  we  were 
a township  of  our  selves,  we  being  in  all  two  hundred  and  twentie 
souls,  near  fiftie  families,  seventy  and  od  souldiers,  a convenient  num- 
ber of  free  men,  humbly  request  this  honoured  Court  to  grant  us  that 
so  benificiall  a priviledge  of  becoming  a township  with  such  bounds, 
as  have  been  alreadie  granted  us,  or  shall  be  thought  meet  by  this 
honoured  Court,  and  for  this  end  we  have  sent  John  woodman  an 
inhabitant  among  us  and  give  him  power  to  join  anie  with  him,  as 
he  shall  see  meet  for  ye  managing  of  this  our  petition,  and  prose- 
cution of  our  further  reasons;  committed  to  him,  should  this  hon- 
oured Court  whose  care  we  know  extendeth  to  us  among  the  rest 
of  this  colonie,  vouchsafe  us  a favourable  answer  to  this  request 
where  as  as  now  our  hearts  and  hands  are  weakened,  in  the  work, 
provision  for  the  ministrie  standing  at  a stay,  the  old  and  young  in 
families  too  much  neglected  others  of  good  use  who  would  join  with 
us  discouraged,  untill  wee  become  a township,  some  readie  to 
leave  us  if  things  stand  as  they  doe,  we  trust  upon  your  grant  you 
would  soon  finde  our  number  increasing,  our  hearts  and  hands 
strengthened  in  the  work  of  god,  our  care  more  vigorous  for  an 
able  orthodox  minister,  our  families  instructed  according  to  law, 
our  selves  growing  in  truth  and  peace  to  gods  glorie,  our  content, 
and  your  good,  and  we  shall  not  cease  to  pray  to  god  almightie 
for  a blessing  upon  you  in  all  your  weightie  concerns  and  sub- 
scribe our  selves  yours  in  all  humble  observance 


John  Bicford. 
William  Beard. 
Charles  Adams. 
Nicolas  Doe. 

John  : Medar 
Thomas  : Edgerlie  : 
Davie  : Daniell 
Zacharias  Field 
Edward : lethers 
Teag  : Royall : 
Joseph  : Stimson  : 
James  Huckins 
James  : Thomas  : 


Richard  yorke. 
Robert : Burnam  : 
Steven  Jones, 
vid  : Elizabeth  : Drew 
Thomas  : Willie 
William  : Perkinson  : 
Thomas  : Drew  : 

John  : Goddard  : 
William  : Randall : 
Salathiel : Denbow  : 
John  Smith 
Robert : Watson : 
Walter  : Jacson  : 


John  : Davis. 

Phillip  : Chesly. 
Walter  Matthews. 

: John  Woodman 
John.  Hill. 

Benjamin  : Matthews 
Joseph  : Field  : 
Matthew : williams  : 
William  Pitman 
Bernard.  Pope. 
James  : Smith  : 
Patricke  : Jenison  : 
Francis:  Drew: 


104  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

Having  heard  the  Petitioners,  wth  what  aleadged  by  Cap1  Wald- 
rene  in  ye  behalfe  of  Dover,  That,  that  Towne  is  not  informed  of 
this  Motion.  And  by  fusing  many  Pages  Rented  in  ye  case, 
together  wth  what  is  granted  & yeilded  on  both  Lands,  we  have 
grounds  to  hope,  there  may  be  an  agreem1  & settlem1  of  things 
betwixt  ymselves,  wch  we  commend  to  ym,  Conceiving  it  best  that 
they  should  Jointly  agree  upon  tearmes,  ye  wch  may  be  most  advan- 
tagious  to  each  other  & for  Publike  good  : & for  yt  end  Judge  it 
meete  to  respit  ye  case  till  next  sessions  of  this  Court,  when  what 
they  shall  agree  upon  may  be  Confirmed  by  this  Court,  or  in  case 
of  Non  agreem1,  These  Petitioners  to  give  notice  in  due  season  to 
theire  Neighbours  & bretheren  of  their  Intendm1  further  to  ^secute 
this  Motion  of  being  a Township  at  the  next  sessions  of  this  Court 
that  so  they  may  have  opportunity  to  make  answer  thereto 

May  25,  1669  : John  Pynchon  :/ 

Edw  : Johnson 
William.  Parker 

The  Deputyes  approve  of  the  returne  of  the  Committee  in 
answer  to  this  petn  Or  Honord  magists  consenting  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

27  May  1669  Consented  to  by  ye  magists 

Edw  : Rawson  Secret’y 


FITZWILLIAM. 

[Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors  as  Monadnock  No.  4,  Jan.  15,  1752,  to 
Roland  Cotton  and  others.  Regranted  May  2,  1765,  to  Col.  Sampson  Stoddard 
and  others,  and  sometimes  called  Stoddard' s-town.  Incorporated  as  Fitzwilliam, 
May  1 7,  1773,  and  named  in  honor  of  the  Earl  of  Fitzwilliam.  A portion  of  this 
town  was  included  in  the  limits  of  Troy,  incorporated  June  23,  1815.  The  line 
between  Fitzwilliam  and  Rindge  was  established  June  17,  1847. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  670;  Index  to  Laws,  190;  historical  sketch 
Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  200;  History,  from  1752  to  1887,  by 
John  F.  Norton,  1888,  pp.  829.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  28,  1731.] 

Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq ; brought  down  from  the  Honourable  Board, 
a Petition  of  Joseph  Putney  and  sundry  others,  in  behalf  of  them- 
selves and  other  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of  Land  lying  between 


GOFFSTOWN. 


105 


the  Colony-Line  & Oxford , praying,  That  the  Inhabitants  and 
Lands  therein  mentioned,  may  be  erected  into  a seperate  and  dis- 
tinct Township,  agreeable  to  the  Boundaries  set  forth  in  the  Peti- 
tion, for  Reasons  mentioned.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council, 
May  28.  1731.  Read,  and 

Ordered , That  the  Petitioners  serve  the  Town  of  Oxjord  with 
a Copy  of  this  Petition,  that  so  they  may  shew  Cause  (if  any  they 
have)  on  the  first  Fry  day  of  the  next  Session  of  this  Court,  why 
the  Prayer  thereof  should  not  be  granted. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  Concurred. 


GOFFSTOWN. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Narragansett  No.  4,  Feb,  9,  1733-4.  Granted 
by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  3,  1748,  to  Rev.  Thomas  Parker,  of  Dracut, 
Mass.,  and  others.  It  was  also  called  Shove' s-town.  Incorporated  as  GofFstown, 
June  16,  1761,  and  named  for  Col.  John  Goffe.  The  charter  was  renewed  April  5, 
1 763 . A portion  of  the  town  was  combined  with  parts  of  Dunbarton  and  Chester 
to  make  up  the  town  of  Hooksett,  July  2,  1822.  Some  islands  in  Merrimack  River 
were  annexed  June  20,  1825.  Isaac  Parker’s  farm  was  severed  from  New  Boston 
and  annexed  June  18,  1836.  The  line  between  Dunbarton  and  Goffstown  was 
established  Jan.  7,  1853.  A portion  of  Goffstown  was  annexed  to  Manchester, 
July  1,  1853. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  306;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  25;  Index  to 
Laws,  209;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1886, 
P-  303-] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  27,  1726.] 

A Petition  of  fohn  Sargent , and  others,  praying  for  a Grant  of 
a Tract  of  Land  at  Amaskeeg-Falls  on  Merrimack-River,  as 
Entred  the  14 th.  of  Afril  last,  and  referred  to  this  Session.  Read 
and  referred  to  the  next  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1732.] 

A Memorial  oi  Benjamin  Woodbridge  and  Thomas  Arnold  for 
themselves  and  Associates,  praying  that  their  former  Petition  for  a 


io  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  a Place  called  Amaskeeg  Falls  on 
Merrimack  River  for  a Township  may  be  revived.  Read  and 
Ordered,  That  the  Petition  lie  on  the  Table. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  24,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Woodbridge  and  Thomas  Arnold  for 
themselves  and  as  Agents  for  sundry  Inhabitants  of  Newbury , 
Haverhill , Almsbury , and  Salisbury,  praying  for  a Grant  of  a 
Tract  of  Land  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Merrimack  River  at  a Place 
called  Amaskeeg-Falls  of  the  Contents  of  about  Seven  Miles 
square,  whereon  to  make  a Township  for  the  Reasons  mentioned. 
Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  John  Chandler  and  Edward  Goddard,  Esqrs ; and  Mr. 
Samuel  Chandler  be  a Committee  to  prepare  some  proper  Vote 
for  regulating  the  Township,  and  report  thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  6,  1732.] 

Major  Chandler  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  24^.  ult.  on 
the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Woodbridge  and  others  for  a Township 
made  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  in  Answer  to  the 
said  Petition,  Ordered,  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to 
the  Petitioners  a Tract  of  Land  of  seven  Miles  square  at  the  place 
petitioned  for,  and  to  be  laid  out  as  follows,  viz.  to  begin  at  the 
North  East  Corner  of  the  Narraganset  Town  laid  out  at  Souhegan , 
and  to  extend  the  North  bounds  of  said  Town  to  Merrimack  River 
and  from  the  North  east  corner  of  said  Narraganset  Town  to 
extend  Westward  bounding  North  on  said  Town,  so  as  to  make 
seven  miles  in  the  whole  from  Merrimack  River  aforesaid,  and 
then  to  extend  Northwest  seven  miles,  and  to  bound  easterly  on 
said  River,  and  from  the  extent  of  seven  miles  northerly  to  extend 
Westerly  a parallel  line  with  said  Narraganset  Town  till  the  com- 
plement be  made  up,  said  Tract  of  Land  to  be  laid  out  by  a Sur- 
veyor and  Chainmen  under  Oath,  a Plan  thereof  to  be  returned  to 
this  Court  at  their  next  May  Session  for  confirmation,  the  said 
Land  by  them  to  be  settled  on  the  Conditions  following,  viz.  that 
they  within  the  space  of  four  Year  from  the  confirmation  of  the 


GOFFSTOWN. 


107 


Plan  have  on  the  spot  eighty  Families,  each  settler  to  build  a good 
convenient  dwelling  House  one  story  high,  eighteen  feet  square  at 
the  least,  and  fence  clear  and  bring  to  fit  for  improvement  four 
acres,  and  three  acres  more  well  stock’d  with  english  Grass,  and 
also  lay  out  three  shares  throughout  the  Town  each  share  to  be 
one  eighty  third  part  of  the  said  Tract,  one  of  said  Shares  to  be 
for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry  and  one  for  the 
School ; and  also  build  a convenient  Meeting  House,  and  settle  a 
Learned  and  Orthodox  Minister  within  the  term  aforesaid ; and 
that  there  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  Province  40  Acres  of  Land 
adjoyning  to  Amaskeeg-Falls  for  the  benefit  of  fishing,  viz . fifty 
rods  above  and  fifty  rods  below  the  Falls,  and  to  extend  Westward 
from  the  River  sixty  four  perch. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  8,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Woodbridge  & One  Hundred  & Nine- 
teen others  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  of  Seven  miles  square  at 
a place  called  Ameskeog  Falls  on  Merrimack  River  for  Settling 
themselves  or  their  Children  thereon  on  such  Conditions  as  this 
Court  shall  judge  fit — 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Petition 
Ordered  that  there  be  & hereby  is  Granted  unto  the  Petitionrs  a 
Tract  of  Land  of  Seven  miles  Square  at  the  place  petition’d  for  & 
to  be  laid  out  as  follows — viz — To  begin  at  the  Northwest  Corner 
of  the  Narragansett  Town  laid  out  at  Sohegan  & to  Extend  to 
the  North  Bounds  of  sd  Town  to  Merrimack  River,  & from  the 
North  East  Corner  of  sd  Narraganset  Town  to  extend  Westward, 
Bounding  North  on  sd  Town,  so  as  to  make  Seven  Miles  in  the 
whole  from  Merrimack  River  aforesd  & then  to  Extend  Northward 
Seven  Miles,  & to  Bound  Easterly  on  sd  River,  & from  the  Extent 
of  Seven  miles  Northerly  to  Extend  Westerly  a Parallel  Line  with 
the  said  Narragansett  Town  till  the  Compliment  be  made  up ; 
Said  Tract  of  Land  to  be  Laid  out  by  a Surveyr  & chain  Men  on 
Oath  a Plan  thereof  to  be  returned  to  this  Court  at  their  next  May 
Session  for  Confirmation,  The  sd  Land  by  them  to  be  Settled  on 
the  following  Conditions  viz.  that  they  within  the  Space  of  four 
Years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan  have  on  the  Spot  Eighty 
Families,  each  Settler  to  build  a good  convenient  Dwelling  House 
one  Story  high,  Eighteen  feet  Square  at  the  least  & fence,  clear 


io8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& bring  to  fit  for  Improver^  four  Acres,  & three  Acres  more  well 
stock’d  with  English  Grass,  & also  lay  out  three  Shares,  thro’out 
the  Town,  Each  Share  to  be  one  Eighty  third  part  of  sd Tract,  One 
of  the  sd  Shares  to  be  for  the  first  Settled  Minister,  One  for  the 
Ministry  & one  for  the  School,  & also  build  a Convenient  Meeting 
House  & Settle  a learned  Orthodox  Minister  within  the  Term 
aforesaid  And  that  there  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  province, 
forty  Acres  of  Land,  adjoining  to  Ameskeog  Falls  for  the  Benefit 
of  fishing,  Viz.  fifty  rods  above  & fifty  rods  below  the  Falls,  & to 
Extend  Westward  from  the  River  Sixty  four  Perch — 

In  Council  Read  & Non  Concur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  9,  1733-4.] 

One  other  Plat  laid  out  to  the  Narraganset  Grantees  called  by 
them  the  Township  Number  four  laid  out  on  Merrimack  River , of 
the  contents  of  six  Miles  square,  exclusive  of  fifty  acres  allowance 
for  the  use  of  the  Fishery  at  Amaskeeg  Falls , and  three  thousand 
and  seventy  acres  for  poor  Land  and  Ponds,  in  the  whole  twenty- 
six  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  beginning  at  a Pitch 
Pine  Tree  standing  on  the  westerly  side  of  Merrimack  River  at 
the  foot  of  Annahooksett  Falls  on  Suncook  Line.  Read  and 
Ordered , That  the  Platt  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Lands  set  forth 
and  described  in  the  within  Plat  of  the  Township  Number  four  be 
and  hereby  are  confirmed  unto  one  hundred  and  twenty  of  the 
original  Grantees  their  heirs  and  assigns,  viz.  that  Society  of  them 
of  which  Mr.  Edward  Shove  and  others  were  appointed  a Com- 
mittee for  regulating  the  said  Township  Number  four,  so  called  at 
a general  Meeting  of  the  Narraganset  Grantees  in  Boston  the 
sixth  day  of  June  last,  as  by  the  Grantees  Votes  and  Orders  may 
appear,  provided  the  Plat  contains  no  more  than  the  quantity  of 
Land  within  mentioned,  and  that  there  be  reserved  such  a quantity 
of  Land  at  the  fishing  place  at  and  near  Amaskeeg  Falls  so  called, 
as  may  be  thought  by  this  Court  convenient  for  the  respective  In- 
habitants of  the  Province  for  taking  making  and  packing  Fish  there, 
for  which  these  Grantees  are  to  be  allowed  an  Equivalent,  pro- 
vided also  that  it  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


GOFFSTOWN. 


IO9 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  13,  1733-4.] 

Ezekiel  Lewis , Esq  ; brought  down  the  Petition  of  the  Narragan- 
sett  Township  Number  Four , with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  yes- 
terday thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz . In  Council  Febr.  12th. 
1733.  Read  and  unanimously  non-concur’d,  and  the  Board  insist 
on  their  own  Vote,  in  as  much  as  there  is  so  large  an  allowance 
already  made  in  the  Plat,  and  the  Grantees  will  be  greatly  advan- 
taged by  the  Fishery.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence. 

Read  and  concur’d  with  an  Amendment,  viz . in  the  room  of  the 
Amendment  of  the  honourable  Board,  add,  -provided , the  Lands  to 
be  separated  for  the  publick  and  common  use  of  the  Fishery  on  the 
West  side  the  River  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  one  hundred  acres, 
exclusive  of  the  fifty  acres  within  - mentioned,  and  the  House  insist 
on  the  Vote  as  now  amended. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  26,  1733-4.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers  of  the  Con- 
tents of  six  miles  square,  & fifty  acres  allowed  for  the  Fishery  at 
Ameskeag  Falls,  & Three  thousand  & twenty  acres  for  poor  land 
& Ponds ; the  whole  being  26160  Acres ; Beginning  at  a Pitch 
Pine  Tree  standing  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Merrimack  River  at  the 
foot  of  Hannakooksy  Falls  being  on  Suncook  Line  & running  on 
Suncook  Township  four  miles  West  i7°.oo  South  to  a white  Pine 
Tree  being  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Suncook  ; then  running  West, 
four  miles  & forty  rods  on  a Township  on  the  West  of  Suncook  & 
Penicook  laid  out  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers  to  a Heap  of  Stones, 
& then  running  South,  five  miles  & one  hundred  & forty  rods  on 
Province  Lands  to  a white  Pine  Tree,  being  the  North  west  Corner 
of  the  said  Narraganset  Township  on  Merrimack  River,  & then 
running  on  said  Township  six  miles  & one  hundred  & ten  rods  to 
Merrimack  River,  then  on  Merrimack  as  said  River  runs  eight 
miles  & one  Hundred  & forty  five  rods,  to  the  Pitch  Pine  Tree 
where  it  first  began. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
accepted,  & that  the  Lands  set  forth  & described  in  the  within  Plat 
of  the  Township  Number  Four  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  unto 
One  hundred  & twenty  of  the  original  Grantees  their  Heirs  & 
Assigns  ; viz,  that  Society  of  them,  of  which  Mr  Edward  Shove 


no 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& others  were  appointed  a Committee  for  regulating  the  said  Town- 
ship Number  Four,  so  called,  at  a general  Meeting  of  the  Narra- 
ganset  Grantees  in  Boston  the  sixth  of  June  last,  as  by  the  Gran- 
tees Votes  & Orders  may  appear,  Provided  the  Plat  contains  no 
more  than  the  quantity  of  Land  within  mentioned ; & that  there 
be  reserved  a Quantity  of  Land  at  the  Fishing  Place  at  or  near 
Ameskeag  Falls,  as  may  be  thought  by  this  Court  convenient  for 
the  respective  Inhabitants  of  the  Province  for  taking,  making  & 
packing  of  Fish  there,  Provided  the  Land  so  to  be  separated  for 
the  publick  & common  Use  of  the  Fishery  on  the  West  side  of  the 
River,  exceeds  not  the  Quantity  of  One  Hundred  Acres,  exclusive 
of  the  Fifty  Acres  allowed  as  within  mentioned,  Provided  also  that 
it  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Bradbury  Esq ; Elias  Pike  Jacob 
Stevens , and  many  others  of  Salisbury  and  Almsbury , praying  for 
a Grant  of  Lands  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Merrimack  River  upon 
Piscataquoiag  River  so  called,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
the  House  came  into  a Vote  for  a Township  of  the  contents  afore- 
said, at  or  near  the  place  petitioned  for,  on  the  same  Conditions  of 
Settlement  with  the  former.  • 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  16,  1735,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  11, 

I735-] 

A Petition  of  John  Foster  & Edward  Shove  in  behalf  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Tract  of  Land  Granted  to  the  Narragansett  Sol- 
diers, which  lies  at  Ameskeeg  on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack 
River  Shewing,  that  upon  their  Viewing  the  Said  Land,  in  Order 
to  their  laying  it  out  into  Lotts,  they  found  it  so  poor  & barren,  as 
to  be  Altogether  Uncapable  of  making  Settlements  ; and  therefore 
praying  that  they  may  have  Liberty  to  quit  it  & take  up  the  said 
Grant  in  Some  other  province  land — 

In  the  House  of  Represent9,  Read  & Ordered  that  the  prayer  of 
the  petition  be  Granted,  & the  petrs  are  hereby  allowed  & impow- 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol  7,  Page  26.] 


mack  and  Contains  the  Contents  of  Six  miles  Square  and  fifty  acres  Allow- 
ance for  Fishery  at  amasceeg  falls  and  Three  Thousand  and  Twnty  acres 
allowed  for  Poor  Land  and  Pond.  In  the  whole  plan  is  26160  acres  bounded 
as  folowes.  Begining  at  a pitch  pine  Standing  on  the  westerly  Side  of 
Maramack  River  at  the  foot  of  Hannah  Hookses  falls  Being  in  Suncook 
Line  and  Runing  on  Said  Suncook  Town  Ship  four  miles  West  Seventeen 
Degrees  South  to  a white  pine  tree  being  the  Southwest  Corner  of  Suncook 
then  Runing  West  Four  miles  and  40  Rods  (on  a Town  Ship  on  the  west 
of  Suncook  and  penycook  Laid  out  for  the  Naragansett  Solders)  to  a heap 
of  Stones)  then  Runing  South  Five  miles  and  one  hundred  and  fourty  Rods 
on  province  Land  to  a white  pine  Tree  being  the  North  west  Corner  of  ye 
1st  Naragansett  Town  on  Maramack  River  then  Runing  on  Said  Town  Ship 
Six  miles  and  one  hundred  and  Ten  Rods  (East)  to  Maramack  River  then 
on  Maramack  as  Sd  River  Runs  Eight  miles  and  145  Rods  to  the  pitch  pine 
Tree  at  the  foot  of  Hannah  Hookses  falls  before  mentioned 

Surveyed  and  Pland  by  order  of  the  Great  and  General  Courts  Comittee 
In  October  A D 1733 


^ Stephen  Hosmer  Jun  Surveyor 


' Hi  to)  ii;o  binJ  brujJ  ‘io  tastT  dJixJmeiQ  nt!4  «ir!T 
- irl/i  no  : ••  1 i IjiKr’.  10I  qiritf  fiwoT  - uyjDci  odi  'jnijil.  giobfod 

i i ! i 'j"i ■ -viiin  /ir1.  lo  a'ifioji.*. < ) oili  «nii;)noO  b/n;  ;•!.>;  ui 

..•vioj.  vin-wT  bnr>  bnjjguoHT  soiriT  bn/;  «Hj;1  jpoogwin;  t£  ibi  sjui; 

bu-ifiuod  r/>;  . )idz  .i  nukj  olorfw  oriinl  .bnoci  bni;  b«/;J  ioo4  idl  bowolb; 

lirboi  : aifti  . 

fii  ; .•!  A ■ .dr.onx;H  lo  tool  oHi  1r,  ioyi>l  'A:<h(m;uM. 

' : I ’ wJ 

ti  sr!)  nt.  qirJ8  r; •?.<  '['  i.  no)  ebo>f  oj_  ban  - jiirn  -ino'd  tea W nodi 

••  ( • • 

-!>••* /I  v-  ■ > ono  bar.  r:  >i-'ra  rr.-n  Hino8  nodi  (>.../ioJ<i:  'to 

. ; ■ . : il  < 

qi.'!cJ  : '•  1'  ’ . no  gninii/i  nsdi  i r/i>J  /I  un-nnuM  no  av/oT  / };<i 

nodi  vsri'A  H'/i.r '.mi.?/!,  oj  (j?.k3)  ?.bo>[  noT  bnr.  bsibriud  onp  bne  -jliut  xig 
gniqd'jii'  : .Hi  oi  g.bo5l  bn£  ^olirn  iibjiH  ;-.msA  ipvi>l  bfi  *£  >bf;fn/ru>M  no 
<V  noiin  jm  ' alb'!  r:o^;b.-  >H  rfcaiusH  lo  tool  c*fft  • ootT 

• - ■■  ■ i 

(I  A ipdoioo  nl 

lO’pviuci  nu(_  isiVieoH  nodqsJB  {jjp 


GOFFSTOWN. 


Ill 


red  to  look  out  for  one  other  Tract  of  land  for  a Township,  & 
Exchange  for  the  Sd  Township  Number  four,  & Return  a plat 
thereof  at  their  own  Cost  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for 
Confirmation — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  7,  1736.] 

A Petition  of  John  Foster  in  behalf  of  a Committee  of  the  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Narragansett  Township,  formerly  laid  out  at 
Amaskeeg  Falls , called  Number  Four , shewing  that  in  Conse- 
quence of  an  Order  of  this  Court,  pass’d  the  nth.  of  December 
1 735 ? to  Mr.  Edward  Shove  and  himself  a Committee  as  aforesaid, 
they  have  been  at  considerable  Expence  in  searching  for  Lands 
whereon  to  make  a second  Pitch  in  lieu  of  the  former,  and  have 
finally  laid  out  a tract  of  Land  on  the  Branches  of  Swift  River 
at  a place  called  ^uobbin  in  Part,  and  eleven  thousand  thirty  eight 
Acres  to  compleat  their  Grant  they  have  platted  on  the  West  of 
Hatfield  Town,  praying  the  Lands  contained  in  the  said  two  Plats 
may  be  confirmed  to  the  said  Narragansett  Proprietors  in  satis- 
faction of  their  Grant,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  the 
Question  was  put,  Whither  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  shall  be 
granted  f 

It  pass’d  in  the  Negative. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  21,  1736.] 

The  House  entred  into  the  Consideration  of  the  private  or  par- 
ticular Petitions  for  Lands ; and  on  a motion  made  and  seconded 
by  divers  Members  thereon,  Ordered , That  the  Lands  set  forth 
and  described  in  the  Plat  of  the  Township  called  Number  Four, 
at  or  near  Amaskeeg  Falls  on  Merrimack  River , exclusive  of  for- 
mer Grants  of  Lands  in  the  said  Plat,  be  and  are  hereby  separated 
to  satisfy  such  Grants  as  shall  be  made  to  be  taken  up  out  of  said 
Lands  after  which  several  of  the  said  private  Petitions  were  read 
and  considered,  and  some  whereof  were  by  the  House  granted 
and  allowed  to  have  a share  in  the  Lands  set  forth  in  said  Plat 
Number  Four , and  others  dismiss’d. 


1 1 2 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  22,  1736.] 

Then  the  House  entred  further  into  the  Consideration  of  the 
Petitions  of  particular  Persons  for  Lands,  some  of  whom  were  ad- 
mitted into  the  JVarragansett  Township  Number  Four , according 
to  the  Plat  at  Amaskeeg  Falls,  and  others  dismissed. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  12,  1736-7.] 

The  House  having  gone  through  the  Consideration  of  the  private 
Petitions  for  Lands,  passed  the  following  Vote  on  those  admitted 
into  the  JVarragansett  Township  Number  Four  so  called  near 
Amaskeeg  Falls  viz . In  answer  to  the  Petitions  of  John  Checkley , 
Asher  Rice , John  StackJJole,  Joseph  Bartlet , Benjamin  JJjuinby, 
Isaac  Parker , Ebenezer  Haywood,  John  Munroe,  John  Smith, 
William  German,  Eleazer  Davis,  Richard  Tozer,  and  Caleb 
Conant : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Petitions  be  so  far  granted  as  that  the 
Petitioners  have  leave  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  on  Oath  to 
survey  and  lay  out  four  thousand  seven  hundred  forty  five  Acres 
of  the  Province  Land  North  of  and  adjoining  to  the  JVarragansett 
Town  Number  Five  the  whole  Length  of  said  Town,  and  to 
bound  Eastward  on  Merrimack  River,  the  North  bounds  thereof 
to  be  parallel  with  the  North  bounds  of  said  Narragansett  Towm, 
and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for 
Confirmation,  each  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  be  intitled  to 
have  and  enjoy  equal  Shares,  or  One  thirteenth  part  thereof;  the 
first  Division  or  Home  Lotts  to  be  laid  out  in  a proper  and  defen- 
sible manner,  and  the  future  and  after  Divisions  to  be  laid  out  as 
the  Grantees  or  the  major  part  of  them  at  a regular  Meeting  assem- 
bled for  that  purpose  shall  agree  upon  ; provided  the  said  Grantees 
do  respectively  within  the  space  of  three  Years  from  the  confirma- 
tion of  the  Plat  build  a dwelling  House  of  eighteen  feet  square  and 
seven  feet  stud  at  the  least  on  his  Home  Lot  and  clear  and  fence 
in  five  Acres  thereof,  and  well  stock  the  same  with  English  Grass 
or  subdue  it  by  plowing  planting  or  sowing  the  same,  and  have  a 
Family  settled  in  said  House  within  the  said  term  of  three  Years, 
and  that  each  of  said  Grantees  give  Bond  to  the  Province  Treasu- 
rer, or  his  Successors  in  the  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  for  the  per- 
formance of  the  Conditions  of  his  Grant,  and  in  case  any  of  the 


GOFFSTOWN. 


113 

Grantees  shall  neglect  to  comply  with  the  Conditions  aforesaid, 
such  Grantees  Right  or  Share  in  said  Land  shall  revert  and  belong 
to  the  Province  as  tho  this  Grant  had  not  been  made. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Grants  to  William  Lund.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  17,  1734,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  5, 

I734-] 

A Petition  of  William  Lund  shewing  that  in  the  Year  1724, 
being  in  the  Service  of  the  Province  he  was  taken  by  the  Indian 
Enemy  and  Carried  into  Captivity  where  he  Suffered  Great  hard- 
ships and  was  obliged  to  pay  a Great  price  for  his  Ransom  and  his 
Estate  was  much  hurt  & deminished  in  his  Absence  ; Therefore 
praying  for  some  allowance  from  this  Court,  in  Consideration  of 
his  Losses  & Sufferings — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  petition, — 
Ordered,  that  the  petr  have  leave  by  a Surveyor  & Chainmen  on 
Oath  to  Survey  and  lay  out  four  hundred  Acres  of  the  Unappro- 
priated Lands  of  the  Province  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Merrimack 
River,  Adjoining  to  one  of  the  Narraganset  Towns  and  Return  a 
Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  Twelve  months  for  Confirmation 
to  the  Petr  his  heirs  and  Assignes  forever,  on  Condition  that  the 
Petr  his  heirs  or  Assignes  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  two 
familys  on  the  Granted  premisses  in  all  Respects  as  to  Manner 
and  time  that  the  Narragansett  Grantees  or  Familys  are  obliged 
to  Settle  their  Grants — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

A Plat  of  four  hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  James  Cum- 
mings Surveyor  and  Chainmen  on  Oath,  to  fulfill  a Grant  made 
by  the  General  Court  to  William  Lund ; the  said  land  lying  a 
Cross  Piscataqwag  River ; being  bounded  as  follows  vi zt  begin- 
ing  at  the  North  East  Corner  of  the  Township  laid  out  to  John 
Simpson  and  others  ; thence  Runing  East  2 deg.  North  one  hun- 
dred & Sixty  Rods  to  a Chesnutt  tree  marked,  then  South  3 deg. 

8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


II4 

East  four  hundred  Rods  to  a white  pine  tree  Marked ; then  West 
two  Deg.  South  One  hundred  & Sixty  Rods  to  said  Township 
Line  and  a Stake  and  Stones  ; thence  on  said  line  to  the  bounds 
first  mentioned — 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  3,  House  Journal  Jan.  26,  and  Court 
Records,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Janry  26.  1736. 

Read  and  Ordered  That  the  plat  be  Accepted,  and  the  Lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  Confirmed  to 
the  said  William  Lund  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  he  or  they 
performing  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds 
not  the  quantity  of  ffour  hundred  Acres  of  Land  and  does  not 
interfere  with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Febry  3d  1736. 

Read  & Nonconcur’d  Simeon  Frost  Depy  Secry 


[Mass.  Maps  & Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  3.] 


77  3V7~ 


here  -Lyc%  y fc  TlvvrLoAil/t, 
(¥r -an  fed  to  t/a/itt  £i>nsc/t 
o thers 
• * 


:tv3 

jk> 


I the  Subscriber  together  with  Jerahmuel  Cumings  & William 
Heath  as  Chainmen  Have  Measured  Surveayed  & Laid  out  unto 
William  Lund  of  Dunstable  by  vertu  of  a Grant  Made  by  the 
Grat  & General  Cort  foure  hundred  Acres  of  Land  Lying  a Cros 
Pescataquag  River  so  Called  Bounded  as  follows  begining  at  the 


GOFFSTOWN. 


“S 

Northeast  Corner  of  a Township  Laid  out  to  John  Simson  & 
others  Then  runing  East  two  degrees  north  one  hundred  & Sixty 
Rod  to  a Chesnut  tree  Marked  then  the  Line  turns  & Runs  South 
three  degrees  East  foure  hundred  Rod  to  a white  pine  tree  Marked 
then  the  Line  turns  & Runs  West  two  degrees  South  one  hundred 
& Sixty  Rod  to  Sd  Township  Line  & a Stake  and  Stones  & from 
thence  on  sd  Township  Line  to  the  Bounds  first  Mentioned  being 
ye  Corner  of  Sd  Township  as  May  be  Seen  prict  on  this  plan  this 
23  day  of  October.  1736 

Survayed  ^ James  Cumings 

Jerathmiel  Comings  personally  apeared  and  made  oath  before 
me  the  subscriber  that  he  together  with  William  Heath  as  Chain- 
men  and  James  Comings  Survayer  Measured  And  Surveyed  foure 
hundred  Acres  of  Land  Adjoyning  on  the  easterly  side  of  a Town- 
ship Granted  to  John  Simson  & others  begining  at  the  Northeast 
Corner  of  said  Township  and  so  extending  foure  hundred  Rod  on 
the  east  side  of  Said  Township  runing  a Cros  Pescataquag  River 
being  half  a Mild  In  Wedth  & is  don  according  to  my  Best  Skill 
& Judgment 

Suffolk  ss  December  3d  Jurat  Coram  me 

Samuel  Sewall  J Pads 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  4.] 

William  Heath  personally  Appeared  and  Made  oath  before  me 
the  Subscriber  that  he  together  with  Jerathmiel  Comings  as  Chain- 
men  and  James  Comings  Survayer  Measured  And  Survayed  foure 
hundred  Acres  of  Land  Adjoyning  on  the  easterly  side  of  a Town- 
ship Granted  to  John  Simson  & others  begining  at  the  northeast 
Corner  of  Said  Township  and  so  Extending  foure  hundred  Rod 
on  the  east  Side  of  Said  Township  from  sd  Corner  a Cros  pescata- 
quag River  being  half  a Mild  wide  and  is  don  according  to  my 
best  Skill  & Judgement 

Essex,  ss — Joshua  Bayley  Jus  : Peace 

Decemr  ye  9th  1736 

James  Comings  personally  Apeared  and  Made  Oath  before  me 
the  subscriber  as  Survayer  together  with  Jerathmiel  Comings  and 
William  Heath  as  Chainmen  measured  & Survayed  foure  hundred 
Acres  of  Land  Adjoyning  on  the  easterly  side  of  a Township 
Granted  to  John  Simson  & others  begining  at  the  Northeast  Cor- 
ner of  Said  township  and  so  extending  foure  hundred  Rod  on  the 


ii  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


east  Side  of  Said  Township  runing  a Cros  Pescataqueg  River 
being  half  a Mild  in  Wedth  & is  don  According  to  my  best  Skill 
& Judgment 

Jurat  Coram  me  Samuel  Sewall  J Pacis 

Suffolk  ss  December  3d  1736 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  13.] 

I the  Subscriber  together  with  Benjamin  Smith  and  Tho3  Lund 
as  Chainmen  have  layd  out  to  Mr  Willm  Lund  of  Dunstable  (Pur- 
suant to  a grant  Made  him  by  the  greate  & Gen11  Court  xr  1734) 
four  hundred  Acres  of  the  unapropriated  lands  of  the  province  on 
the  Westerly  Side  Merrimack  River  adjoyning  to  the  Narragansit 
township  N°.  5.  so  Call’d)  Lying  About  one  mile  and  three  Quar- 
ters from  Merrimack  River  Joyning  South  by  the  sd  Narragansit 
township  else  where  by  Province  Land  the  Bounds  Course  and 
length  of  line  as  ^ ye  figure  annexed  Lay’d  Down  in  a Scale  of 
Sixty  perch  to  an  Inch  ^ me  James  Cumings  Surveyr 

May  ye  31th  1737 

[Reverse] 

Middlesex  ss  Dunstable  June  the  first  1737. 

personally  appearing  before  me  the  Subscriber  one  of  his  Maj- 
esties Justices  of  the  peace  Jame  Cumings  Surveyor  & Benjamin 
Smith  & Thos  Lund  Chainmen  and  made  Oath  that  in  Surveying 
and  measureing  a Tract  of  four  hundred  Acres  ofye  unapropriated 
Lands  of  ye  Province  for  Mr  Willm  Lund,  Agreeable  to  the  plan 
herewith  they  Acted  faithfully  and  Impartially  in  each  of  their 
trust 

Jurat  Coram  me  Joseph  Blanchard 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  22,  1737,  and  House  Journal,  June 

IO»  I737-] 

A Plat  of  four  hundred  Acres  of  Land,  laid  out  by  James  Cum- 
mings Survey1,  and  Chainmen  on  Oath,  to  fulfill  a Grant  made  by 
this  Court  to  William  Lund  lying  on  the  Westerly  Side  of  Merri- 
mack River  Adjoining  to  the  Narragansett  Town  Number  five, 
about  One  Mile  and  three  quarters  from  the  River  Joining  South 
by  the  said  Narragansett  Town  elsewhere  on  Province  land — 


GOFFSTOWN. 


117 

[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  13,  House  Journal,  June  10, 
and  Court  Records,  June  22,  1737.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  10th  1737 
Read  and  Ordered  that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the 
said  William  Lund  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever ; provided  he  or 
they  perform  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  and  that  the  plat  exceeds 
not  the  quantity  of  Four  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  and  does  not 
interfere  with  any  former  Grant.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  June  23  1737  Read  & Concurd 

Simon  Frost  Depfc  Secry 
July  1 Consentd  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Arch.,  Vol.  46,  p.  68.]  [Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  n,  p.  13.] 


[Grant  to  Medford,  Mass.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Medford,  Shewing 
that  the  said  Town  is  of  the  Smallest  Extent  of  any  in  the  Prov- 
ince, and  yet  their  Town  Charges  Extreemly  high,  so  that  the 


n8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Maintenance  of  the  Ministry  & School  is  very  Chargable  to  them  ; 
and  therefore  praying  for  a Grant  of  some  of  the  waste  lands  of 
the  province,  to  be  Appropriated  for  the  Support  of  a Minister  & 
Schoolmaster  in  the  said  Town — In  the  House  of  Represent51 
Read  & Ordered  that  the  Prayer  of  the  petition  be  so  far  Granted, 
as  that  the  Town  of  Medford  is  hereby  Allowed  & Impowred  by  a 
Survey1,  & Chainmen  on  Oath  to  Survey  & lay  out  One  Thousand 
Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province,  and  Return 
a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation, 
for  the  uses  within  mentioned — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  31,  1736.] 

A plat  of  one  thousand  Acres  of  land,  laid  out  by  Caleb  Brook 
Survey1,  and  Chainmen  on  oath,  to  fulfill  a Grant  made  by  this 
Court  to  the  Town  of  Medford,  Bounded  Southerly  by  a Tract  of 
land  laid  out  to  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  called  Old  Harrys 
town,  westerly  by  province  land  Northerly  & Easterly  by  Piscata- 
quoag  River ; begining  at  a pitch  pine  tree  at  the  Bank  of  said 
River  about  two  Miles  West  of  Merrimack  River  Marked  M F, 
then  Runing  West  by  the  Needle  with  the  line  of  Mark’d  trees 
Six  hundred  & Ninety  three  perch  then  North  15  deg.  East  to  a 
Maple  tree  on  the  Bank  of  said  Piscataquoag  River  four  hundred 
perch  then  Runing  with  said  River  to  the  pitch  pine  first  men- 
tioned— 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  13.] 

By  Virtue  of  A Grant  made  by  the  Great  & General  Court,  to 
ye  town  of  Medford,  I the  Subscriber  have  Surveyed  and  Laid 
out,  (with  the  Assistance  of  L*  John  GofFe  and  mr  Ephraim  Bush- 
nail  Chane-men),  one  thousand  Acres  of  Land  in  the  following 
manner  (Viz)  bounded  Southerly  by  a tract  of  Land  Laid  out  to 
the  Grantees  of  ye  town-Ship  Called  by  the  Name  of  Old  Harryes 
town  Westerly  by  Province  Land,  Notherly  and  Easterly  by 
Pescataquogg  River,  the  lines  begining  att  a pitch  pine  tree  on 
the  bank  of  Sd  River  (about  two  miles  west  of  Merrimack  River) 
Markt  M F Then  Running  Due  West  by  ye  Nedle  with  a line  of 


GOFFSTOWN. 


JI9 

Markt  trees  : 693  perch,  then  turning  No  15  Degrees  E to  a Maple 
tree  Standing  on  the  bank  of  the  Aforesd  Pescataquogg  River 
Markt  M F 400  perch,  then  turning  and  Running  with  sd  Pescata- 
quogg River  untill  it  Corns  to  ye  pitch  pine  first  Mentioned  which 
plan  is  Protracted  by  a Scale  of  80  poles  or  perch,  to  one  Inch 
June  the  16th  1736 

By  Me  Caleb  Brooks  J Surveyr 
In  Surveying  this  farm  there  was  Given  one  Chain  in  fifty  for 
Broken  Land  and  Sagg  of  Chain 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  22d  1736  Read  and  Ordered 
That  the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and 
described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  town  of  Medford  in 
the  County  of  Middlesex  the  better  to  enable  them  to  support  the 
ministry  and  keep  a School  in  said  town  agreeable  to  the  prayer 
of  the  petition  of  said  town  presented  to  the  Court  in  June  last, 
provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  One  thousand  Acres 
of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Decr  22d  1736. 

Read  again  and  the  Question  was  put  whither  the  plat  shall  be 
Accepted?  It  passed  in  the  Negative 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  13.] 


120 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  io,  p.  13,  and  Court  Records,  Dec.  31, 

1736-] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  29th  1736 
Read  again  and  on  a Motion  made  & seconded  by  divers  Mem- 
bers the  Question  was  put  whither  the  House  will  reconsider  their 
Vote  above?  Resolved  in  the  affirmative,  and  Ordered  that  the 
plat  be  accepted  and  that  the  lands  therein  delineated  and  described 
be  & are  hereby  Confirmed  unto  the  town  of  Medford  in  the 
County  of  Midx  the  Better  to  Enable  them  to  Support  the  Ministry 
And  keep  a School  in  sd  Town  Agreable  to  the  prayer  of  Sd  Town 
to  the  Court  in  June  1735  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  Quan- 
tity of  One  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  and  does  not  Interfere  wth 
Any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Decern1*  31,  1736 

Read  & Concur’d  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Secry 

Janua  1 ; 1736/7  Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  13.] 

Middlesex  ss  June  : 18th  1736 

Personally  appearing  before  me  the  Subscriber  Calap  Brooks 
Survayar  John  Goff  and  Ephram  Busnall  Chanmen  mad  oath  that 
in  the  survayin  and  measuring  a thousen  acrs  bf  Land  Granted  by 
the  Gener  Cort  to  theTown  of  Medford  thay  did  deal  faithfoully 
and  Imperially 

Eleazar  Tyng  jus1  Peaces 


[Grant  to  Uxbridge,  Mass.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  1,  1736,  and  House  Journal,  Nov. 

30,  i736-] 

A petition  of  Robert  Taft  and  others  a Comtee  for  the  Town  of 
Uxbridge  praying  that  the  Grant  of  five  hundred  Acres  of  Land 
made  by  this  Court  to  the  said  Town  may  be  taken  up  Else  where 
than  in  the  County  of  Worcester  and  Some  longer  time  Allowed 
them  for  Returning  the  plat  of  the  said  Land 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  & Ordered  that  the  petrs  be 


GOFFSTOWN. 


1 21 


Allowed  and  Impowred  by  a Survey1,  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to 
Survey  and  lay  out  the  Grant  within  mentioned  in  any  of  the 
Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  province  Adjoining  to  some  Town- 
ship, and  that  they  return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  Sometime  in 
the  next  May  Session  for  Confirmation  to  the  Town  of  Uxbridge 
& their  Assignes 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  20,  1738.] 

A Plat  of  five  hundred  Acres  of  Land  surveyed  and  laid  out  by 
fames  Chandler  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-Men  on  Oath,  to  sat- 
isfy a Grant  of  this  Court,  as  entred  the  30 th  of  November  1736, 
in  Answer  to  a Petition  of  Robert  Taft  and  others,  a Committee 
in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Uxbridge , beginning  at  William  Lundi s 
Corner  on  the  JVarragansett  Town  Number  Five , one  hundred 
and  ninety  Rods  to  Mr.  WiswalVs  Farm  West,  then  on  said  Farm 
two  hundred  Rods  North  to  a Maple  on  said  Farm,  West  seventy 
five  Rods  to  a Hemlock,  then  North  on  Province  Land  two  hun- 
dred Rods  to  a black  Oak,  then  on  Province  Land  East  two  hun- 
dred and  eight  Rods  to  a Stake  and  Stones,  then  South  eight 
Degrees  twenty  Minutes  East,  four  hundred  and  four  Rods  to  the 
first  mentioned  Bounds,  was  presented  for  Allowance.  Read  and 
Ordered,  That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described,  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Town  of 
Uxbridge  and  their  Assigns,  in  full  Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within 
mentioned,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  five  hun- 
dred Acres  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  21,  1738.] 

A Plat  of  Five  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  James  Chan- 
dler Survey1,  and  Chain  men  upon  Oath  to  fulfill  a grant  made  by 
this  Court  to  the  Town  of  Uxbridge  Beginning  at  Mrr  Williams’s 
long  Corner  on  the  Narraganset  Township  Number  Five  ; thence 
running  One  Hundred  and  ninety  rods  West,  then  on  said  Farm 
two  hundred  Rods  North  to  a Maple;  then  on  said  Farm  West 
Seventy  five  rods  to  a Hemlock ; then  North  on  Province  Land 


122 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


two  hundred  rods  to  a Black  Oak ; then  on  Province  Lands  East 
two  hundred  and  eight  rods  to  a Stake  and  Stones  ; then  South 
8'  2°  East  four  hundred  and  four  rods  to  the  Bounds  first  men- 
tioned. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  n.] 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  n.] 

This  Plat  Contains  five  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  which  was 
Layed  out  to  satisfie  a Grant  made  to  ye  town  of  Uxbridge  in  De- 
cember 1736  In  considration  of  ye  Grate  Number  of  Bridges  in 
said  town — I have  survayed  ye  same  with  ye  Asistance  mr  william 
Lund  and  Doct  John  Barret  and  Drawn  this  Plat  By  a scale  of 
sixty  perch  to  one  Inch  and  one  Chane  in  thirty  allowed  for  Lose 
of  mesur  and  sage  of  Chane  Survayed  Joneuary  ye  [torn]  1737 

by  James  Chandler  Survear 


GOFFSTOWN. 


123 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  11,  and  Court  Records,  April  21, 

1738.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  April  20th  1738  Read  and  Or- 
dered That  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  town  of  Uxbridge 
and  their  assigns  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within  mentioned, 
provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  ffive  hundred  Acres 
of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkl‘ 

In  Council  April  21  1738 

Read  and  Concurrd  J Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  11.] 

Middlesex  ss  January  13th  1737 

Personally  appearing  before  me  the  subscriber  James  Chandler 
survayor  and  w11  Lund  and  John  Barrot  Chanmen  and  made  Oath 
in  Survaying  and  measuring  five  hundred  acres  of  Land  Grantted 
by  the  Gen11  Courtt  to  the  Town  Uxbredge  they  did  deal  faithfully 
and  Imperially 

Eleazar  Tyng  jus1  P 


[Grant  to  Peleg  Wiswall.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  26,  1736-7.] 

A Petition  of  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  of  Boston,  Gentleman,  pray- 
ing the  Consideration  of  the  Court  on  account  of  the  publick  Ser- 
vices and  Sufferings  of  his  Father  the  Reverend  Mr.  Ickabod 
Wiswall , for  many  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  Ordered , That 
the  Petition  be  considered  to  morrow  Morning. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  4,  1736-7,  and  House  Journal,  Jan. 

27. 

A petition  of  Peleg  Wiswall  of  Boston  Gentn  Praying  for  a Grant 
of  province  Land  in  Consideration  of  the  Services  and  Sufferings 


124 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  his  father  the  Revd  Mr  Ichabod  Wiswall  dec’ed  in  the  Cause  of 
this  Province — 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Read  And  the  matter  being  fully 
debated  and  Considered,  In  Answer  to  the  petition,  Voted  That 
three  hundred  Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  province, 
Adjoining  to  some  former  Grant,  be  and  hereby  are  given  and 
granted  to  the  heirs  of  the  within  named  Mr  Ichabod  Wiswall 
dec’ed,  their  heirs  and  assignes ; and  that  they  be  allowed  and 
Impowred  by  a Survey1  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  Survey  and  lay 
out  the  same  and  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  Twelve 
Months  for  Confirmation  Accordingly — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  2,  1737.] 

A Plat  of  three  hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  James 
Chandler , Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  of  this  Court  in  their  last  Session,  to  Mr.  Peleg  Wiswall  of 
Boston , and  the  other  Heirs  of  their  Father  Mr.  Ichabod  Wiswall, 
deceased,  in  Consideration  of  the  Services  and  Sufferings  of  their 
said  Father,  bounded  on  the  North  Line  of  the  JVarragansett 
Township  Number  Five , marked  W,  being  the  S.  W.  Corner  of 
the  Premisses,  then  North-two  hundred  Rods  to  a black  Birch 
marked  W,  which  is  the  N.  W.  Corner,  then-'  on  a right  Angle 
East  two  hundred  and  forty  Rods  to  a Maple  mark’d  W,  the  North 
East  Corner,  then  running  a right  Angle  South  two  hundred  Rods 
to  a Stake  and  Stones  in  the  North  Line  of  said  JVarragansett 
Town  the  South  East  Corner,  then  on  a right  Angle  West  twenty 
four  Rods ; was  presented  for  Allowance,  Read  and  Ordered , 
That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and 
described,  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Heirs  of  the  within 
named  Mr.  Ichabod  Wiswall  deceased,  their  Heirs  and  Assigns 
respectfully  forever,  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within  men- 
tioned, provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  three  hun- 
dred Acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


GOFFSTOWN. 


125 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  io,  1737.] 

A plat  of  Three  hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  James 
Chandler  Survey1  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  fulfill  a Grant  made 
by  this  Court  to  the  heirs  of  Mr  Ichabod  Wiswall  dec’ed,  begining 
at  a Beach  tree  in  the  North  line  of  the  Narragansett  Town  N° 
five  Marked  with  W which  is  the  South  West  Corner  of  the  prem- 
isses, thence  Runing  North  by  the  Needle  two  hundred  Rods  to 
a black  birch  Tree  Marked  W,  thence  East  two  hundred  & forty 
Rods  to  a Maple  tree  Mark’d  W,  thence  South  two  hundred  Rods 
to  a Stake  & Stones  in  the  North  line  of  said  Narragansett  Town  ; 
thence  West  two  hundred  & forty  Rods  to  the  place  first  men- 
tioned— 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  10.] 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  10.] 

This  Plat  Discribeth  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  Layed  oute 
the  Twenty  third  Day  of  may  A D 1737  to  satisfie  a Grant  of  the 
Great  and  General  Court  the  4th  of  february  Last  to  the  heirs  of 
the  Reverand  mr  Ichabod  wiswall  it  Begineth  at  a Beach  Tree 
standing  in  the  north  Line  of  the  narraganset  Township  number  5 
marked  with  W which  is  the  south  west  Corner  of  the  Premises 
then  the  Line  Runeth  north  by  the  nedle  200  Rods  to  a Black 
Birch  Tree  marked  W which  is  the  northwest  Corner  then  Turn- 
ing a Right  Angle  Runing  East  240  Rods  to  a maple  Tree 
marked  W which  is  the  northeast  Corner  then  Turning  a Right 
Angle  Runing  south  200  Rods  to  a stake  and  stones  in  the  north 
Line  of  said  narraganset  Township  which  is  the  south  East  Conner 


126 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


then  Turning  a Right  Angle  Runing  west  240  Rods  in  said  nar- 
raganset  Township  north  Line  to  whare  it  first  began  it  boundeth 
south  by  the  narraganset  township  above  named  and  all  other 
ways  on  Province  Land  thare  is  one  Chain  in  thirty  allowed  for 
Lose  in  measurer  Potracted  by  a scale  of  fifty  Rods  to  an  Inch 

by  James  Chandler  surveyor 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  10,  and  Court  Records,  June  10, 

1737-] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  2d  1737  Read  and  Ordered 
that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  & 
described  be  & hereby  are  Confirmed  to  the  Heirs  of  the  wthin 
named  Mr  Ichabod  Wiswell  & to  their  heirs  and  assigns  respec- 
tively for  Ever  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within  mentioned, 
provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  three  hundred  Acres 
of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  June  10,  1737. 

Read  & Concur’d,  Simon  Frost  Dep‘  Sec17 

July  1 Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  11,  p.  10.] 

Middlesex  ss.  Dunstable  may  ye  21st  1737 

Personally  Appearing  James  Chandler  Surveyor,  Joseph  Dud- 
ley & Benjamin  Davis  Chainmen  And  made  Oath  that  in  Survey- 
ing and  measureing  a Tract  of  Land  of  three  Hundred  Acres 
granted  by  ye  Gen11  Court  of  this  Province  to  the  Heirs  of  the  Revd 
Mr  Ichabod  Wiswall,  they  would  Act  faithfully  And  Impartially 
According  to  their  best  Skill  & Judgment 

Jurat  coram  me  Joseph  Blanchard  Justis.  Pacis 


GROTON  [OLD  GRANT]. 

[This  territory  is  now  occupied  principally  by  the  towns  of  Mason  and  Wilton. 
See  papers  cited  under  those  towns ; Boundary  Lines  of  Old  Groton,  Granite 
Monthly,  Vol.  7,  p.  278,  and  Vol.  9,  p.  52.] 


GROTON. 


127 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  12,  1734.] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  2 Stk.  ult.  to 
consider  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Prescot , Esq;  in  behalf  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Groton , made  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted, 
and  in  answer  to  this  Petition,  Voted , That  a Grant  of  ten  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  acres  of  the  Lands  lying  in  the  Gore  between 
Dunstable  and  Townshend , be  and  hereby  is  made  to  the  Propri- 
etors of  the  Town  of  Groton , as  an  equivalent  for  what  was  taken 
from  them  by  Littleton  and  Coyachus  or  Willard’s  Farm  (being 
about  two  acres  and  an  half  for  one)  and  is  in  full  satisfaction 
thereof,  and  that  the  said  Proprietors  be  and  hereby  are  allowed 
and  impowred  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  on  Oath  to  survey 
and  lay  out  the  said  ten  thousand  eight  hundred  acres  in  the  said 
Gore , and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months 
for  confirmation  to  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  1,  1735-6.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Prescot  Represent*1  of  the  Town  of  Gro- 
ton [Mass.]  in  behalf  of  the  said  Town,  Shewing  that  the  original 
Grant  of  the  said  Town  was  for  the  quantity  of  Six  Miles  Square 
that  altho  a plat  was  taken  yet  it  never  was  Confirmed  till  the  Year 
1717  which  was  after  the  Town  of  Littleton  [Mass.]  was  Granted 
which  took  3000  Acres  from  Groton ; & Willards  & Reads  farm, 
lying  within  the  bounds  of  Groton  took  of  about  1300  Acres  more 
so  that  the  Proprietors  of  Groton  have  4300  Acres  of  land  less 
than  they  ought  to  have  According  to  their  Original  Grant  And 
therefore  praying  that  this  Court  would  Grant  to  the  Proprietors 
of  the  Undivided  Lands  in  Groton  a Gore  of  Province  Land  lying 
between  Dunstable  & Townshend  or  some  other  Land  as  an 
Equivalent  for  what  is  taken  from  them  as  aforesaid — 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  petition 
Voted  That  a Grant  of  Ten  thousand  Eight  hundred  Acres  of 
land  lying  in  the  Gore  between  Dunstable  and  Townshend  be  and 
hereby  is  made  to  the  Propriet1'3  of  the  Town  of  Groton  as  an 
Equivalent  for  what  was  taken  from  them  by  Littleton  & Coyacus 
or  Willards  farm  being  about  two  Acres  & an  half  for  one,  & is  in 
full  Satisfaction  thereof  & that  the  said  Proprietors  be  & hereby 
are  Allowed  & Impowred  by  a Survey1  & Chain  men  on  Oath  to 


128 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Survey  & lay  out  the  said  Ten  Thousand  Eight  Hundred  Acres  in 
the  Gore,  and  Return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve 
months  for  Confirmation  to  them  their  heirs  and  assignes  forever. — 
In  Council  Read  & Nonconcured 


[ Memorial  of  Groton.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  243,  p.  39.] 

Province  of  ye  ) To  his  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr 
Massachusetts  Bay  > Cap13  General  & Governor  in  Chief  in  & 
over  his  Majesties  Province  of  ye  Massachusetts  Bay  to  the  Honble 
Council  And  House  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled 
March  24th  1735. 

The  Memorial  of  Benjamin  Prescott  Representative  of  the  Town 
of  Groton  in  behalf  of  ye  Proprietors  of  sd  Town  Humbly  Sheweth 
That  the  Great  & General  Court  in  April  Last  past  were  pleased 
to  Grant  to  ye  Said  Proprietors  of  Groton  Ten  Thousand  and 
Eight  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  in  the  Gore  between  Dunstable  & 
Townshend  and  order  that  the  said  Proprietors  by  a Surveyor  and 
Chainmen  on  Oath  Lay  out  ye  Same  and  return  a plat  thereof 
within  Twelve  months  for  Confirmation  Which  has  been  Done 
Accordingly  As  by  the  Surveyors  Return  and  Plat  Discribed  by 
the  prickt  Lines,  herewith  exhibited  Appears  Which  Plat  Inter- 
feres with  the  plat  Exhibeted  in  behalf  of  ye  Town  of  Ipswich, 
Accepted  by  your  Exelency  & Honours,  and  there  not  being  Left 
a Sufficient  Quantity  of  Land  to  Satisfye  Said  Grant  The  Commit- 
tee for  the  Town  of  Ipswich  have  Consented  That  the  Course  of 
their  Easterly  Line  from  Townshend  north  Corner  Shall  be  North 
21  Degrees  East  instead  of  North  Thirty  four  Degrees  East  pro- 
vided they  may  be  Allowed  to  Take  up  an  equivalent  in  Land 
adjoyning  to  their  West  Line  for  what  will  be  Taken  oft' by  Such 
an  alteration  Agreeable  thereto  Your  memorialist  caused  the  plat 
of  ye  Said  Gore  Taken  by  John  Stevens  Surveyor  to  be  Altered  and 
Reformed  as  Discribed  by  ye  black  Drawn  Lines  ; which  Contains 
an  equal  Quaintity  of  Land  to  what  is  Contained  within  the  Prickt 
Lines  viz1  Eleven  Thousand  Eight  Hundred  Acres  as  appears  by 
the  Said  plat  Which  Plat  of  the  Gore  So  altered  and  Reformed 
Your  Memorialist  most  Humbly  prays  Your  Exelency  & Honours 
would  be  pleased  to  accept ; and  Confirm  the  Land  therein  Dis- 


GROTON. 


I29 


cribed  and  Contained  (Except  one  thousand  Acres  belonging  To 
ye  Town  of  Cambridge  formerly  Layed  out)  To  ye  Proprietors  of 
ye  Town  of  Groton  their  heirs  & assigns  Respectively,  According  to 
their  Several  Interests  forever  and  That  the  Comtee  for  Ipswich  be 
Im powered  to  Lay  out  an  equivalent  on  their  West  Line  for  what 
will  be  Taken  off  by  the  alteration  of  their  East  Line  as  aforesd 
And  Your  Memorialist  as  bound  In  Duty  shall  ever  pray  &c 

Benja  Prescott 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  March  25th  1736 — 

Read  and  Ordered  that  the  prayer  of  the  Memorial  be  Granted, 
and  the  Committee  for  the  New  township  granted  to  some  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  Ipswich  are  hereby  allowed  to  lay  out  an  Equivalent 
on  the  West  Line  of  the  said  new  township  Accordingly 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

Province  of  the  ) To  his  Exelency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr 
Massachusetts  Bay  $ Cap1  General  & Governor  in  Chief  &c 
The  Honble  Council  & Honble  House  of  Representatives  in  General 
Court  Assembled  June  3d  1736. — 

The  Subscriber  Agent  for  the  proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Groton 
&c  Humbly  prays  the  within  memorial  may  be  revived  & Granted 
And  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  pray  &c 

Benja  Prescott 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  4th  1736,  Read  and 
Ordered  that  the  prayer  of  the  memorial  be  granted,  and  in 
Answer  thereto  Ordered  that  the  Committee  for  the  new  township 
granted  to  Some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Ipswich  are  hereby  allowed 
to  lay  out  an  Equivalent  on  the  West  line  of  the  said  New  town- 
ship Accordingly 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  June  18.  1736 

Read  and  Concurrd  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Sec17 

22  : Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  25,  1736.] 

A Plat  of  eleven  thousand  eight  hunred  acres  of  Land  (whereof 
one  thousand  was  formerly  laid  out  to  the  Town  of  Cambridge) 
laid  out  by  John  Stevens  Surveyor  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath, 
to  satisfy  a Grant  of  ten  thousand  eight  hundred  acres  of  Land 
made  by  this  Court  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Groton  in 


130 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Afril  last,  as  the  same  is  reformed,  was  presented  for  allowance. 
Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Plat  as  reformed  and  altered  by 
Jonas  Houghton  Surveyor  be  and  hereby  is  accepted,  and  the 
Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  (excepting  the  said  one 
thousand  acres  belonging  to  Cambridge  School  Farm  and  therein 
included)  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Town  of  Groto7i  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively  for  ever,  ac- 
cording to  their  several  Interests ; provided  the  same  do  not  inter- 
fere with  any  former  Grant  of  this  Court,  nor  exceeds  the  quantity 
of  eleven  thousand  eight  hundred  acres ; and  the  Committee  for 
the  Town  of  Ipswich  are  allowed  and  impowred  to  lay  out  such 
quantity  of  Land  on  their  West  Line  as  is  equivalent  to  what  is 
taken  of  their  East  Line  as  aforesaid,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to 
this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation,  and  all  Oar  and 
Mines  except  Iron  within  the  Land  taken  out  of  the  Plat  of  the 
Township  granted  to  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Ips- 
wich aforesaid  be  and  hereby  is  reserved  to  the  said  Grantees  of 
Ij>swich  their  assigns  as  well  as  heirs  respectively  for  ever. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

Which  accompanied  a Memorial  of  Benjamin  Prescot , Esq ; 
Representative  of  the  Town  of  Groton,  in  behalf  of  the  Proprie- 
tors of  said  Town,  shewing  that  the  Court  in  A-pril  last,  were 
pleased  to  grant  the  said  Proprietors  ten  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred acres  of  Land  in  the  Gore  between  Dunstable  & Townshend, 
and  order  that  the  said  Proprietors  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain  men 
on  Oath  lay  out  the  same  and  return  a Plat  thereof  within  twelve 
months  for  confirmation,  which  they  had  done  accordingly,  as  ap- 
pears by  the  Plat  described  by  the  prick’d  Lines,  which  Plat  inter- 
fered with  the  Plats  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  new  Township 
of  Ijyswich  accepted,  there  not  being  left  a sufficient  quantity  of 
Land  to  satisfy  said  Grant,  the  Committee,  for  the  Town  of  Ips- 
wich have  consented  that  the  Course  of  their  Easterly  line  from 
Townshend  North  Corner  shall  be  North  twenty  one  degrees  East 
instead  of  North  thirty  four  degrees  East,  provided  they  may  be 
allowed  to  take  up  an  equivalent  in  Land  adjoining  to  their  West 
Line  to  what  shall  be  taken  off  by  such  alteration,  that  agreeable 
thereto  the  Memorialist  had  caused  the  said  Plat  taken  by  the  said 
John  Stevens  to  be  altered  and  reformed  by  the  black  drawn 
Lines  &c.  praying  the  same  might  be  accepted,  and  the  Commit- 
tee for  Ipswich  be  impowred  to  lay  out  an  Equivalent  on  their 
West  Line  &c.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Me- 
morial be  granted,  and  the  Committee  for  the  new  Township 


GROTON. 


131 

granted  to  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Ifswich , are  hereby  allowed 
to  lay  out  an  Equivalent  on  the  West  Line  of  the  said  new  Town- 
ship accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  4,  1736.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Prescot,  Esq : Representative  of  the 
Town  of  Groton,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  there,  praying 
that  the  Votes  of  the  House  on  his  Memorial,  and  a Plat  of  ten 
thousand  eight  hundred  acres  of  Land  lately  granted  to  the  said 
Proprietors,  as  entred  the  25 th.  of  March  last,  may  be  revived 
and  granted,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  Ordered, 
That  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  further  that  the 
within  Plat  as  reformed  and  altered  by  Jonas  Houghton  Surveyor, 
be  and  hereby  is  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and 
described  (excepting  the  said  one  thousand  acres  belonging  to 
Cambridge  School  Farm  and  therein  included)  be  and  hereby  are 
confirmed  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Groton  their  heirs 
and  assigns  respectively  for  ever,  according  to  their  several  Inter- 
ests ; provided  the  same  do  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant  of 
this  Court,  nor  exceeds  the  quantity  of  eleven  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred Acres  ; and  the  Committee  for  the  Town  of  Ifswich  are  allow- 
ed and  impowred  to  lay  out  such  quantity  of  Land  on  their  West 
Line  as  is  equivalent  to  what  is  taken  off  their  East  Line  as  afore- 
said, and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months 
for  confirmation,  and  all  Oar  and  Mines  except  Iron  within  the 
Land  taken  out  of  the  Plat  of  the  Township  granted  to  some  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Ijswich  aforesaid,  be  and  hereby  is  re- 
served to  the  said  Grantees  of  Ij>swich,  their  assigns  as  well  as 
heirs  respectively  for  ever. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

And  in  answer  to  the  said  Memorial  of  the  said  Benjamin  Pres- 
cot, Esq ; Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Memorial  be  granted, 
and  the  Committee  of  the  new  Township  granted  to  some  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  Ifswich  are  hereby  allowed  to  lay  out  an  Equiva- 
lent on  the  Western  Line  of  the  said  new  Township  accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


1 32 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  15,  1736.] 

A Memorial  of  Benja  Prescott  Esqr  Represent*1  of  the  Town  of 
Groton  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  there,  praying  that  the  Votes 
of  the  House  on  his  Memorial  & a plat  of  Ten  Thousand  Eight 
Hundred  Acres  of  Land,  lately  Granted  to  the  said  Proprietors,  as 
Entred  in  the  House  the  25  of  March  last,  may  be  Revived  and 
Granted,  The  bounds  of  which  Tract  of  Land  as  Mentioned  on  the 
said  Plat  are  as  follows  viz1;  begining  at  the  North  West  Corner 
of  Dunstable  at  Dram  Cup  hill  by  Sohegan  River,  and  Runing 
South  in  Dunstable  line  last  Perambulated  and  Run  by  a Comtee  of 
the  General  Court,  two  Thousand  One  hundred  & fifty  two  poles 
to  Townshend  line,  there  making  an  Angle,  and  Runing  West 
31^  Deg.  North  on  Townshend  line  & province  Land  Two  Thou- 
sand and  Fifty  Six  poles  to  a Piller  of  Stones  then  turning  and 
Running  by  Province  Land  31^  deg  North  two  Thousand  & forty 
Eight  poles  to  Dunstable  Corner  first  Mentioned 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Read  & Ordered  that  the  prayer  of 
the  Memorial  be  Granted,  and  further  that  the  within  Plat  as  Re- 
formed and  Altered  by  Jonas  Houghton  Survey1  be  and  hereby  is 
Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  Delineated  and  Described  (Ex- 
cepting the  said  One  Thousand  Acres  belonging  to  Cambridge 
School  Farm  and  therein  included)  be  and  hereby  are  Confirmed 
to  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Groton  their  heirs  and  Assignes 
Respectivly  forever,  According  to  their  Several  Interests  ; Provid- 
ed the  same  do  not  Interfere  with  any  former' Grant  of  this  Court 
nor  Exceeds  the  Quantity  of  Eleven  thousand  Eight  hundred 
Acres  And  the  Committee  for  the  Town  of  Ipswich  are  allowed 
and  Impowred  to  lay  out  such  quantity  of  Land  on  their  West  line 
as  is  Equivalent  to  what  is  taken  off  their  East  line  as  aforesaid, 
and  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for 
Confirmation — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 

And  in  Answer  to  the  said  Memorial  of  Benja  Prescott  Esqr — 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Ordered  that  the  prayer  of  the  Me- 
morial be  Granted  and  the  Comtee  for  the  New  Township  Granted 
to  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Ipswich,  are  hereby  Allowed  to  lay 
out  an  Equivalent  on  the  West  line  of  the  said  New  Township  Ac- 
cordingly— 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


GROTON. 


133 


\_Petition  of  Proprietors  of  Groton  for  Equivalent  Grant , 1771.'] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  532.] 

Province  of  the  > To  his  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esqr 
Massachusetts-Bay  5 Capt  General  & Governour  in  Cheife  in  & 
Over  the  Sd  Province  and  to  the  Honle  His  Majesties  Councel  and 
house  of  Representatives  in  General  Court  Assembled  at  Cam- 
bridge June  1771 Humbly  Shews — 

That  The  Great  & General  Court  of  this  Province  Did  in  April 
1 735  make  a grant  of  Ten  thousand  and  Eight  Hundred  Acres  of 
Land  Lying  to  the  North  of  Townshend  to  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Town  of  Groton  as  an  Equivolent  for  What  was  Taken  from  Them 
by  Littleton  & Major  Willards  & Reeds  Farms,  Which  were  Prior 
Grants  : and  also  as  a Compensation  for  the  great  Loss  & Damage 
Sustained  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Sd  Groton  in  the  former  Indian 
Warrs,  whereby  the  Inhabitants  were  (After  Twenty  years  Settle- 
ment) wholly  Drove  off  and  their  Buildings  Destroyed  by  Fire, 
Besides  many  of  the  said  Inhabitants  Being  Killed  and  Others 
Captivated  &c,  And  After  the  Town  was  Resettled  they  Did  Build 
Fortifications  at  their  Own  Cost  and  Charge  and  Did  as  much 
Service  in  their  own  & Defence  of  the  Province  as  the  Soldiers 
that  were  Imployed  and  Paid  by  the  Province 

That  the  Said  Proprietors  have  Since  been  Intirely  Dispossessed 
of  the  Ten  thousand  Eight  hundred  Acres  of  Land  aforesd  by  the 
Running  of  the  Province  Line  Notwithstanding  they  had  been  at 
Very  great  Expence  of  time  and  money  in  Gitting  Said  Order  of 
Court  Confirmed  and  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  Sd  Land  : 
So  that  they  Have  been  Plunged  into  Greater  Difficulties  instead 
of  Receiving  an  Equivolent  for  Prior  Grants  or  a Compensation 
for  their  Sengular  Sarvices  and  Extream  Sufferings  in  the  Prov- 
ince— 

Therefore  Your  Petitioners  in  behalf  of  ye  Proprietors  aforesd 
most  Earnestly  pr&y  your  Excellency  & Honours  Would  take  their 
Sengular  Case  into  your  Wise  Consideration  & make  them  the 
Said  Proprietors  and  Adequate  Grant  of  Some  of  the  Unappropri- 
ated Lands  in  the  Western  Part  of  this  Province  And  the  Only 
• Reasions  we  have  Delayed  Petitioning  to  this  Honbl  Court  for  a 
Releife  before  was  in  Hopes  of  the  Province  Line  Being  Altered  to 
its  former  Boundes  again  &c  Or  otherwise  Grant  us  Such  Releife  as 


*34 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


you  may  think  Proper — And  Your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound 
Shall  Ever  Pray — 

? Committee  for  the 
Parker  \ Proprietors  °f  Groton 

In  The  House  of  Representitives  June — 1771 
On  The  Petition  of  Josiah  Sartell  and  Others  a Comtte  for  The 
Proprietors  of  Groton — Whereas  it  Appears  to  This  Court  That 
The  Proprietors  aforesd  Had  a Grant  Made  to  Them  by  The  Gen- 
eral Court  in  April  1735  of  Ten  Thousand  Eight  Hundred  Acers 
of  Land  In  Consideration  of  Land  Taken  from  Sd  Groton  by  Lit- 
tleton Majr  Willard  and  Reads  farms  being  Prior  Grants  and  for 
their  Extraordinary  Suffering  in  the  former  Indian  Warrs  and  in 
June  1736  Said  Grant  was  Confirmed  to  Said  Proprietors  Sence 
Which  time  the  Said  Proprs  Have  been  Intirely  Dispossed  of  Said 
Land  by  the  late  Runing  of  ye  Line  Between  this  Province  and 
New  Hampshire  and  Whereas  it  Appears  there  has  Been  no  Com- 
pensation made  to  the  Said  Propls  of  Groton  for  ye  Lands  Lost  as 
aforesd  Excepting  Three  thousand  Acers  Granted  in  November 
Last  to  James  Prescott  William  Prescott  & Oliver  Prescott  for  their 
Proportion  Thereof — Therefore  Resolved  In  Leiu  thereof  there  be 
Granted  to  the  Proprietors  of  Groton  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for 
Ever  Seven  Thousand  and  Eight  Hundred  Acers  of  the  unappro- 
priated Lands  Belonging  to  this  Province  in  ye  Western  part  of  ye 
Province  to  be  Layed  out  Adjoyning  to  Some  former  Grant  and 
that  they  Return  a Plan  thereof  Taken  by  a Survayor  and 
Chainmen  under  Oath  Into  ye  Secretarys  office  Within  Twelve 
Months  for  Confirmation  &c — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  T Cushing  Spkr 

In  Council  June  13^-1771 — 

Read  & Nonconcured  Jn°  Cotton  D.  Secr’y 

In  Council  June  20th  1771 — 

Read  again,  reconsidered,  and  Concurred 

Thos  Flucker  Sec4 

Consented  to  Hutchinson 


Josiah 

John 

Nath11 


HAMPTON. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Winnicunnet , March  3,  1635.  The  name  was 
changed  to  Hampton,  Sept.  4,  1639.  Hampton  Falls  was  set  off  as  a parish  and 
incorporated  Nov.  23,  1726.  North  Hill  Parish  was  set  off  and  incorporated  as 
North  Hampton,  Nov.  26,  1742. 


HAMPTON. 


x35 


See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  331  ; 
XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  99 ; Index  to  Laws,  226 ; Farmer’s  Belknap’s  His- 
tory of  New  Hampshire,  chaps.  1 and  2,  et  seq.;  An  Historical  Address,  by  Joseph 
Dow,  1838,  pub.  1839,  pp.  43;  historical  manuscripts,  by  E.  W.  Toppan,  in 
possession  of  Christopher  G.  Toppan,  of  Hampton;  History,  now  in  press, 'by 
Joseph  Dow;  papers  relating  to  the  town,  in  appendix  of  this  volume ; historical 
sketch,  compiled  from  Toppan  manuscripts,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County, 
1882,  p.  317.  Consult  authorities  cited  under  titles,  Dover,  Exeter,  Gosport,  New 
Castle,  and  Portsmouth.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  3,  1635.] 

Ordered,  that  there  shalbe  a plantac’on  setled  at  wenicunnett  & 
that  mr  Dummer  & mr  John  Spencer  shall  have  power  to  presse 
men  to  builde  a howse  forthwth  in  some  convenient  place,  & what 
money  they  lay  out  aboute  it  shalbe  repaide  them  againe  out  of  the 
Tresury  or  by  those  that  come  to  inhabite  there./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov  2,  1637.] 

The  inhabitants  of  Neweberry,  haveing  bene  moved  to  leave  their 
plantation,  they  have  graunted  them  winnacunnet,  or  any  other 
plantation  upon  Merrimack  below  the  first  falls,  & to  have  sixe 
miles  square,  & those  that  are  now  inhabitants,  & shall  remove 
wthin  one  yeare,  shall  have  three  years  immunity  (as  Concord 
hath)  the  three  years  begining  the  first  of  the  first  month  next. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  6,  1638.] 

The  Court  grants  that  the  petitioners  mr  Steven  Bachiler, 
Christo  : Hussey,  tytary  Hussey,  vidua,  Thom  : Crumwell,  Samu- 
ell  Skullard,  John  Osgood,  John  Crosse,  Samu  : Greenfeild,  John 
Molton,  Tho  : Molton,  Willi : Estow,  Willi : Palmer,  Willi : Ser- 
gant,  Richrd  Swayne,  Willi : Sanders,  Robrt  Tucke  wth  diverse 
others,  shall  have  libertie  to  begin  a plantation  at  Winnacunnet ; 
& mr  Bradstreete,  mr  Winthrope  Junior,  & mr  Rawson,  or  some 
two  of  them  are  to  assist  in  setting  out  the  place  of  the  towne,  & 
apportioning  the  severall  quantity  of  land  to  each  man,  so  as 


136 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


nothing  shalbee  done  therein  wthout  alowance  from  them,  or  2 of 
them./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  22,  1639.] 

Winnacunnet  is  alowed  to  bee  a towne,  & hath  power  to  choose 
a Cunstable,  & other  officers,  & make  orders,  for  the  well  order- 
ing of  their  towne,  & to  send  a Deputy  to  the  Court,  & Christo  : 
Hussey,  Willi : Palmer,  & Richrd  Swaine  to  end  all  businesses 
under  20  shs  for  this  yeare.  the  laying  out  of  land  to  bee  by  those 
expressed  in  the  former  order 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  4,  1639.] 
Winnacunnet  shalbee  called  Hampton./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  6,  1657.] 

whereas  the  lands  & proprieties  of  the  Honnored  Capt  wiggins 
hath  not  hitherto  binn  brought  wthin  the  limitts  of  any  Toune  nor 
binn  liable  to  pay  taxes  & Assessments  as  other  the  Honored 
magistrates  have  donne  It  is  therefore  Ordered  by  this  Court  that 
henceforth  the  now  dwelling  howse  of  the  said  Captn  Wiggin 
together  wth  the  lands  and  proprieties  thereunto  Appertayning  shall 
belong  to  the  towne  of  Hampton  and  by  the  selectmen  of  the  said 
Toune  to  be  Assessed  in  all  rates  according  to  lawe  any  Custome 
or  usage  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding  & y*  for  the  time  past  he 
allow  only  the  somme  of  five  pounds  to  the  publicke  Treasury  : 


HANCOCK. 

[Originally  a part  of  Society  Land.  Incorporated  Nov.  5,  1779,  and  named  in 
honor  of  John  Hancock.  Joseph  Putnam’s  farm  was  taken  from  Society  Land  and 
annexed  to  Hancock  Jan.  16,  1794.  John  Flint’s  farm  was  taken  from  Antrim  and 
annexed  Jan.  1,  1849. 


HANCOCK. 


137 


See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  759;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  152;  Index 
to  Laws,  227;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885, 
p.  350;  History,  1764  to  1889,  by  William  W.  Hayward,  1889,  pp.  1,070.] 


[Grant  to  Green,  Walker,  Lyde,  and  Green.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Vol.  17,  Misc.  p.  221,  and  Maps  and  Plans 

Vol.  35,  p.  23.] 

June  1740.  Then  surveyed  for  Messrs  Joseph  Green  & Isaac 
Walker  Merchants,  Byfield  Lyde  Esqr  and  John  Green  Merchant, 
Eight  thousand  five  hundred  & seventy  five  Acres  of  Land  lying 
on  the  South  branch  of  Contookock  River  taking  in  said  River, 
and  Lyeth  on  the  North  side  of  a Township  laid  out  to  Samuel 
Harwood  & Others,  known  by  the  name  of  Peterborough  and  buts 
South  on  it,  which  is  laid  out  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  the  Great  and 
General  Court  made  to  the  abovesaid  Persons  10  January  1739 — 
to  make  to  them  an  Equivalent  for  Lands  by  them  respectively 
surrendered  to  the  Government,  lying  in  upper  Housatannock,  in 
Order  to  accommodate  the  Indian  Town  now  Called  Stockbridge. 

It  began  at  Beech  Tree  the  south  West  corner  of  said  Tract  of 
Land  standing  in  the  North  line  of  said  Peterborough  Township 
about  half  a Mile  West  from  the  River,  said  Tree  being  marked 
with  the  Letter  A,  from  thence  it  ran  North  by  a line  of  Marked 
Trees  1920  Perch  to  the  north  west  corner,  being  a Stake  and  heap 
of  Stones,  marked  with  the  Letter  B,  from  thence  it  ran  East  by  a 
line  of  Marked  Trees  nine  hundred  and  Sixty  Perch  crossing  the 
River  to  a White  Pine  the  North  East  corner  marked  with  the 
Letter  C,  from  thence  it  ran  fourteen  degrees  West  by  a line  of 
marked  trees  Eight  hundred  and  eighty  Perch  to  a Maple  tree, 
from  thence  it  ran  East  forty  Perch  to  a poplar  Tree  Marked,  from 
thence  it  ran  South  fourteen  degrees  West  Eleven  hundred  and 
twenty  by  a line  of  marked  trees  to  a Stake  & Stones  in  said  Peter- 
borough line  being  the  South  East  corner  marked  with  the  Letter 
D,  and  from  thence  it  runs  West  with  said  Township,  by  a line  of 
marked  trees  520  Perch  to  where  it  began. 

In  the  lines  above  described  there  is  allowed  four  hundred  and 
fifty  Acres  for  sagg  of  chain  and  a Pond.  The  tract  of  Land 
described  is  bounded  North,  West,  and  East  on  unappropriated 
Lands. 


^ Joseph  Wilder  Junr  Survey1 


138 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Worcester  ss  : June  14,  1740. — 

Then  Jacob  Wilder  and  Joseph  Osgood  appearing  made  Oath 
that  in  surveying  the  above  described  Tract  of  Land  they  faithfully 
performed  the  service  of  Chainmen  according  to  the  best  of  their 
skill  and  Judgment. — before  me 

Sam1  Willard  Just.  Pe9 

Massachusetts  Bay  ss.  June  17th  1740 — 

Then  the  aforenamed  Joseph  Wilder  appearing  made  Oath  that 
in  surveying  the  above  said  tract  of  Land  he  faithfully  performed 
the  duty  of  a Surveyor  without  favor  or  Affection  according  to  the 
best  of  his  Skill  and  Judgment. 

Before  me.  Joseph  Wilder  Justice  ye  Peace 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  18,  1740 — Read  and 
Ordered,  that  the  Plat  be  accepted  and  the  lands  herein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Joseph 
Green,  Isaac  Walker,  Byfield  Lyde  and  John  Green,  their  Heirs 
and  Assigns — Provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  the 
Grant  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

In  Council  July  18,  1740  Read  & Concurred 

Consented  to  J.  Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  35,  p.  25.] 


HENNIKER. 


139 


HENNIKER. 

[This  town  was  Number  6 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  As  some  of  the  grantees  came 
from  Marlborough,  Mass.,  it  was  sometimes  called  New  Marlborough , or  Marl- 
borough Town.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  July  16,  1752,  to  Andrew 
Todd  and  others,  and  sometimes  called  TodcTs-town.  Incorporated  as  Henniker, 
Nov.  10,  1768,  and  named  in  honor  of  John  Henniker,  M.  P. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  189;  Index  to  Laws,  235;  History,  from 
1 73 5 to  1880,  by  Leander  W.  Cogswell,  1880,  pp.  807;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  340.] 


[. Petition  of  Proprietors  of  Henniker for  Equivalent  Grant, 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  757.] 

Province  of  the  > To  His  Excellency  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq1' 
Massachusetts-Bay  $ Captain  General  & Commander  in  chief  In 
& over  sd  Province 

To  the  Honourable  His  majesties  Council  & To  the  Honourable 
House  of  Representatives  in  general  Court  assembled  January  26th 
*774 

The  Petition  of  the  Subscriber  in  behalf  of  ourselves  and  others 
Grantees  of  the  Township  Number  Six  in  the  Line  of  Towns 
humbly  Sheweth 

That  the  Great  & General  Court  of  the  Province  at  their  Session 
A D 1735  Granted  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
square  being  Number  Six  In  the  Line  of  Towns  between  Connect- 
icut & Merrimack  Rivers  that  the  Grantees  were  at  very  consid- 
erable Expence  in  clearing  Roads  Building  Mills  &c  in  said 
Township,  that  by  the  late  running  of  the  Line  Between  this  Gov- 
ernment & the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  the  said  Township 
was  taken  into  the  said  Goverement  of  New-Hampshire,  & your 
Pet”  and  their  associates  have  lost  their  whole  Interest  therein 
together  with  the  money  Expended  in  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  said  Township 

your  Petitioners  therefore  most  humbly  request  that  your  Excel- 
lency & Honours  would  in  your  known  wisdom  & Justice  Grant  to 
your  Petitioner  & the  other  Grantees  and  Proprietors  of  sd  Town- 
ship Number  Six  in  Lieu  thereof  a Township  in  some  of  the  unap- 
propriated Land  in  the  Eastward  Part  of  this  Province  or  otherwise 


140 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Relive  your  Petitioner  as  your  Excellency  & Honr  In  your  Wis- 
dom shall  think  proper  & your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall 
ever  pray 

John  Gardner 
Stephen  Maynard 
Seth  Rice 

[In  answer  to  this  petition,  the  General  Court  granted  the  peti- 
tioners the  township  of  Waterford,  Me.,  Feb.  24,  1774.] 


HILLSBOROUGH. 

[This  town  was  Number  7 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  the  Masonian 
Proprietors,  Jan.  26,  1748-9,  to  John  Hill  and  others,  and  named  in  honor  of  Col. 
John  Hill.  Incorporated  Nov.  14,  1772. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  379 ; 
XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  203  ; Index  to  Laws,  241  ; Annals,  from  first  settle- 
ment to  1841,  by  Charles  James  Smith,  1841,  pp.  72;  sketch,  by  Frank  H. 
Pierce,  1,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  369;  historical  sketch,  by  Harry  Brickett, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1886,  p.  391.] 


[Petition  of  Samuel  Brown  for  Equivalent,  Grant , ij68J\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  323.] 

To  His  Exelency  Francis  Barnard  Esqr  Captain  General  & Com- 
mander in  Cheif  in  & Over  his  Majesties  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  the  Honourable  the  Council  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives in  General  Court  Assembled  Jany  1768 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Brown  of  Stockbridge  Humbly  Sheweth 
That  Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  this  province  Some  Time 
before  the  Year  A.  D 1739  Granted  to  the  people  of  Plymouth  a 
Township  of  Land  Called  N°  7,  in  the  Line  of  Towns.  Since  Called 
by  the  Name  of  Hillsburg  which  Township  was  Since  Sold  to  Coll. 
John  Hills  & Gershom  Keyes  than  of  Boston  by  Said  Granttees,  & 
Hills  & Keyes  afore  Sd  became  Obliged  to  Do  the  Duty  of  Settle- 
ment in  Sd  Township  as  Injoynd  by  the  General  Assembly  as  the 
Condition  of  Sd  Grant  in  pursueance  whereof  Said  Hills  & Keyes 
Soon  after  built  a meetting  house  & mill  or  mills  in  Sd  Township 


HILLSBOROUGH. 


I4I 

& also  Gave  a Considerable  part  of  Sd  Township  to  a proper  Num- 
ber of  persons  to  go  on  & Setle  the  Same  according  the  Courts  act 
whereby  the  whole  Duty  of  Settlement  was  Securd  to  be  Done  & 
Save  the  Remaing  part  of  Sd  Lands  of  Sd  Township  free  of 
Charges  after  which  (viz)  in  the  year  A.  D 1739,  your  Petitioner 
in  Consideration  of  the  afore  mentioned  things  Respeting  the  Set- 
tlement of  Sd  Township  being  Done  & also  Esteeming  the  Grant 
of  General  Court  a Good  Title,  Your  Petitioner  Purchasd  One 
Thousand  Acres  of  land  in  Sd  Township  of  Sd  Keyes  as  being  free 
of  Duty  at  the  Price  of  £500  Cash  in  hand  of  the  than  Currancy  of 
the  province  and  Soon  after  Sold  the  Same  for  £550.  the  same  Cur- 
rancy and  warranted  the  Same,  but  Since  that  time  the  line  between 
the  Province  & Newhampshire  being  Setled.  Sd  Township  by  Sd 
Line  is  Taken  from  this  province  & InCluded  in  Newhampshire 
and  although  Some  part  of  Sd  Township  has  been  Released  to 
Sundry  Persons,  by  the  proprietors  of  Newhampshire.  Yet  they 
uterly  Refuse  to  Release  any  to  your  petitioner,  but  hold  that  Indi- 
vidual Tract  of  land  of  one  Thousand  Acres  afoementioned 
from  your  petitioner  although  full  & proper  Application  has 
been  made  therefor,  wherefore  your  petitioner  is  Damaged  the 
Vallue  of  £550.  as  afoe  sd  & now  Obliged  to  pay  ye  Same  with 
Sink  of  money  & Interest  to  this  time  & Till  it  be  paid  which  to 
this  time  by  the  Computation  of  one  of  our  prinsaple  Gentleman 
in  the  Law  amounts  to  the  Sum  of  more  than  Two  thousand 
pounds  old  Tennor,  wherefore  Your  Petitioner  Humbly  Prays  Your 
Exelency  & Honnours  would  be  pleased  to  take  your  petitioners 
Case  into  your  wise  & Juditious  Consideration  & Grant  to  him  an 
Equivalent  in  lands  in  the  Western  part  of  the  province  or  Some 
other  way  make  up  to  your  petitioner  his  Damages  as  in  your  Great 
wisdom  & Goodness  Your  Exelency  & honnours  Shall  think  fitt  and 
your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  Shall  Ever  pray  &c 

Sam  Brown 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Febr  3 1768 

It  Appearing  by  a Report  of  a Comtee  of  this  Court  made  in  the 
year  1765  Accepted  by  the  House  & Concurred  by  the  Honble  Board 
tho  not  Signed  by  his  Excely  the  Governor  there  was  allowed  to 
Col0  Hill  & others  Seventeen  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  for  land  Lost  by 
running  the  line  of  New  Hampshire  A Thousand  Acres  part  thereof 
of  right  belongs  to  the  petr  Sam1  Brown.  Therefore  Resolved  that 
there  be  granted  to  the  Sd  Sam1  Brown  his  heirs  & assigns  One 
thousand  Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  province  lying 
in  the  County  of  Hampshire  or  Berkshire  to  be  laid  out  in  one 


142 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


peice  adjoining  to  some  former  Grant  and  that  he  return  a plan 
thereof  In  twelve  months  for  Confirmation 


Sent  up  for  Concurrence 
In  Council  Feby  4th  1768- 
Read  & Concurred 
Consented  to 


T Cushing  Spkr 

Jn°  Cotton  D.  Secr’y 
Fra.  Bernard 


HINSDALE. 

[This  town  was  included  in  the  original  grant  of  Northfield,  Mass.  Incorporated 
as  Hindsdale,  Sept.  3,  1753,  and  named  in  honor  of  Col.  Ebenezer  Hindsdale.  Sep- 
tember 26,  1753,  the  Governor  decided  that  the  east  line  should  extend  to  Chester- 
field, thus  taking  off  a portion  of  Winchester.  On  the  establishment  of  the  State 
of  Vermont  and  the  final  determination  of  its  jurisdiction,  the  town  lost  all  of  its 
territory  west  of  the  Connecticut. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  382;  X, 
Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  398,400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for 
union  with  Vermont  towns ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  212;  Index  to  Laws, 
242  ; historical  sketch,  by  J.  M.  Stebbins,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County, 
1886,  p.  357.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  4,  1727.] 

On  a Memorial  of  the  Proprietors  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Northfield,  praying,  that  as  there  has  never  yet  been  any  Lines 
and  Boundaries  of  their  Town  run  and  setled  and  returned  to  this 
Court  for  Confirmation,  and  as  they  have  lately  been  at  the  Cost 
and  Charge  of  a Surveyor  and  Chain-Men  on  Oath  to  Survey  the 
same  according  to  the  Grants  of  this  Court,  that  the  Lands  contained 
within  the  Lines  of  the  Plat  protracted  as  aforesaid  and  Exhibited 
with  the  Petition,  may  be  Confirmed  to  them,  for  the  Reasons  men- 
tioned, which  was  Read  and  Accepted,  and  Ordered , That  Col. 
Stoddard , Mr.  Gunn , and  Mr.  Wright , be  a Committee  at  the 
Charge  of  the  Petitioners,  to  run  the  Lines  of  the  Town  of  North- 
field  by  a skilful  Surveyor  and  Chain-men  on  Oath  agreable  to 
the  several  Grants  made  by  this  Court  to  the  said  Town,  and 
return  a Plat  thereof  to  the  Court  in  their  next  Fall  Session  for 
Confirmation. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


HINSDALE. 


Z43 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  6,  1727.] 

Theofhilus  Burrell  Esq ; brought  down  the  Memorial  of  the 
Proprietors  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Northjield,  with  the 
Vote  of  the  House  thereon,  as  entred  the  4-th.  Currant,  Pass’d  in 
Council,  viz . In  Council  July  5th . 1727.  Read  and  Concurr’d, 
The  Survey  of  the  first  Grant  of  Eight  Miles  Square  to  begin  at  the 
East  side  of  the  River  at  the  lower  end  of  the  Three  little  Meadows, 
and  so  to  extend  Eight  Miles  up  the  River.  Sent  down  for  Con- 
currence. 

Read  and  Concurr’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  22,  1733.] 

A Plat  of  the  Township  of  Northfeild  in  the  County  of  Hamp- 
shire taken  by  Tim0  Dwight  Esqr  Survey1' — In  the  House  of  Rep- 
resent^ Read  & Voted  that  the  within  plat  protracted  by  Tim° 
Dwight  Survey1*  be  Accepted,  & the  Lands  therein  contained,  con- 
firmed to  the  Town  of  Northfeild  saving  that  on  the  East  Side  of 
Connecticut  River  they  shall  begin  their  Measure  in  laying  out 
their  first  Grant  at  the  lower  End  of  the  three  little  Meadows  & 
from  thence  measure  Eight  Miles  up  Connecticut  River,  agreable 
to  the  Representation  of  Mr  William  Clarke  the  Survey1  of  the 
first  Comm^  who  laid  out  that  Township,  And  that  so  much  be 
struck  off  from  the  Nothern  Part  of  the  Plat  on  the  East  Side  of 
Connecticut  River  as  the  Land  shall  measure  from  the  Mouth  of 
the  Brook  called  Natani’s  or  Bennet’s  Brook  to  the  lower  End  of 
the  three  little  Meadows — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher. 


[Grant  to  John  Russell.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Aug.  18,  1737.] 

A Petition  of  Joh?i  Russell , Esq;  of  Barnstable,  in  the  County 
of  Barnstable , Chyrurgeon,  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  on  Ac- 
count of  his  Service  and  Expences  as  Chyrurgeon  in  the  late  Ex- 
pedition against  Port-Royal , under  Command  of  the  late  Col. 
March . Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Petition  be  considered  at 
twelve  o’Clock  this  Day. 


I44 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Aug.  18,  1737.] 

The  Petition  of  Dr.  John  Russell  read  again  and  considered, 
and  in  Answer  thereto,  Voted , That  two  hundred  Acres  of  the 
unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  lying  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire,  be  and  is  hereby  given  and  granted  to  the  Petitioner 
John  Russell , Esq ; in  full  Consideration  of  the  Expence  he  was 
at,  and  his  Service  in  the  Expedition  to  Annapolis  within  men- 
tioned, and  that  he  be  allowed  and  impowred  by  a Surveyor  and 
Chain-men  on  Oath  to  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  (adjoin- 
ing to  some  Township)  within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  by  Mr.  Bird . 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  18,  1737.]. 

A Petition  of  John  Russell  Esqr  praying  for  some  consideration 
for  his  serving  the  Province  in  an  Expedition  to  Port  Royal  in  the 
year  1704  for  which  he  has  never  yet  received  any  thing  by  reason 
of  his  absence  beyond  Sea  when  the  Roll  was  made  up  : — 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  and  Ordered,  that  two  hun- 
dred Acres  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the  Province  lying  in 
the  County  of  Hampshire  be  and  is  hereby  given  and  granted  to 
the  Petitioner  John  Russel  Esqr  in  full  consideration  of  the  ex- 
pence at,  and  his  service  in  the  Expedition  to  Annapolis  within 
mentioned,  and  that  he  be  allowed  and  impowered  by  a Surveyor 
and  Chain  men  on  oath,  to  return  a Plat  thereof  (adjoining  to  some 
Township  or  former  Grant)  to  the  Court,  within  twelve  months, 
for  confirmation. 

In  Council ; Read. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  23,  and  House  Journal,  June  22, 

1738.] 

A Plat  of  Two  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Nathaniel 
Kellog  Survey1'  and  Chain  men  on  oath,  to  fulfill  a grant  made  by 
this  Court  to  John  Russell  Esq1*  lying  Westward  and  adjoining  to 
the  Town  commonly  called  Arlington,  North,  and  adjoining  to  a 
Township  lying  Eastward  of  and  adjoining  to  Northfield  ; bounded 
North  and  West  on  unappropriated  land  ; Beginning  at  a Heap  of 


HOPKINTON. 


I45 


Stones  which  is  Arlington  South  West  Corner ; thence  running 
North  i6°.oo.  West  two  hundred  and  thirty  two  perch  in  Arlington 
West  Line ; thence  West  one  hundred  fourteen  perch  twelve  feet 
to  a stake  and  Stones ; thence  South  two  hundred  and  twenty  two 
Perch ; thence  East  one  hundred  and  seventy  seven  perch,  to  the 
place  first  mentioned. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  and  Ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and 
hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  John  Russel  Esqr  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within  mentioned  ; Provid- 
ed it  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  two  hundred  Acres  of  land,  and 
does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’ d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


HOPKINTON. 

[This  town  was  Number  5 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Some  of  the  grantees  being 
from  Hopkinton,  Mass.,  the  town  was  also  called  New  Hopkinton.  Granted  by 
the  Masonian  proprietors,  Nov.  30,  1750,  to  Henry  Mellen  and  others.  Incorpor- 
ated as  Hopkinton,  Jan.  10,  1765,  and  named  from  Hopkinton,  Mass.  A portion 
of  Bow  was  annexed  Dec.  13,  1763,  to  settle  a dispute  between  the  two  towns. 
The  town  was  annexed  to  Merrimack  from  Hillsborough  County  on  the  incorpora- 
tion of  the  former  in  1823. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  404 ; 
XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  255  ; Index  to  Laws,  247  ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Merrimack  county,  1885,  p.  391  ; Life  and  Times  in  Hopkinton,  by  C. 
C.  Lord,  1890,  pp.  583.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Petition  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  Hopkinton , praying  for 
a Grant  of  Land  for  a Township  on  the  Westerly  side  of  Riimford 
and  Suncook , on  that  tract  taken  up  and  dropt  by  the  Narragan- 
sett  Men,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  the  House  came  into 
the  Grant  at  the  place  petitioned  for  on  the  same  Conditions  of 
Settlement  as  the  last  preceeding  Grant  was  made. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

10 


146 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


HUDSON. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Old  Dunstable  grant,  and  was  afterwards  included  in  the 
limits  of  Nottingham.  Incorporated  as  Nottingham  West,  July  5,  1746.  The 
name  was  changed  to  Hudson,  July  1,  1830.  The  southwest  part  of  Londonderry 
was  annexed  March  6,  1778.  The  line  with  Londonderry  was  established  June  27, 
1857,  and  the  line  with  Windham  July  2,  1862. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  193,  416;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  273;  Index 
to  Laws,  251  ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p. 
457.  Consult  authorities  cited  under  title  of  Dunstable.] 


[Grant  to  Joseph  Hills.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  14,  1656.] 

Granted  to  mr  Joseph  Hills  five  hundred  acres  of  land  neere 
Norwottocke  where  mr  Bradstreet  & others  have  graunts  In  Con- 
sideration of  an  Adventure  of  thirty  three  pounds  and  severall  ser- 
vices to  ye  Countrye 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1660,  and  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol. 

1.  P-  i5-] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petic'on  of  mr  Joseph  Hills',  The  Court  Judged 
meete  to  Graunt  that  mr  Jonathan  Danforth  & Jn°  or  Jam3  parker 
be  Impowered  to  lay  out  unto  mr  Hill  the  five  hundred  acres  for- 
merly in  1656  Graunted  him  in  any  place  not  formerly  Graunted/ 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  15.] 

10th  3m  1661 

laid  out  to  mr  Joseph  Hill  of  Maldon,  five  hundred  ace.  of  land  in 
the  wildernesse  on  ye  easterne  side  of  merimack  Rivr  one  part  or 
parsell  of  ye  same  Lyeth  adjoyning  to  the  Said  River ; begin’ing 
at  wattannanuck  right  over  against  ye  Island  which  Lyeth  at  ye 
mouth  of  Nashuway  Rivr  run’ing  up  merimack : (457)  pole  5 by 
the  River  ; then  Run’ing  half  a point  Northward  of  ye  east ; (112) 
pole ; (cutting  crosse  a smale  brooke : which  bounds  it  on  the 
North:  neer  merimuck;)  then  runing  south  and  by  East;  (354) 


HUDSON. 


147 


pole ; unto  a pine  tree  marked  with  J : H : from  thence  ye  closing 
line  to  merimuck  runes  south  west : one  hundred  pole  ; which  par- 
sell  of  land  containes  (350)  ace  more  or  lesse  ; all  which  is  suffe- 
tiently  bounded  by  marked  trees  and  is  more  fully  demonstrated 
by  a plott  taken  of  ye  same  ; 

also  one  part  or  parsed  of  ye  same  Containing  (144)  ace.  more 
or  lesse  Lyeth  south  east  of  the  former  parsed,  about  two  miles 
distant  from  it ; Lying  under  the  North  end  of  a great  hid  (called 
discovery  Hid)  and  so  also  bounded  by  other  great  Hills,  on  ye 
North  west  and  North  east ; lying  as  it  were  in  a vayley,  a brook 
passing  through  ye  same  ; which  Parsed  of  land  is  suffetiently 
bounded  by  marked  trees  ; 

also  a smale  patch  of  meadow  of  about  Six  acc.  lying  within 
sight  of  a pond  ; which  lyeth  Northeast  of  the  two  former  parsells 
and  about  one  mile  distant  from  each  : Which  is  bounded  by  great 
pines,  marked  with  J H : ad  which  was  laid  out  by 

Jonathan  Danforth  Survey1* 

The  Deputies  approve  of  this  returne  & orders  it  to  be  recorded 
desireinge  the  Consent  of  or  Honrd  majists  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric 

7 June  1661  : The  magists  Consent  heereto 

Edw.  Rawson  secret 

graunted  also  to  mr  Joseph  Hills  a Small  Hand  beinge  in  the 
mouth  of  Nashaway  river  as  it  fads  in  to  merimack,  Cont0  about 
6 Accrs  provided  he  Compound  with  the  Indians  for  their  right 
with  reference  the  Consent  of  or  Honrd  magists  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magists  Consent  hereto  so  as  that  there  be  a Constantly  a 
high  way  for  ye  Country  & y*  the  Indians  be  not  hindered  from 
their  Constant  fishing  the  deputs  Consenting  hereto 

22  May  1662  Edw  : Rawson  secrety 

Consented  unto  by  the  Depts  as  Attest 

Thomas  Savage  Speakr 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  15.] 

To  the  honoured  Court. 

I understanding  that  the  Surveyours  returne  of  laying  out  the 
land  formerly  Granted  mee  on  A double  Considerac’on  (i.  e)  for 
3311 : 069 : o8d  Layd  down  in  Engl : & for  Severall  Services  to  the 
Countrie  hath  not  been  acceptable  to  our  honoured  Magistrates 


148 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


because  it  is  in  3 places  and  So  much  in  Length  beside  the  River, 
doe  for  their  better  Satisfacc’on  hereby  Signifie  my  willingness  to 
accept  of  the  bigger  parsel  of  meadow  onely  for  So  many  Acres  as 
is  of  it  and  to  make  up  the  rest  backward  into  the  Countrie  from 
the  river  behind  the  300  and  odd  Acres  and  So  it  will  be  all  in  one 
place  onely  the  Meadow  A litle  remote  which  is  usual  with  most 
farmes  in  the  Countrie. 

14  : 4 : 61  : Your  verie  humble  Servant 

Joseph  Hills  : 

The  magistrates  grant  this  desire  of  mr  Hill  wth  reference  to  the 
consent  of  our  Bretheren  the  deputies. 

Jo  : Endecott  Govr 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputies  William  Torrey  Cleric 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  14.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Vol.  1,  p.  15.] 

3m  1662 

Acording  to  the  order  of  the  generall  Court  14th  4“  1661. 
Ther  is  added  unto  the  farme  of  mr  Joseph  Hill  of  Maldon,  one 
hundr : ace.  of  land  Joyning  to  the  former  parsell  backward  from 
ye  River ; Hence  the  buttings  and  boundings  of  his  farme  are  as 
followeth ; 

Laid  out  unto  mr  Joseph  Hill  of  maldon  (500)  ace.  of  land  in 
the  wildernesse  on  the  easterne  side  of  merimack  River,  one 
Parsed  of  the  same  containing  (450)  ace.  Joyneth  to  the  said 
River ; begin’ing  at  wattan-na-nuck,  right  over  against  ye  Island 
which  lyeth  at  ye  mouth  of  Nashuway  river,  run’ing  up  merrimack, 


ISLES  OF  SHOALS. 


!49 


457,  pole  by  ye  river,  then  run’ing  halfe  a point  Northward  of  ye 
east;  148,  pole,  cutting  crooss  a smale  brook  which  bounds  it  on 
the  North  neer  merimack  then  runing  South  and  by  east  (406) 
pole  unto  a pine  tree  marked  H : from  thence  ; the  closing  line  to 
merimack  is  (no)  pole,  all  which  is  suffetiently  bounded  by 
marked  tree,  the  forme  of  which  do  better  appear  by  a plott  taken 
of  the  same ; 

also:  one  part  or  parsell  of  the  same,  containing  fifty  ace.  of 
meadow  Lyeth  South  east  of  the  former  Parsed  about  2 miles  dis- 
tant from  it,  lying  under  the  North  end  of  a great  Hid  (called  dis- 
covery Hid)  also  bounded  by  other  great  hills  on  the  North  west 
& North  east,  a brook  Passing  through  the  same ; also  ther  is  no 
other  meadow  neer  unto  this  parsed.  This  was  laid  out  : 

By  Jonathan  Danforth  Survey1 

The  deputyes  approve  of  this  returne  desireing  or  Honord  m ag- 
ists Consent  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

Consented  to  by  the  magist3  Edw  Rawson  secrety 


ISLES  OF  SHOALS. 

[These  islands  belong  part  to  Maine  and  part  to  New  Hampshire.  The  whole 
group  was  incorporated  by  Massachusetts,  as  a township  by  the  name  of  Appiedore , 
May  22,  1661.  Star  Island  was  incorporated  as  Gosport  Dec.  24,  1715,  and  was 
annexed  to  the  town  of  Rye,  July  20,  1876.  On  the  settlement  of  the  boundaries 
of  New  Hampshire,  1737-1741,  the  commissioners  in  1737,  adjudged  part  of  the 
islands  to  lie  in  the  province  of  Maine  and  the  remainder  in  New  Hampshire,  which 
judgment  was  confirmed  by  the  King  in  1741. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  313;  Index  to  Laws,  21 1 ; Farmer’s  Belknap’s 
History  of  New  Hampshire,  chapters  1 and  2,  et  seq. ; The  Isles  of  Shoals,  An  His- 
torical Sketch,  by  John  Scribner  Jenness,  first  ed.,  Cambridge,  1873,  second  ed., 
1875.  Consult  authorities  cited  under  titles,  Dover,  Exeter,  Hampton,  New  Castle, 
and  Portsmouth ; special  papers  relating  to  early  settlement  in  appendix  to  this 
volume.] 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


150 


[. Petition  of  Isles  of  Shoals  to  he  made  a Township , / 63 j . ] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  215.] 

To  the  much  honoured  Court  held  at  Boston  ye  18th  of  ye  3d  53 

The  humble  petition  of  the  Inhabbitants  in  the  Isles  of  Showles, 
Sheweth 

That  whereas  wee  the  said  Inhabbitants,  liveing  so  remote  from 
the  neighbour-townes  upon  the  Maine,  and  having  thereby  all- 
ready sustained  much  wronge  through  want  of  a power  deputed 
amongst  our  selves  to  helpe,  whom  it  may  concerne  to  their  due 
Debts,  and  findinge  alsoe  by  unsutable  wind  & weather,  that  wee 
cannot  (upon  occasion)  visite  the  Town  that  wee  might  enjoy  the 
benefitt  of  the  Law,  to  recover  our  owne,  in  a way  of  righteous- 
nes.  Wee  therefore  upon  such  like  reasons,  doe  thinke  it  our  dutie 
to  make  petition  to  this  much  honoured  generall  Court  that  you 
mought  be  pleased,  to  take  our  condition  into  your  serious  and 
sage  consideration,  & to  grant  us  the  priviledge  of  a Towneshipp, 
as  farre  as  your  wisdomes  shall  thinke  us  capable,  as,  that  wee 
may  have  amongst  us  a Clarke  of  the  writts,  & some  others 
authorizd  to  have  the  hearing  & issueing  of  such  causes  as  may 
fall  out,  under  the  summe  of  Ten  pounds  wee  finding  as  wee  sup- 
pose under  your  favour,  more  neede  of  such  a priviledge  then  our 
neibour-townes,  forasmuch  as  some  of  our  transient  ones,  as  it  may 
fall  out,  they  cannot  tarrie  untill  their  causes  may  be  issued  else- 
where. Alsoe,  may  it  please  this  honourd  Cburt  to  take  notice, 
that  our  situation  is  such,  as  many  times  wee  necessarilie  shall  not 
be  able  to  Joyne  with  our  neibours  in  militarie  affaires  through 
unseasonable  weather,  without  great  hazard  or  damage  to  our 
selves.  Our  request  is  therefore,  that  you  would  be  pleased  to 
make  us  a distinct  company  in  that  respect,  we  being  upwards  of 
a hundred  men  at  this  time,  & that  our  loving  friends  John  Arthur 
Lieut : & willian  Seely  Ensigne  so  chosen  amongst  us,  to  beginne 
that  service,  they  mought  be  instaled  into  such  places,  for  the 
benefitt  of  the  rest,  according  to  your  order  Thus,  wee  nothing 
doubting,  but  yee  will  be  pleased  to  pass  by  any  of  these  our 
unsutable  expressions,  & grant  us  whatsoever  your  discretion  shall 
see  mostly  conduceing  to  our  best  good.  Wee  (for  your  fatherlie 
ceare  allready  enjoyed,  & yet  expected)  doe  account  ourselves  in 
bounden  dutie  to  be  ready,  to  doe  you  any  service  to  our  abilitie, 
& to  make  supplications  yet  in  your  behalfe,  for  the  further  influ- 
ences of  the  holie  ghost  upon  your  hearts,  in  those  approaching  & 


ISLES  OF  SHOALS. 


151 


all  after  agitations,  for  his  owne  glory,  with  his  churches  wellfare. 
We  now  humblie  take  our  leave,  & subscribe  in  the  name,  & with 
generall  consent. 


Hercules  Hunkins 
Rice  Joanes 
Peter  Triforn 
John  fabines 
Benjamin  Bickford 
walther  Mathews 
matthew  Giles 


Rice  Cadogan 
William  Sealy 
John  bickford 
John  Arthur 
Phillip  Babb 
Richard  Sealy 
George  Sealy. 


Samuell  Jewell 
William  wren 
John  Bretnell 
Edward  Smale 
Peeter  Gee 
houmphry  honewell 


The  Deputyes  thinke  meete  that  the  petition13  be  graunted  liberty 
of  determining  Civill  actions  which  shall  concerne  them,  when 
either  one  or  both  partyes  are  inhabitants  & taken  there  to  the  val- 
ue of  ten  pounds,  & that  mr  Brion  Pendleton  mr  Nicholas  Shapley 
Herculus  Hunkins  Richard  Seely  & Phillip  Babb  be  Commis- 
sionrs  for  such  Cases,  & y*  they  or  any  three  of  them  mr  Pendle- 
ton or  mr  Shapley  beinge  one  may  here  & determine  all  such 
cases  legally  brought  before  them  according  to  law  till  this  court 
take  further  order  therein,  & for  settleinge  of  the  military  Officers 
& Company  The  Court  hath  already  ^vided  in  that  case  in 
their  order  for  the  settling  of  the  militia  made  Anno,  1652  which 
gives  the  Chiefe  officer  of  every  Company  power  to  appoynt  as 
herein — & for  Clark  of  the  writts  none  being  prsented  its  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Commissionrs  afforesd  or  the  major  pt  of  them  to 
appoynt  a meet  man  for  y*  service  till  the  Court  take  further  order 
therein  voted  by  the  deputs  who  desire  the  Consent  of  or  honord 
magists  heereto 

. William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magists  Consent  hereto  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  28,  1659.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Isle  of  Shoales 
the  Court  doe  not  Judge  the  persons  petitioning  to  be  in  a 
Capacity  at  present  to  make  a Touneshipp. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  22,  1661.] 
ffor  the  better  setling  of  order  In  the  Isle  of  shoales  It  is  Ordered 


!52 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


by  this  Court  that  henceforward  the  whole  Islands  apperteining 
there  unto  wch  doe  lye  partly  in  the  County  of  York  & the  other 
parte  in  the  Jurisdiction  of  Dover  & Portsmouth  shall  be  reputed 
& hereby  Allowed  to  be  a Touneship  called  apledoore  & shall 
have  aequall  power  to  regulate  theire  Toune  affaires  as  other 
Tounes  of  this  Jurisdiction  have./ 


KEENE. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Upper  Ashuelot,  April  20,  1733.  Incorporated 
as  Keene,  April  1 1,  1753,  and  named  in  honor  of  Sir  Benjamin  Keene.  The  north- 
east corner  was  comprised  in  the  limits  of  Sullivan,  incorporated  Sept.  27,  1787. 
Another  portion,  with  parts  of  Nelson  and  Marlborough,  went  to  make  up  the 
town  of  Roxbury,  Dec.  9,  1812.  A part  of  Swanzey  was  annexed,  Dec.  10,  1812. 
An  act  was  passed  July  1,  1868,  by  which  the  town  of  Roxbury  was  to  be  annexed 
to  Keene,  whenever  the  provisions  of  the  act  were  adopted  by  a majority  of  voters 
in  both  towns,  but  this  has  not  yet  been  done.  A city  charter  was  granted  in  1865, 
but  was  not  accepted  till  July  3,  1873. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers, 
394,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XII,  Ham- 
mond Town  Papers,  306;  Index  to  Laws,  268;  Annals  of  the  Town,  from  1734 
to  1790,  2,  Collections  of  the  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  p.  71  ; same,  with  cor- 
rections, additions,  and  a continuation  from  1790  to  1815,  pub.  1851,  pp.  120; 
sketch,  by  J.  N.  McClintock,  Granite  Monthly,  Vol.  3,  p.  548,  and  Vol.  4, 
p.  499;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  24.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1736.] 

• 

A Petition  of  Elisha  Root , Isaac  Power,  John  Corbett , and 
sundry  others,  Proprietors,  and  some  of  them  Inhabitants  of  the 
upper  Township  on  Ashuelot  River  in  the  County  of  Hampshire, 
shewing  that  a Committee  of  this  Court  appointed  in  the  Year  1733, 
to  admit  Settlers  or  Proprietors,  on  the  6th.  of  June  1734,  received 
and  admitted  the  Petitioners  as  Proprietors  to  the  Number  of  Sixty, 
who  received  their  Lots  or  Drafts  and  paid  the  Sum  ordered  at 
their  Admittance,  that  by  force  there  of  they  have  assembled  at 
sundry  times  since,  under  sundry  Adjournments  from  their  first 
meeting  the  yth.  of  June  1734,  and  have  made  and  passed  several 
Votes  for  carrying  on  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township  agre- 
able  to  the  Intent  of  the  Grant,  an  account  of  their  Proceedings 
accompanying  the  Petition,  praying  the  Order  and  Authority  of 


KEENE. 


153 


the  Court  for  Establishing  the  said  Meetings  and  Orders,  and 
Votes  therein  made,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and 
Ordered,  That  Capt.  Hobson,  Col.  Alden,  and  Col.  Church,  be  a 
Committee  to  take  this  Petition  under  Consideration,  and  report 
their  Opinion  of  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  thereon. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  15.] 


* 3«a *•*-.? *7  ^17 

,A  u«  *».*  ,A 


7^*wt  uA«f|  4 

any  *11  mr%  mil  S 


i54 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


LEMPSTER. 

[This  was  Number  9 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut  River, 
granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  New  Hampshire  as 
Dupplin,  Jan.  1,  1753,  to  Samuel  Clark  Pain  and  others.  Regranted  Oct.  5,  1761, 
to  Benadam  Gallop  and  others,  and  incorporated  as  Lempster.  Regranted  Jan.  5, 
1767,  to  Dudley  Woodbridge  and  others.  The  charter  was  renewed  Jan.  21,  1772. 
A portion  of  this  town  was  included  in  the  incorporation  of  Goshen,  Dec.  27,  1791. 
The  line  between  Lempster  and  Washington  was  established  Nov.  27,  1812. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  466;  X, 
Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for 
union  with  Vermont  towns;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  396;  Index  to  Laws, 
285  ; historical  sketch,  by  Helen  Bingham,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan  County, 
1886,  p.  185.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1737.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Lysco?nb,  Jonathan  Dwight  and  Thomas 
Cutler , a Committee  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  the  Proprietors  of 
the  Township  Number  Nine  in  the  Line  of  Towns  between  the 
Rivers  of  Connecticut  and  Merrimack,  praying  they  may  be 
allowed  to  make  a Pitch  of  another  Township,  the  said  Township 
Number  Nine  upon  a late  View  in  order  for  laying  out  the  Home- 
Lots  being  look’d  on  as  impracticable  for  Settlement,  according  to 
the  Conditions  of  the  Grant.  Read  and  referred  to  the  May  Ses- 
sion for  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journals,  June  13,  1738.] 

Ordered , That  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Lyscomb , Jonathan 
Dwight , & Thomas  Cutler , a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Township  Number  Nine , in  the  Line  of  Towns,  as  entred  the 
eighth  of  December  last,  and  referred,  be  further  referred  to  the 
next  sitting  of  the  Court. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  6,  1738.] 

Ordered , That  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Lyscomb , and  others,  a 
Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  Nine  in 
the  Line  of  Towns,  as  entred  the  Sth  of  December  and  14 th  of  Jzme 
last  and  referred,  be  further  referred  to  the  next  sitting  of  the  Court. 


LEMPSTER. 


155 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  12,  1738.] 

A Petition  of  Leonard  Lockman , Esq ; shewing  that  he  pur- 
chased, paid  for,  and  gave  Bond  to  settle  divers  Rights  or  Shares 
of  Land  in  the  Township  Number  Nine  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
since  which  it  is  manifest  the  said  Lands  are  accounted  not  worth 
settling,  so  that  he  is  without  remedy  if  he  cannot  obtain  Recom- 
pence,  praying  for  an  Equivalent  in  other  Lands  of  the  Province 
in  such  Quantity  as  to  the  Wisdom  of  the  Court  shall  seem  meet. 
Read  and  Ordered,  That  this  Petition  be  referred  to  the  next  sit- 
ting of  the  Court,  to  be  considered  with  the  Petition  of  Samuel 
Lyscomb,  and  others,  a Committee  in  behalf  of  the  other  Proprie- 
tors of  said  Township,  as  entred  the  6th  currant. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  3,  1739.] 

The  Petition  of  Samuel  Lyscomb,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Thomas 
Cutler,  and  others,  for  themselves  and  the  other  Grantees  or  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Township  Number  Nine,  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
praying  they  may  obtain  another  Grant  of  a Township  by  reason 
of  the  badness  of  Number  Nine,  as  entred  the  4 th  of  Dece7nber 
1737,  the  13M  of  June  and  6th  of  December  1738.  Read  and 
Ordered,  That  the  Petition  be  referred  further  to  the  next  sitting 
of  the  Court  for  Consideration. 


[ Vote  and  List  of  Grantees  of  Lemfster,  7750.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  839.] 

At  a Great  and  General  Court  held  in  Boston,  the  Twenty 
Fourth  Day  of  November,  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and 
Thirty  Six,  the  following  Vote  passed  the  Two  Houses,  and  was 
Consented  to  by  the  Governour — Viz1 

Voted,  That  mr  Samuel  Ly scorn  be  and  hereby  is  fully  Author- 
ized and  Impowered  to  Assemble  and  Convene  the  Grantees  or 
Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  Nine,  lying  in  the  Line  of 
Towns  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecticut  and  Merrimack,  to 
assemble  in  such  Place  as  they  shall  be  Notified  and  warned  to 
Convene  and  Assemble  at,  To  Choose  a Moderator  and  Clerk,  and 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


*56 


Committee  to  Allot  and  Divide  their  Lands  & to  dispose  of  the 
same,  and  to  pass  such  Votes  and  Orders  as  by  them  may  be 
thought  Conducive  for  the  speedy  fulfilment  of  the  Conditions  of 
their  Grants,  And  also  to  agree  upon  Methods  for  calling  of 
Meetings  for  the  future,  Provided  None  of  their  Votes  concerning 
the  Dividing  or  Disposing  of  their  Lands,  that  shall  be  passed, 
while  they  are  under  the  Direction  of  the  Committee  of  this  Court, 
shall  be  of  Force  before  they  are  allowed  of  by  the  said  Committee 
A True  Copy  taken  from  the  Book  of  Records  belonging  to  the 
Grantees  of  the  Township  Number  Nine 


Attest 


Josiah  Peirce 


Clark  for  the 
Grantees  of  N°  9 — 


A List  of  the  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  N°  9- 


Samuel  Lyscom 
Edward  Child 
Nathan  Brigham 
Joseph  Dwight 
John  Goddard 
Thomas  Cutler  junr 
Ascan  Lockman 
William  Lockman 
Daniel  Dwight 
John  Harris 
William  Cutler 
Jonathan  Pool 
John  Overing 
Ephraim  Cutler 
Samuel  Whitney 
Josiah  Shattock 
Josiah  Perry 
Josiah  Peirce 
David  Stratton 
Thomas  Wellington 


Daniel  Hastings 
Asher  Rice 
Aaron  Brigham 
Jonathan  Dwight 
John  Woodward 
Leonard  Lockman 
Lewis  Lockman 
John  Ellis 
Nathanael  Dwight 
Samuel  Cutler 
Abraham  Nickols 
Zechariah  Filegg 
Amos  Bond 
Zebulun  Hastings 
John  Fisk 
Peter  Wyman 
Thaddeus  Bond 
Joseph  Wellington 
Jonathan  Hammond 
Benjamin  Lee 


Elisha  Maynard 
John  Warren 
Israel  Walker 
Nathanael  Sever 
Josiah  Browne 
George  Lockman 
Augustus  Lockman 
Samuel  Dwight 
Timothy  Harris 
Joseph  Winchester 
Henry  Bright 
Isaac  Snowe 
Henry  Spring 
Benjamin  Hastings 
Joseph  Bridge 
Thomas  Warren 
Ephraim  Perry 
Ebenezer  Davis 
Joseph  Dix 
Ebenezer  Stone  y 


I know  not  That  any  of  the  Grantees  have  fulfilled  the  Conditions 
of  their  Grants — The  Reason  of  ye  Neglect  is,  The  Grantees  em- 
ploy’d a Committee  to  view  the  Township,  & to  lay  out  House  Lots  : 
who  after  viewing  the  same,  Reported  to  the  Grantees,  That  in 
their  Judgment  it  was  Utterly  Impossible  to  be  Inhabited  as  a 
Town;  and  therefore  they  laid  out  no  Lots.  Upon  which  the 
Grantees  made  Choice  of  a Committee  to  Petition  the  Great  and 


LITCHFIELD. 


157 


General  Court  for  a New  Township  in  the  Room  of  Number  Nine 
at  a Meeting  December  6,  1737.  Which  Committee,  I have  often 
heard,  Obtained,  That  the  Grantees  should  be  saved  harmless 
from  their  Bonds  by  a Vote  of  the  Great  and  General  Court.  But 

have  not  been  able  to  procure  that  Vote. 

Josiah  Peirce  Proprietors  Clerk 

Hampshire  ss  > Josiah  Peirce  Subscriber  to  the  above  Copies  and 
Mar.  23.  1750  5 Account  relating  to  the  Township  Number  Nine 
made  Oath  that  they  were  True  before  me 

Richd  Crouch  Jus4  Peace 


LITCHFIELD. 

[This  was  originally  a part  of  Old  Dunstable,  known  as  Naticook  or  Brentons 
Farm.  Granted  by  Massacusetts  July  9,  1729,  to  John  Richardson  and  others. 
The  present  name  was  adopted  July  3,  1734.  Incorporated  as  Litchfield,  June  5, 
1 749- 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  467;  XII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  414;  Index  to  Laws,  292;  historical  sketch,  by  E.  F. 
McQuesten,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  486.  Consult  authori- 
ties cited  under  title  of  Dunstable.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  9,  1729.] 

A Petition  of  John  Richardson,  Joseph  Blanchard  & divers 
others,  being  some  of  the  Proprietors  of  a Tract  of  Land  in  the 
Town  of  Dunstable  called  Naticook  or  Brenton’s  Farm,  Praying 
fora  Grant  of  Province  Lands  adjacent  to  the  said  Farm,  of  the 
Contents  of  about  twenty  one  square  miles  lying  on  both  sides  of 
Merrimack  River.  Beginning  on  the  East  Bank  of  said  River, 
Northward  of  said  Farm,  & to  extend  as  the  Line  of  said  Farm 
runs,  three  miles ; thence  Northerly  according  to  the  general 
Course  of  the  River,  three  miles ; thence  Westerly  to  said  River, 
& to  continue  on  the  same  Point  four  miles  Westerly  of  said 
River ; thence  Southerly  on  a Line  parallel  to  the  general  Course 
of  the  said  River  till  it  meets  with  Merrimack  River,  Which  Tract 
of  Land  they  will  settle  with  Families  as  soon  as  they  can  have 
Encouragement  for  the  same. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Voted  that  the  Prayer  of 
the  Petition  be  granted,  & the  Lands  are  hereby  granted  to  the 
Petitioners  & their  associates  accordingly ; Provided  they  shall 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


158 

within  three  years  lay  out  Sixty  House  Lots  compacted  & in  a 
defensible  manner,  & set  a part  one  Lot  for  the  first  settled  Min- 
ister, one  for  the  Ministry  & one  for  the  School,  & settle  fifty 
Families  on  the  Place,  each  to  build  a House  on  his  Lot,  & Fence 
& break  up  three  Acres  of  Land,  & the  Society  settle  a learned 
orthodox  Minister,  & build  a Meeting  house  for  the  Worship  of 
God  within  the  Term;  And  that  Major  John  Chandler,  & Mr  John 
Hobson  be  a Committee  fully  impowered  to  set  off  to  the  Grantees 
the  Contents  of  Twenty  one  square  miles ; & that  then  the 
Grantees  have  Power  to  chuse  a Committee  among  themselves  to 
manage  the  Affairs  of  the  Plantation  until  they  shall  be  erected 
into  a Township  by  this  Court ; The  Charge  of  laying  out  the  Land 
to  be  defrayed  by  the  Grantees  ; who  are  not  allowed  to  make  Sale 
of  the  Land  writhin  the  said  Term,  & unless  the  Conditions  be  com- 
plied with  within  the  Term,  the  Lands  shall  be  forfeited  to  the 
Province. — 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  9,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  Jonas  Clark , Joseph  Underwood  and  Caleb 
Blogget,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  other  Subscribers,  part 
of  whom  are  Petitioners  in  a Petition  called,  The  addition  to  Nati- 
cook  Farm  to  make  it  a Township ; and  part  belonging  to  a Peti- 
tion called,  Amaskeeg  Petition ; praying,  That  they  may  have  a 
Tract  of  Land  granted  them  for  a Township,  agreeable  to  the 
Bounds  set  forth  in  the  Petition,  and  that  they  may  have  a Com- 
mittee chosen  among  themselves,  to  lot  out  the  same,  and  manage 
the  Affairs  thereof,  for  Reasons  mentioned.  Read. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Aug.  13,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  Jonas  Clark , Joseph  Underwood  and  Caleb 
Blogget,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  other  Subscribers,  part 
of  whom  are  Petitioners  in  a Petition  called  The  Petition  to  Nati- 
cook  Farm  to  make  it  a Township,  and  part  belonging  to  a Peti- 
tion called  Amaskeag  Petition , praying,  That  a Tract  of  Land 
within  the  following  Bounds,  may  be  granted  them  for  a Town- 


LITCHFIELD. 


I59 


ship,  viz.  Southerly  by  Dunstable  Line,  and  Souhegan  River, 
Westerly  by  the  Narraganset  Township,  a parallel  Line  to  Pis- 
cataquogy  River,  and  by  said  River  to  Merimack  River,  and  from 
Merimack  River  to  run  Eastward  Three  Miles,  then  turning  about 
Southerly , according  to  the  Course  of  said  Merimack  River,  until 
it  comes  to  Dunstable  Line  first  mentioned,  for  Reasons  mentioned 
in  the  Petition. 

Read,  and  Ordered , That  Mr.  Chandler , Mr.  Lynde  and  Capt. 
Goddard  be  a Committee  to  consider  thereof,  and  Report  what 
may  be  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  io,  1731.] 

A Memorial  of  Benjamin  Woodbridge  and  Thomas  Arnold , for 
themselves  and  as  Agents  on  behalf  of  the  several  Petitioners  Sub- 
scribers to  a Petition  exhibited  in  the  Year  1726  praying,  that  the 
Court  would  revive  the  said  Petition,  and  that  (for  the  Reasons 
therein  mentioned,  and  what  further  may  be  added)  they  would 
grant  the  Prayer  thereof.  Read,  together  with  the  Petition  above 
referred  to,  as  also  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  the  last 
Session,  to  consider  of  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Underwood  and 
others,  praying,  that  a Tract  of  Land  North  of  Dunstable  on  both 
sides  Merrimack  River,  may  be  granted  for  a Township,  as  entred 
the  13th  of  August , and  6th  of  October  last,  and  the  House  came 
into  the  following  Order,  viz . 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Shove  and  Mr.  Samuel  Chandler , be  a 
Committee  to  take  a Survey  of  all  the  Land  lying  between  Dun- 
stable North  and  Suncook  South  Line,  Three  Miles  East  of  Mer- 
rimack River,  and  Four  Miles  West  thereof,  so  as  not  to  interfere 
with  the  Narraganset  Township,  view  and  consider  the  Nature 
and  Quality  of  the  said  Land,  and  whether  the  same  will  accom- 
modate three  Townships,  and  make  Report  as  soon  as  may  be, 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  10,  1731.] 

A Memorial  of  Caleb  Blogget , in  behalf  of  himself  and  others, 
Petitioners  for  a Tract  of  Land  for  a Township  on  Merrimack 
River,  joining  to  Dunstable,  (as  by  a Petition  in  May  1731  will 


i6o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


appear)  praying,  That  their  said  Petition  may  be  taken  into  Con- 
sideration, and  that  they  may  have  the  Land  granted  them,  agree- 
able to  the  following  Bounds,  viz.  Southerly  on  Dunstable  Line, 
and  Souheag  River,  and  so  to  run  up  Merrimack  River,  taking  in 
Three  Miles  on  the  East  side  and  on  the  West  side,  unto  the 
Bounds  of  the  Narraganset  Township,  until  it  includes  so  much 
Land  as  will  make  up  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  for 
Reasons  mentioned.  Read. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  26,  1731-2.] 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Shove , Mr.  Welles  and  Mr.  Samuel  Chan- 
dler, be  a Committee  to  take  under  Consideration,  the  Memorial 
of  Caleb  Blogget,  and  the  Petition  therein  referred  to,  entred  the 
15th.  as  also  the  Memorial  of  George  Brown  and  others,  entred 
the  19th  Instant,  and  Report  what  may  be  proper  to  be  done 
thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  28,  1731-2.] 

Mr.  Shove  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  26th  Instant,  to 
consider  of  the  Memorial  of  Caleb  Blogget,  the  Petition  of  Joseph 
Underwood,  and  the  Memorial  of  George  Brown  and  others, 
Reported,  Read,  Accepted,  and  Accordingly  Ordered,  That  the 
Consideration  of  the  said  Memorials,  and  the  several  Petitions 
therein  referred  to,  as  also  any  other  Petitions  respecting  the  Land 
within  mentioned,  be  and  hereby  are  referred  to  the  Session  of 
this  Court  in  May  next ; and  that  in  the  mean  Time  Mr.  Samuel 
Chandler  and  Mr.  John  Longley,  with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by 
the  Honourable  Board  be  a Committee  carefully  to  view  the  Land 
from  Souhegan  River  and  Brenton’s  Farm  so  called,  on  both  sides 
of  Merrimack  River  to  Suncook  Township,  viz.  Three  Miles  on 
the  East  side  of  the  said  River,  and  Four  Miles  on  the  West  side 
thereof,  at  all  places  where  it  may  be  without  infringing  upon  the 
JYarraganset  Town,  and  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-Men  under 
Oath,  survey  the  same,  and  present  a Plan  thereof  to  this  Court  at 
their  said  Session,  as  also  Report  the  Quantity,  Quality  and  Con- 
veniency  thereof,  and  how  many  Towns  it  will  conveniently  make  : 
And  if  they  find  any  Person  or  Persons  improving  or  preparing  to 
settle  the  said  Land,  without  Leave  from  this  Court,  that  they  do 


LITCHFIELD. 


161 


in  their  Name  forbid  their  Proceeding  or  continuing  in  such 
Improvement. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  Naticook  Lands  or  Brenton's 
Farm  for  themselves  and  the  other  Proprietors  of  said  Lands  and 
their  associates,  willing  and  ready  to  settle  said  Lands,  praying 
that  the  additional  Grant  to  said  Farm  on  both  sides  Merrimack 
River  of  the  contents  of  twenty  one  square  Miles,  passed  both 
Houses  in  their  favour  in  July  1729.  may  be  now  revived  and  con- 
firmed to  them,  and  they  be  obliged  to  settle  the  same  in  the  man- 
ner directed  to  in  the  vote  of  "July  aforesaid,  and  that  they  may 
have  liberty  to  chuse  a Committee  among  themselves  for  bringing 
forward  and  perfecting  the  Settlement  accordingly.  Read  and 
referred  to  the  next  sitting  of  the  Court. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  1,  1733-4*] 

A Petition  of  Caleb  Lyman , Francis  Borland,  and  sundry 
others  Proprietors  of  Naticook  Lands  and  Lands  adjoining  on 
each  side  Merrimack , partly  in  Dunstable,  and  partly  in  Notting- 
ham, praying  that  the  said  Lands  as  described  in  the  Petition  may 
be  erected  into  a Township,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read 
and  Ordered,  That  the  Petitioners  serve  the  Towns  of  Dunstable 
and  Nottingham  with  copies  of  this  Petition,  that  they  shew  cause, 
if  any  they  have,  on  the  first  Thursday  of  the  next  sitting  of  the 
Court,  why  the  prayer  thereof  should  not  be  granted. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  5,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  the  Heirs  of  Cap11  Samuel  Gallop  Cap*  of  a Com- 
pany in  the  Expedition  to  Canada  in  the  Year  1690  & of  his  sur- 
viving officers  & soldiers  and  heirs  of  such  as  are  deceased  shew- 
ing the  Hardships  & Miserys  the  said  Company  underwent  and 
11 


162 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  little  Consideration  they  have  had  therefor  & Praying  for  a 
Tract  of  Land  for  a Township — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Read  & Ordered  that  the  within 
Petition  be  Revived  and  in  answer  thereto  Voted  that  there  be 
allowed  to  the  Cap1  within  mentioned  or  to  his  Legal  Represent 
three  hundred  Acres  and  to  the  Lieut,  or  his  Legal  Represent** 
two  hundred  & fifty  acres  & to  the  Ensign  or  his  Legal  Represent** 
Two  hundred  acres  & so  to  the  Rest  of  the  Officers  & Soldiers 
(excepting  Willm  Hack)  born  on  the  Roll  within  mentioned  or  to 
their  Legal  Represent**  One  hundred  & fifty  Acres  being  in  the 
whole  seven  Thousand  & two  hundred  Acres  of  land  not  already 
Appropriated  at  a place  Called  Naticook  (above  the  said  place) 
On  the  Eastern  side  of  Merrimack  River  not  Extending  above 
three  Miles  from  the  River  & Return  a Plat  there  of  to  this  Court 
within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation  Provided  Nevertheless  that 
in  Case  any  one  or  more  of  the  officers  and  Soldiers  do  not  appear 
by  himself  or  Legal  Represent**  within  one  Year  that  then  his  or 
their  parts  shall  Remain  & belong  to  the  Province  as  if  no  such 
Grant  had  been  made — 

In  Council  Read  & Non  Concurr’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  6,  and  House  Journal,  June  5,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  Naticook  & Lands  Adjoyning 
thereto  on  the  East  & west  sides  of  Merrimack  River  partly  in  the 
Town  of  Dunstable  & partly  in  the  Town  of  Nottingham  shewing 
that  the  said  Lands  are  Commodiously  Situated  for  a Township 
and  the  Proprietors  have  Supported  a Minister  there  for  some  time 
past  and  therefore  Praying  that  the  said  Lands  may  be  Erected 
into  a Township 

In  the  House  of  Represent**  Read  & ordered  that  the  pet13  Serve 
the  Towns  of  Dunstable  & Nottingham  with  Copys  of  this  petition 
that  they  shew  Cause  if  any  they  have  on  Wednesday  the  Nine- 
teenth day  of  June  Currant  if  the  Court  be  then  Sitting  if  not  on 
the  first  Tuesday  of  the  next  Sitting  of  the  Court  why  the  prayer 
thereof  should  not  be  Granted 
In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


LITCHFIELD. 


163 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  20,  1734.] 

yacob  Wendell , Esq ; brought  down  the  Petition  of  Messieurs 
Caleb  Lyman  and  others,  Proprietors  o {Naticook  Lands  so  called, 
and  other  Lands  adjacent ; praying  they  may  be  erected  into  a 
Township,  as  entred  the  fifth  currant,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In 
Council  yune  19,  1734.  Read  again,  together  with  the  answer  of 
the  Towns  of  Dunstable , and  Nottingham , and  Ordered,  That 
the  prayer  of  this  Petition  be  so  far  granted,  as  that  the  Petitioners 
be  and  hereby  are  erected  into  a separate  and  distinct  Township, 
conformable  to  the  bounds  mentioned  in  an  agreement  between  the 
Petitioners,  and  the  Towns  aforesaid,  and  that  the  Petitioners  have 
leave  to  bring  in  a Bill  accordingly.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence. 
Read  and  Concur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  24,  1734.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  certain  I^ands  at  a -place 
called  Naticook,  with  other  Lands  adjoining  lying  on  each  side 

the  River  Merrimack,  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 

Read  a first  time. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  25,  1734.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  certain  Lands  at  a place 
called  Naticook,  with  other  Lands  adjoining , lying  on  each  side 

the  River  Merrimack,  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 

Read  a second  time  and  a third  time,  and  pass’d  to  be  Engross’d. 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  27,  1734.] 

josiah  Willard , Esq  ; brought  down  the  Bill  Entitled  An  Act 
for  erecting  certain  Lands  at  a place  called  Naticook,  with  other 
Lands  adjoining,  lying  on  each  side  the  River  Merrimack,  into  a 
Township  by  the  Name  of — Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council 
june  25 th.  1734.  Read  a first  time.  'i^th.  Read  a second  time 
and  pass’d  a Concurrence  with  the  Amendments. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  Concur’d. 


164 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  27,  1734.] 

A Bill  Entituled  an  Act  for  Erecting  Certain  Lands  at  a place 
Called  Naticook,  with  other  lands  Adjoyning,  lying  on  each  Side 

of  the  River  Merrimack,  into  a Township  by  the  name  of 

In  Council  Read  a first  & Second  time  & Passed  to  be  Engross’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  3,  1734.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entituled  an  Act  for  Erecting  Certain  Lands 
at  a place  Called  Naticook  with  other  lands  Adjoyning  lying  on 
each  side  of  Merrimack  River  into  a Township  by  the  name  of 
Litchfield — 

Having  been  Read  three  Several  times  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sent and  in  Council — Passed  to  be  Enacted  by  both  Houses 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Ordered  that  Mr  Aquila  Underwood 
one  of  the  principal  Inhabitants  of  the  New  Township  at  Naticook 
and  Lands  Adjacent  be  and  hereby  is  fully  authorized  & Impowred 
to  Assemble  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  said  Town- 
ship lawfully  Qualified  to  Chuse  Town  officers  to  stand  untill  the 

Anniversary  Meeting  in  March  next 

In  Council  Read  and  Concurr’d — • 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  3,  1734.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  certain  Lands 
at  a -place  called  Naticook,  with  other  Lands  adjoyning,  lying  on 
each  side  the  River  Merrimack,  into  a Township  by  the  name  of — 

Read  and  Resolved , That  the  Bill  pass  to  be  Enacted. 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Aquilla  Underwood  one  of  the  principal 
Inhabitants  of  the  new  Township  at  Naticook  and  Lands  adjacent 
be,  and  hereby  is  fully  authorized  and  impowred  to  assemble  the 
Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  said  Township  lawfully  qual- 
ified to  choose  Town  Officers,  to  stand  until  the  anniversary  meet- 
ing in  March  next.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


LITCHFIELD. 


i65 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  4,  1734.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  certain  Lands 
at  a -place  called  Naticook,  with  other  Lands  adjoyning,  lying  on 
each  side  the  River  Merrimack,  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Litchfield. 


[Grant  to  Billerica,  Mass.] 


Billerica,  their  farme  of  five  hundred  acres,  laid  out  on  ye 
north  of  merimack  [torn]  Joyning  to  north  & northwesterly  part  of 
ye  farme  of  Richard  Russell  Esquir.  This  is  ye  last  parsell  of  that 
four  thousand  acres,  formerly  granted  by  this  Honoured  Court  to 
ye  Towne  of  Billerica. 

Laidout  3m  67  : By  Jonathan  Danforth,  Survey1 

[Mass.  Map  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  34.] 

Laidout  to  the  towne  of  Billerica,  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  in 
the  wilderness,  on  ye  north  side  of  Merimack  River  and  on  the 
east  side  of  beaver  Brooke,  a little  below  Patuckett,  It  is  bounded 
on  the  South  and  on  ye  South  East  wholly  by  lands  formerly 
granted  to  Richard  Russell  Esquir : and  on  ye  west  by  ye  aforesaid 
beaver  brooke,  else  where  by  ye  wilderness,  ye  line  on  ye  east  side 
of  it,  is  196  pole  in  length,  runing  half  a point  westward  of  ye 
north,  which  is  (exactly)  ye  continuance  of  ye  long  line  on  ye  east 
side  Mr  Russells,  farme,  also  both  the  line  on  the  north  side  of  it, 
are  exactly  parralell  to  ye  lines  on  the  south  side  of  it,  the  most 
northerly  of  which  is  one  hundred  & sixty  pole  longe,  & runes  i a 
point  westward  of  ye  west  south  west,  the  other  line  runes  two  de- 


1 66 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


grees  westward,  of  ye  south  west  & by  south  four  hundred  & eighty 
seaven  pole,  which  closeth  to  ye  brooke,  all  which  are  suffitiently 
bounded  by  mark’t  trees  and  pillars  of  stone,  ye  farme  there  of  is 
more  fully  declared  on  ye  other  side  by  a plott  taken  of  ye  same  by 
Jonathan  Danforth,  Survey1  Laidout  3“  1667. 

The  deputyes  approuv  of  this  returne  of  ye  five  hundred  acors 
above  mentioned  with  refference  to  ye  consent  of  honord  magisty 
hereto  William  Torrey,  Cleric. 

The  magtr  consent  hereto 

I5~8th  1667  Tho  Danforth 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  2.] 


LITCHFIELD. 


167 


[Grant  to  Richard  Davenport.] 

[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  23,  and  Court  Records,  June 

1, 1665.] 

Laidout  to  Captin  Davenport  (of  the  castle)  one  parcell  of  med- 
dow  in  the  wildernesse  on  ye  east  of  Merimack  River,  a little  on 
the  North  west  of  Naacook  brook-head,  which  is  about  two  miles 
from  Merimack  River ; it  containes  fifty  ace  (more  or  lesse)  being 
bounded  by  a swamp  on  the  North  ; the  upland  elsewhere  Ser- 
rounding  according  to  bound  trees  marked  with  <)  : this  patch  of 
meadow  is  known  by  ye  Name  of  half  moone  meadow,  the  forme 
of  it  is  fully  demonstrated  by  this  plott  which  is  above  specified 
Laidout  by  Jonathan  Danforth  Survr  20th  octo  : 1664  : 


The  Deputyes  approve  of  this  returne  with  refference  to  the  con- 
sent of  or  Honed  Magists  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

Consented  to  by  ye  magists 


Edw  Rawson  Secrety 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  23.] 


To  the  much  honered  Generali  Court  now  Assembled  at  Boston 
the  humble  Request  of  yor  devoted  Servant  Richard  Davenport 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


1 68 


Sheweth  That  wheras  yor  Servant  about  two  or  three  years  since 
was  bold  to  move  to  this  court  for  theire  favor  to  grant  mee  a smale 
persell  of  meddow  nere  merimack  River  and  found  such  encor- 
agmt  from  yorselvs  that  the  said  meddow  was  laid  out  in  my  name 
and  a returne  thereof  made  to  this  court  In  octob  last  but  finding 
noe  Record  of  Any  granted  there  was  an  obstruction  as  to  the 
ecceptance  of  the  returne : Now  may  it  please  this  court  to  grant 
yor  Servant  the  said  meddow  as  it  is  laid  out  and  more  clearly 
demonstrated  In  a plot  under  Mr  Jonathan  Danforths  hand  and 
also  such  a smale  quantity  of  Upland  convenient  to  the  same  (that 
soe  I may  improve  the  same  for  benifit  to  my  wife  and  family)  as 
you  shal  be  pleased  to  give  mee,  and  I shall  with  all  thankfullnes 
eccept  yor  love  therin  and  Remaine  yor  most  Humble 

Servant  R : Davenport 


29  (3d)  1665 

The  Deputies  Judge  meete  to  grant  this  request  with  refference 
to  the  consent  of  or  Honoed  magists  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric 


29.  3.  1665  The  Mag9  do  consent  hereto,  and  do  grant  him  the 
petittaner  100.  acre  upland  adjoyneing  to  his  meadow  their  breth- 
ren the  Deputyes  hereto  consenting 

Edw  Rawson  Secrety 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputyes 

William  Torrey  Cleric 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  23,  1666.] 

Laid  out  according  to  the  grant  of  the  Honoured  Court  to  Capt 
Richard  Davenport  one  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  wildernesse 
on  the  eastern  side  of  merremak  river  next  Adjoyning  to  a meadow 
called  halfe  moone  meadow  on  the  west  side  of  it  it  begins  at  the 
most  southerly  bound  mark  of  that  meadow  at  a great  white  oake 
marked  wth  D and  from  this  tree  the  line  runns  due  west  ninety  & 
six  pole  the  line  at  the  North  end  runns  parrelell  to  the  south  end 
from  another  great  white  oake  bounded  wth  D standing  at  the  north 
west  end  of  the  meadow  eighty  & fower  pole  the  west  side  is  one 
streight  line  from  Corner  to  Corner  which  line  is  one  hundred 
seventy  & nine  pole  long ; the  manner  & forme  of  it  lying  and 
Adjoyning  to  halfe  moone  meadow  is  clearely  demonstrated  by  a 
plott  taken  of  the  same.  By  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveyor 


LITCHFIELD.  169 

The  Court  allowes  & Approoves  of  this  returne  to  be  recorded  in 
the  Courts  book  of  Records. 


[Grant  to  Phineas  Pratt.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  7,  1662.] 

In  Ansr  to  ye  petition  of  phineas  Prat  of  charls  Toune  who  pre- 
sented this  Court  wth  a narrative  of  the  streights  & hardships  that 
the  first  planters  of  this  Colony  underwent  in  their  endeavors  to 
plant  themselves  at  plimouth  & since  whereof  he  was  one  The 
Court  Judgeth  it  meet  to  Graunt  him  three  hundred  acres  of  land 
where  it  is  to  be  had  not  hindering  a plantation. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  1,  1665.] 

Layd  out  to  Phineas  Pratt  of  Charls  Toune  three  hundred  acres 
of  land  (more  or  lesse)  in  the  wilderness  on  the  East  of  merremack 
River  neere  the  upper  end  of  Nacooke  brooke  on  the  South  East 
of  it  it  beging  at  a great  sare  Pine  standing  anent  the  midle  of 
nacooke  pond  & Joyneth  to  the  line  of  five  hundred  acres  of  land 
lately  granted  to  the  Towne  of  Billirrikey  on  the  South  of  it  ninety 
sixe  pole  & so  continues  a streight  line  two  hundred  & sixe  pole 
further  unto  a white  oake  bounded  wth  P from  thence  it  turnes 
under  the  side  of  a great  hill  one  hundred  fifty  & two  pole  unto 
another  white  oake  marked  wth  P.  which  stands  on  the  North  side 
of  an  other  great  hill  & on  the  South  Corner  of  a litle  Swampe./ 
from  thence  it  runns  neere  the  west  & by  South  two  hundred  pole 
to  a great  Red  oake  bounded  as  before  from  thence  the  closing  line 
to  the  first  Pine  is  two  hundred  & ninety  pole  the  exact  forme  of  it 
together  wth  the  rule  of  finding  the  exact  lines  is  fully  demonstrated 
by  this  inclosed  platt  taken  of  the  same  20  8 m°  1664.  By  Jona- 
than Danforth  Surveior. 

The  Court  Allows  & approoves  of  this  Returne./ 


170 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


LONDONDERRY. 

[Formerly  known  as  Nutfield.  Granted  June  21,  1722,  to  John  Moor  and 
others,  and  named  Londonderry  for  Londonderry  in  Ireland.  The  town  was  di- 
vided into  two  parishes,  Feb.  25,  1740-1.  Windham  was  set  off  and  incorporated, 
Feb.  12,  1742-3.  The  northwest  portion  of  the  town,  with  other  territory,  was 
incorporated  as  Derryfield  (now  Manchester),  Sept.  3,  1751.  A portion  was 
annexed  to  Hudson,  March  6,  1778.  Another  part  of  the  town  was  annexed  to 
Windham,  Sept.  26,  1777,  and  Samuel  Clark,  with  his  estate,  was  also  set  off  to 
Windham,  Nov.  26,  1778.  The  line  between  these  two  towns  was  established, 
Nov.  22,  1782.  A third  section  was  annexed  to  Windham,  Dec.  25,  1805.  Derry 
was  set  off  and  incorporated,  July  2,  1827.  The  line  with  Hudson  was  established 
June  27,  1857. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following:  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  479;  XII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  429  ; Index  to  Laws,  296 ; Farmer’s  Belknap’s  History  of 
New  Hampshire,  p.  191  ; Petition  of  Inhabitants,  1719,  5,  Collections  of  the  N.  H. 
Historical  Society,  206 ; Century  Sermon,  containing  historical  sketch  of  town,  by 
Edward  L.  Parker,  1819,  pp.  44;  History  of,  including  Derry,  by  Edward  L.  Par- 
ker, 1851,  pp.  LV.  and  358;  Celebration  of  150th  Anniversary,  1869,  compiled 
by  Robert  C.  Mack,  pub.  1870,  pp.  124;  Centennial  Discourse,  1876,  by  Luther  D. 
Pert,  pp.  29  ; historical  sketch,  by  Robert  C.  Mack,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham 
County,  1882,  p.  565;  sketch,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  125.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  15,  1720.] 

A Petition  of  Joseph  Pike,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  others,  that 
Purchased  a Tract  of  Land  of  "John  an  Indian , JHeir  of  Penicook , 
in  the  year  1701.  which  Tract  is  Ten  Miles  Square,  Lying  to  the 
Westward  of  Haverhill.  Presented  to  the  House,  And  Read 

Shewing  That  sundry  Irish  People  have  Settled  thereon  and  call 
it  Nutfield. 

Praying , That  the  said  Purchasers  may  have  the  said  Tract 
Confirmed  to  them,  or  so  much  as  falls  within  this  Government. 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Cooke , Capt.  Gardner,  and  Col.  Dudley, 
be  a Committee  to  consider  of  the  said  Petition,  and  of  the  affair  of 
Nutfield,  and  make  a Report  to  the  House  what  they  think  proper 
to  be  done. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  17,  1720.] 

Mr.  Cooke  from  the  Committee  appointed,  made  Report  on  the 
Petition  of  fiosejfh  Pike,  Committed  the  15th  Currant,  which  was 
accepted  by  the  House,  And  accordingly 


LONDONDERRY. 


I7I 

Ordered , That  whereas  Janies  MacGregor , James  MacKeen , 
and  James  Gregg , on  behalf  of  themselves,  and  sundry  others,  by 
their  Petition  to  this  Court,  at  their  Sessions  in  May,  1719.  set 
forth  that  the  Court  in  October  foregoing,  Granted  them  a conven- 
ient Tract  of  Land,  of  six  miles  square,  and  appointed  a Commit- 
tee to  Lay  it  out  for  them  in  the  Eastern  Parts ; and  upon  further 
Inquiry  the  Petitioners  found  a more  convenient  Tract  of  Land, 
about  fourteen  Miles  from  Haverhill ; and  that  they  had  begun  a 
Settlement  there,  and  had  increased  to  the  Number  of  Fifty  Fami- 
lies ; and  therefore  Pray'd , that  in  case  the  Land  should  Lye  with- 
in this  Government,  they  might  be  formed  into  a Township,  and 
till  then,  quietly  possess  and  improve  the  said  Lands  unappro- 
priated, free  and  clear  from  any  Disburse.  Which  Petition  was 
rejected. 

And  that  some  time  since  they  have  applied  to  the  Government 
of  New- Hampshire , and  are  made  by  them  a Township,  and  have 
Civil  Officers  among  them,  for  Governing  their  Affairs  ; which  is 
a great  and  open  breach  upon  the  Jurisdiction  of  this  Government, 
and  may  tend  to  deprive  them  of  their  just  Rights,  and  Proprieties, 
if  not  speedily  prevented. 

And  whereas  Joseph  Pike,  on  behalf  of  himself,  and  others 
Inhabitants  of  this  Province  have  made  application, for  a Grant 
of  those  Lands  for  a Township. 

Wherefore  Resolved,  That  Capt.  Gardner,  Capt.  Kimball,  and 
Mr.  Sanders,  be  Desired  and  Impowered  (taking  with  them  the 
Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Essex ; and  such  a Number  of  Men  from 
Haverhill,  or  those  Parts  as  may  be  needful)  to  Repair  to  the 
aforesaid  Land,  and  view  the  several  Houses,  and  other  Improve- 
ments that  have  been  of  late  made  by  those  people  thereon  ; and 
report  the  same  to  this  House,  & at  the  same  time  signifie  to  the 
said  James  MacGregor , James  MacKeen,  and  James  Gregg, 
That  they  without  delay  come  to  the  Court,  and  render  the  Rea- 
sons that  induced  them  to  proceed  so  far  in  their  Settlements,  with- 
out the  leave  or  consent  first  had  of  the  General  Court.  That  this 
Court  may  take  such  further  steps  in  this  Matter,  as  they  shall 
then  think  fit. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  2,  1720.] 

A Message  from  the  Board,  by  John  Wheelwright , Esqr.  and 
Mr.  Secretary  Willard.  Viz. 


172 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


His  Excellency  observing  a Mistake  in  the  Votes  of  this  Hon- 
ourable House,  of  November  17.  relating  to  Nutfield,  in  these 
words,  And  that  some  time  since  they  have  allied  to  the  Govern- 
ment ^/'New-Hampshire,  and  are  made  by  them  a Township,  has 
directed  us  to  acquaint  you,  that  upon  application  made  to  him, 
and  the  Government  of  New -Hampshire,  That  they  might  be 
made  a Town  ; his  Excellency  absolutely  refused  ; giving  them  for 
reason,  that  it  was  doubtful,  in  which  Province  the  Lands  they 
were  Settled  on  would  fall. 

And  Col.  Wheelwright  acquainted  the  House,  That  he  was 
present  when  the  Nutfield  People,  Addrest  themselves  to  the  Gov- 
ernour  and  Council  at  New-Hamfshire , to  be  made  a Town,  and 
that  they  were  denied. 


LYNDEBOROUGH. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  June  19,  1735,  to  Capt.  Samuel  King  and  others, 
and  called  Salem-Canada.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  5,  1753, 
to  Benjamin  Lynde  and  others,  and  named  Lyndeborough  in  honor  of  Benjamin 
Lynde.  Incorporated  April  23,  1764.  A portion  of  the  town,  with  other  terri- 
tory, was  incorporated  as  Greenfield,  June  15,  1791.  Another  portion  was  an- 
nexed to  Temple,  June  11,  1796.  The  northeasterly  part  was  annexed  to  Mont 
Vernon,  Jan.  5,  1853.  A tract  from  the  southerly  side  was  annexed  to  Milford, 
June  27,  1873. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  535  ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  509 ; Index 
to  Laws,  301  ; historical  sketch,  by  David  C.  Grant,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hills- 
borough County,  1885,  p.  498;  Historical  Address,  150th  Anniversary  of  Settle- 
ment, 1889,  by  Frank  G.  Clarke,  pub.  1891,  pp.  68.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  18,  1735*] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  for  Lands,  reported  on  the 
Petition  of  Samuel  King,  and  others,  who  were  in  the  Expedition 
to  Canada  in  the  Year  1690,  or  the  descendants  of  such  as  were 
lost  or  are  since  dead;  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted , 
That  the  prajTer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  that  Mr.  Samuel 
Chandler  and  Capt.  John  Hobson , together  with  such  as  shall  be 
joined  by  the  honourable  Board,  be  a Committee  at  the  Charge  of 
the  Government,  to  lay  out  a Township  of  the  contents  of  six  miles 
square,  West  of  the  Narragansett-T  o^nshi^,  Number  Three  ; and 


LYNDEBOROUGH. 


173 


that  they  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court,  within  twelve  months 
for  Confirmation  ; and  for  the  effectual  bringing  forward  the  Set- 
tlement of  the  said  Town  ; Ordered,  That  the  said  Town  be  laid 
out  into  sixty  three  equal  shares,  one  of  which  to  be  for  the  first 
settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School,  and 
that  on  each  of  the  other  sixty  shares  the  Petitioners  do  within 
three  years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan,  have  settled  one 
good  Family,  who  shall  have  an  House  built  on  his  Home-Lot  of 
eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  that  each  Right 
or  Grant  have  six  acres  of  Land  brought  to  and  plowed  or  brought 
to  English  Grass  and  fitted  for  mowing,  that  they  settle  a learned 
and  orthodox  Minister,  and  build  and  finish  a convenient  Meeting- 
House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  GOD,  provided  that  in  case  any 
of  the  Lots  or  Rights  are  not  duly  settled  in  all  regards  as  afore- 
said, then  such  Lot  with  the  Rights  thereof  to  revert  to  and  be  at 
the  disposition  of  the  Province.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  19,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  King  & others,  who  were  in  the  Expedi- 
tion to  Canada  in  the  Year  1690  and  the  Descendants  of  such  of 
them  as  are  dead,  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  for  a Township  in 
Consideration  of  their  or  their  Ancestors  Sufferings  in  the  said 
Expedition 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Read  & Voted  that  the  prayer  of 
the  petition  be  Granted  and  that  Mr  Samuel  Chandler  & Mr  John 
Hobson,  together  with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  by  the  Honble  Board, 
be  a Comtee  at  the  Charge  of  the  Government  to  lay  out  a Town- 
ship of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  and  West  of  the  Narra- 
gansett  Town  Called  Number  three  and  that  they  Return  a Plat 
thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation ; and 
for  the  more  Effectual  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said 
New  town,  Ordered  that  the  said  Town  be  laid  out  into  Sixty 
three  Equal  Shares,  One  of  which  to  be  for  the  first  Settled  Min- 
ister, One  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School,  and  that  on 
each  of  the  other  Sixty  Shares  the  Petitioners  do  within  three 
Years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan  have  Settled  One  Good 
family  who  shall  have  a house  built  on  his  Home  lott  of  Eighteen 
feet  Square  and  Seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least,  and  finished,  that 
each  Right  or  Grant  have  Six  Acres  of  Land  brought  to  and 


*74 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


plowed  or  brought  to  English  Grass  and  fitted  for  mowing ; That 
they  Settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister  and  build  & finish  a Con- 
venient meeting  house  for  the  publick  worship  of  God  ; provided 
that  in  Case  any  of  the  Lotts  or  Rights  are  not  duly  Settled  in  all 
Regards  as  aforesaid,  then  such  Lott  with  the  Rights  thereof  to 
Revert  to  and  be  at  the  Disposition  of  the  Province 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Samuel  Welles  Esqr  is  Joined 
in  the  Affair 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  i,  1736.] 

A Plat  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square  of  Land  with  an 
allowance  of  one  thousand  and  eighteen  acres  for  Waste  &c.  sur- 
veyed and  laid  out  by  Stephen  Hosmer , jun.  Surveyor,  and  two 
Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  18 th. 
of  June  last,  in  answer  to  the  Petition  of  Samuel  King  and  others, 
Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  and 
their  descendants  &c.  was  presented  for  allowance.  Read  and 
Ordered,  That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Officers 
and  Soldiers  mentioned  in  the  Petition  of  the  said  Samuel  King 
and  others,  and  the  heirs  legal  Representatives  and  Descendants 
of  such  of  them  as  were  lost,  or  deceased  in  or  since  the  Canada 
Expedition  Anno  1690,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively 
for  ever,  they  complying  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant ; pro- 
vided the  Plat  contain  no  more  than  the  quantity  of  twenty  four 
thousand  and  fifty  eight  acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  former  Grant;  the  said  Lands  lying  West  of  Salem  Narra- 
gansett  Town  number  Three , on  the  North  of  Souheeg  River , be- 
ginning at  a Spruce  Tree  and  runs  North  by  the  Needle  two  thou- 
sand one  hundred  ninety  one  Perch  on  Province  Land,  and  then 
East  on  Province  Land  to  said  Township  of  Sale7n,  South  on  the 
Township  of  John  Simpson  and  others,  West  on  Duxhury  School 
Farm. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


LYNDEBOROUGH. 


175 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  21.] 


23040  acres  and  1018  acres  allowed  for  water,  &c. 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Sc1  in  the  Township  granted 
to  Samuel  King  & others  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  May  4th 
1736  Mr  Stephen  Hossmer  Jun1'  was  Sworn  to  the  faithfull  dis- 
charge of  his  duty  as  Surveyor  & Messrs  Jonathan  Mills,  Joseph 
Dudley  & James  Chandler  were  Sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
their  duty  as  chainmen  in  surveying  & laying  out  the  Township 
delineated  on  this  paper  granted  to  Samuel  King  & others  as 
aforesaid 


Coram  Samuel  Welles  Just  Pac9 


i7  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Layd  out  In  May  1736  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square  or  23040  acres  and  1018  acres  allowed  for  water  &c  which 
was  Lay’d  out  To  Sam11  King  and  others  Canada  Soldiers  In  the 
year  1690  Lying  on  the  west  of  Salem  Naragansett  Town  No  3 on 
the  North  Side  of  the  Souheeg  River  Bounded  as  folows  Begin- 
ing  at  a Spruse  Tree  and  Runs  North  By  the  Needle  2191  Perch 
on  Province  Land  To  a hemlock  Tree  marked  then  Runs  East 
1558  Pearch  on  Province  Land  To  a Township  adjoyning  To  and 
Lying  North  of  Salem  Naragansett  Town  No  3 then  Runs  South 
on  Said  Township  640  perch  to  Township,  granted  to  John  Simp- 
son & Others  Then  Runs  East  on  sd  Town  ship  402  perch  To  a 
stake  & Stones  then  Runs  South  1467  Perch  on  Said  Salem 
Naragansett  Town  then  Runs  west  480  Perch  on  Duxbury 
School  Farm  to  a stake  and  heap  of  Stones  then  Runs  South  13 
Perch  on  Said  Farm  To  a popler  Tree  Marked  then  Runs  west 
1460  perch  To  the  Spruse  Tree  First  Named  on  Provence  Land  all 
which  May  appear  By  the  plan  above  Layd  Down  by  a Scale  of 
216  Pearch  To  an  Inch  the  Swagg  of  Chain  In  this  Town  ship 
is  3 perch  In  one  Hundred  : by  order  of  the  Honourable  Sam11 
Welles  Esqr  and  Mr  Sam11  Chandler 

^ Stephen  Hosmer  Junr  Surveyor 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  1,  1736  Read  and  Or- 
dered that  the  plat  be  Accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers mentioned  in  the  petition  of  the  said  Samuel  King  and  oth- 
ers, and  the  Heirs,  legal  Representatives  and  Descendants  of  such 
of  them  as  are  lost  or  deceased  in  or  since  the  Canada  Expedition 
Anno  1690,  and  to  their  Heirs  & Assigns  respectively  for  ever 
they  complying  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat 
contains  no  more  than  the  quantity  of  twenty  four  thousand  & 
fifty  Eight  Acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former 
Grant.  The  said  Land  lying  West  of  Salem  Narraganset  town 
Number  three  on  the  North  of  Souheeg  River  begining  at  a spruce 
Tree  & runs  North  by  the  Needle  2191  perch  on  province  Land, 
& then  East  on  province  Land  to  Salem  Narraganset  Township 
Number  three  South  on  the  township  of  John  Simpson  and  others, 
West  on  Duxbury  School  harm 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  June  2 1736  Read  and  Concurred 

J Willard  Sec’ry 
J.  Belcher 


17  : Consented  to, 


LYNDEBOROUGH. 


177 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  2,  1736.] 

A plat  of  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square,  with 
the  Allowance  of  One  Thousand  & Eighteen  Acres  for  Water  &c. 
Surveyed  & Laid  out  by  Stephen  Hosmer  junr  and  Chainmen  on 
Oath,  to  Satisfy  a Grant  made  by  this  Court  in  Answer  to  the  peti- 
tion of  Samuel  King  & others  ; lying  on  the  West  of  Salem  Nar- 
raganset  Town  Number  three,  on  the  North  side  of  Soheag  River  ; 
bounded  as  follows,  beginning  at  a Spruce  Tree  & Runs  North  by 
the  Needle  Two  Thousand  One  hundred  & Ninety  One  perch  on 
province  Land  to  a hemlock  Tree  Marked ; then  Runs  East  one 
Thousand  five  hundred  & fifty  Eight  perch  on  province  Land  to  a 
Township  Adjoyning  to  & lying  North  of  the  said  Narragansett 
Town  Number  three;  then  Runs  South  on  said  Township  Six 
hundred  and  forty  perch  to  the  Township  Granted  to  John  Simp- 
son and  others,  then  Runs  East  on  said  Township  four  hundred 
and  two  perch  to  a Stake  & Stones  then  Runs  South  One  Thou- 
sand four  hundred  and  Sixty  Seven  perch  on  said  Narragansett 
Town,  then  Runs  West  four  hundred  & Eighty  perch  on  Duxbury 
School  farm  to  a Stake  and  heap  of  Stones  ; then  Runs  South 
thirteen  perch  on  said  Farm  to  a poplar  Tree  marked  ; thence 
Runs  West  One  Thousand  four  hundred  and  Sixty  perch  to  the 
Spruce  tree  first  named  on  province  Land — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  17,  1736.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent11  Ordered  that  Daniel  Epes  Esqr : 
be  and  hereby  is  Authorized  & Impowred  to  assemble  & Convene 
as  soon  as  may  be  in  Some  Convenient  place  in  the  Town  of  Salem 
the  proprietors  or  Grantees  of  the  Township  granted  by  this  Court 
in  June  1735,  in  Answer  to  the  petition  of  Samuel  King  & others, 
who  were  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  to  Chuse  A Mod- 
erator & proprietors  Clerk,  & to  pass  such  Votes  & Orders  &c  as 
may  be  Agreeable  to  the  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the 
Township,  According  to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  as  well  as 
the  Interest  of  the  propriety ; and  to  Agree  upon  a method  how  to 
Call  future  proprietors  Meetings,  as  well  as  to  Admit  the  Grantees 
to  a Draught  of  their  Home  lots 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


12 


i78 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


MANCHESTER. 

[This  territory  was  once  known  as  Harrytown  or  Old  Harry  Town.  Granted 
by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  April  17,  1735,  to  Capt.  William  Tyng’s  “ snow-shoe 
men,”  and  hence  called  Tyng's-Town.  Incorporated  as  Derryfield,  Sept.  3,  1751. 
The  first  town  meeting  was  held  in  John  Hall’s  house,  Sept.  23,  1751.  A gore  of 
land  was  annexed  to  the  north  side,  Dec.  4,  1795.  The  name  of  the  town  was 
changed  to  Manchester,  June  13,  1810.  A city  charter  was  granted  July  10,  1846. 
“Amoskeag  ” was  severed  from  Goffstown,  and  “ Piscataquog  ” or  “Squog”from 
Bedford,  and  annexed  July  1,  1853. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volumes  : 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  1 5 1 ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  540;  Index  to 
Laws,  305  ; History,  by  Chandler  E.  Potter,  1856,  pp.  764;  History,  by  John  B. 
Clarke,  1875,  pp.  463;  sketch,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  418;  historical  sketch, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  40;  brief  historical  sketch,  com- 
piled by  Manchester  Board  of  Trade,  1890,  pp.  83.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  6,  1733-4.] 

A Petition  of  Ephraim  Hildreth  and  John  Shipley,  for  them- 
selves and  other  Voluntiers  under  the  Command  of  Capt.  William 
Tyng  deceased,  in  his  March  to  Winifosiocke  Anno  1704,  setting 
forth  many  difficulties  and  hardships  they  underwent  in  said  March 
when  they  killed  five  Indians ; that  the  Government  hath  seen 
cause  in  their  Wisdom  to  make  a Grant  to  the  heirs  of  the  said 
Captain,  praying  that  they  may  obtain  a Grant  of  Lands  for  a 
Township  on  the  West  of  Dunstable  and  North  of  Townshend  or 
elsewhere  of  the  unappropriated  Lands,  under  such  conditions  and 
restrictions  as  shall  be  thought  meet.  Read  and  Ordered,  That 
the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  Mr.  Welles , Major 
Brattle , Mr.  Choate , Mr.  Shove , and  Mr.  Hobson  are  desired  to 
prepare  a Vote  for  the  Grant  of  Six  Miles  square  of  the  unappro- 
priated Lands  of  the  Province,  in  some  convenient  place  for  a 
Township  to  be  made  the  Petitioners  under  proper  conditions  and 
regulations  for  settling  a Town,  and  that  they  report  thereon  as 
soon  as  may  be. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  15,  1733-4.] 

Mr.  Welles  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  6th . currant  to 
consider  of  the  Petition  of  Efhrahn  Hildreth,  John  Shipley  and 


MANCHESTER. 


179 


others  under  the  command  of  Capt.  William  Tyng  deceased,  made 
report  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted , That  a tract  of 
Land  of  the  contents  of  six  Miles  square,  West  of  Dunstable , and 
North  of  Townshend  be  granted  to  the  Petitioners  ; and  for  as 
much  as  there  were  but  forty  six  of  those  Voluntiers,  it  is  hereby 
Ordered , That  six  more  be  admitted  with  them  who  were  in  the 
Country’s  Service  under  Capt.  Lovewell,  and  omitted  in  the  Grants 
made  to  him  and  Company,  and  are  wanting  to  the  number  of 
sixty  to  be  made  up  of  those  that  were  at  the  Fort  Fight  or  Long 
March  in  the  Narragansett  War  or  others  admitted  into  this  Grant 
by  this  Court  these  Grantees  actually  to  settle  the  abovesaid  tract 
with  sixty  Families  within  four  years  from  the  Survey  of  this  Land 
and  acceptance  thereof  by  this  Court,  each  Family  to  have  an 
House  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least  and 
four  acres  brought  to  and  plowed  or  stock’d  with  english  Grass  and 
fitted  for  mowing ; the  said  Grantees  also  to  lay  out  three  Lots  to 
draw  future  divisions  with  other  Lots,  one  for  the  first  Minister, 
one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School,  and  within  said  term 
of  four  years  to  settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister  and  build  a con- 
venient House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  God;  the  above  said 
tract  of  Land  to  be  laid  out  under  the  direction  of  a Committee  of 
this  Court  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  on  Oath,  at  the  charge  of 
the  Petitioners.  And  whereas  divers  of  the  Persons  for  whose 
merit  this  Grant  is  made  are  deceased ; it  is  therefore  further 
Ordered , That  in  such  case,  the  Grant  shall  be  and  belong  to  some 
one  of  his  Male  descendants,  wherein  preference  shall  be  given  to 
the  eldest ; and  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  those  Persons  shares 
in  this  Grant  shall  revert  to  the  Province  who  shall  not  perform 
the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  as  above. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  14,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  13, 

1734O 

A Petition  of  Ephraim  Hildreth  & John  Shipleigh  for  themselves 
& others  Soldiers  under  the  Command  of  Cap1  Willm  Tyng  dec’ed 
Shewing  that  they  Served  the  Province  as  Voluntiers  in  the  Indian 
War  & in  the  Year  1703  performed  a hard&  difficult  March  in  the 
winter  Season  with  Snow  Shoes  as  far  as  Winnepesocket  Lake 
& Killed  Six  of  the  Enemy  that  the  said  Company  were  the  first 
that  attempted  to  March  against  the  Enemy  with  Snow  Shoes 


i8o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Since  which  the  same  Method  has  been  followed  with  Great  Suc- 
cess Against  the  Indians  And  therefore  praying  for  a Grant  of 
Land  of  Six  miles  Square  for  a Township  for  the  officers  & Sol- 
diers of  said  Company  now  living  & the  Represent3  of  those  that 
are  Deceased — 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Read  & ordered  That  the  petirs  have 
leave  by  a Surveyor  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  Survey  & lay  out 
between  the  Townships  of  Litchfield  & Suncook  or  Lovels  Town 
on  the  East  side  of  Merrimack  River  the  Quantity  of  Six  Miles 
Square  of  Land  Exclusive  of  Robert  Rands  Grant  and  the  three 
Farms  pitched  Upon  by  the  Honble  Samuel  Thaxter  John  Turner 
and  William  Dudley  Esqr  to  Satisfy  their  Grants  and  also  Exclu- 
sive of  Two  hundred  Acres  of  Land  at  the  Most  Convenient  place 
at  Ameeskeeg  Falls;  which  is  hereby  Reserved  for  Publick  use 
and  benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  for  the  taking  & 
Curing  of  Fish  there  And  that  they  Return  a Plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation  to  their  Petrs  & their 
associates  their  heirs  and  assignes  Respectively  Provided  the  Gran- 
tees do  Settle  the  abovesaid  Tract  with  Sixty  familys  within  four 
years  from  the  Connfirmation  of  the  Plat  each  family  to  have  an 
house  of  Eighteen  feet  square  and  Seven  feet  Stud  at  least  and 
four  Acres  brought  too  & Plowed  or  Stocked  with  English  Grass 
and  fitted  for  Mowing  and  also  lay  out  three  lotts  with  the  others 
one  for  the  first  Minister  one  for  the  Ministry  and  one  for  the 
School  and  within  the  said  Term  Settle  a Learned  Orthodox  Min- 
ister and  Build  a Convenient  House  for  the  'Publick  Worship  of 
God  And  whereas  Divers  persons  for  whose  Merit  this  Grant  is 
made  are  deceased  It  is  further  ordered  That  the  Grant  shall  be 
and  belong  to  some  one  of  his  Male  Descendants  wherein  the  pref- 
erence shall  be  Given  to  the  Eldest  son  And  further  it  is  ordered 
that  these  persons  Shares  in  this  Grant  shall  Revert  to  the  Province 
who  shall  not  perform  the  Conditions  as  above — 

In  Council  Read  & Non’curr’d — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  17,  1735.] 

John  Jeffries , Esq  ; brought  down  the  Petition  of  Ephraim  Hil- 
dreth & John  Shipley , and  others,  Soldiers  under  the  late  Capt. 
William  Tyng,  Anno  1703,  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  for  their 
publick  Services,  being  on  the  first  March  that  was  performed  on 


MANCHESTER. 


181 


Snow  Shoes,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  13/^  of  Decemb. 
last  thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council.  December  14 th, 
1734.  Read  and  nonconcur’d.  In  Council  April  ifh.  1735. 
Read  & re-considered,  and  concur’d  with  the  Amendments,  viz . 
after  the  words — Merrimack  River — add — to  extend  three  miles 
Eastward  from  the  said  River  conformable  to  the  Settlement 
of  the  divisional  Line  betwixt  this  Province  and  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire,  made  by  order  of  King  Charles  the  Second  in 
Council  in  the  twenty  ninth  Tear  of  His  Reign , Anno  Domini 
3:677 — after  the  words — eldest  Son — add — to  be  admitted  by  a Com - 
mittee  of  this  Court,  who  shall  take  care  that  bonds  be  given  for 
their  respective  performance  of  the  Conditions  of  this  Grant  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Province  to  the  value  0/"  Twenty  Pounds  at  least 
by  each  Grantee , as  well  by  such  as  personally  appear  as  by  those 
who  are  the  Descendants  as  abovesaid , who  may  appear  by  their 
Guardian  or  next  Friend — and  Ordered,  That  William  Dudley, 
Esq ; with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by  the  honourable  House  of 
Representatives  be  a Committee  for  the  purposes  within  mentioned. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d,  and  Col. 
Prescott  and  Capt.  Thompson  are  joined  in  the  affair. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  17,  1735.] 

On  the  petition  of  Ephraim  Hildreth  and  John  Shipley  and  the 
order  of  the  House  thereon  (which  it  was  Nonconcurr’d  by  the 
Board)  as  Entred  the  14th  of  Decern1'  1734. — 

In  Council  Read  & Reconsidered  and  Concurr’d  with  the 
Amendments  viz11  That  the  Tract  of  Land  therein  Granted  Ex- 
tend three  miles  Eastward  from  the  River  Merrimack  conformable 
to  the  Settlement  of  the  Divisional  line  betwixt  this  province  and 
the  province  of  New  Hampshire  Made  by  order  of  King  Charles 
the  Second  in  Council  in  the  twenty  Ninth  Year  of  his  Reign 
Anno  Dom  1677,  that  the  Grantees  be  Admitted  by  a Committee 
of  this  Court  who  shall  take  Care  that  Bonds  be  given  for  their 
Respective  performance  of  the  Conditions  of  this  Grant  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Province  for  the  time  being  to  the  value  of 
Twenty  pounds  for  each  Grantee,  as  well  by  such  as  personally 
Appear  as  by  those  who  are  Desendants  as  abovesaid  who  may 
Appear  by  their  Guardian  or  next  Friend,  And  that  William  Dud- 
ley Esqr  with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  by  the  Honble  House  of  Rep- 
resent51 be  a Committee  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned — 


182 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


In  the  House  of  Represent®  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Col0  Pres- 
cott & Cap1  Tomson  are  Joined  in  the  Affair — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  26,  1736.] 

A Plat  containing  twenty  four  thousand  nine  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Capt.  Joseph  Blanchard  Surveyor,  and 
two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  passed  in 
April  last  to  Capt.  Willia7n  Tyng  and  Company  the,  first  Snow 
Shoe  Men,  against  the  Indian  Enemy,  there  being  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in  the  Plat  formerly  granted  and  re- 
served for  taking  Fish,  and  one  thousand  acres  of  Ponds,  so  that 
there  wants  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty  acres  to  make 
up  the  contents  of  six  miles  square,  lying  on  the  East  side  Merri- 
mack River  Northerly  on  Suncook , West  on  Merrimack , South  on 
Litchfield , and  East  on  a parallel  Line  with  the  River  three  miles 
distant  therefrom,  was  presented  for  allowance.  Read  and  Or- 
dered, That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Grantees  men- 
tioned in  the  Petition  of  Hildreth  and  Shipley  in  behalf  of  the 
Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Company  under  the  Command  of  the 
late  Capt.  William  Tyng,  deceas’d,  their  heirs  and  assigns  respect- 
ively for  ever,  exclusive  of  the  former  Grants  within  mentioned, 
and  the  Land  reserved  for  the  common  benefit  of  taking  Fish  at 
Amaskeeg  Falls,  and  provided  it  does  not  exceed  the  quantity  of 
twenty  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  Land  besides, 
and  interferes  with  no  other  Grant ; and  the  Grantees  are  allowed 
to  make  a new  pitch  of  sixteen  hundred  and  eighty  acres  in  the 
Province  Lands  elsewhere,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  satisfy  the 
remainder  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  27,  1736.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  of  Six  Miles  Square,  Granted  to  the 
Company  formerly  under  the  Command  of  Cap1  William  Tyng 
deced,  laid  out  by  Joseph  Blanchard  Survey1  and  Chainmen  on 
Oath ; lying  on  the  East  side  of  Merrimack  River  Bounded  north- 
erly on  Suncook  Township,  West  on  Merrimack  River,  South  on 


.«&  Abi)i  M 

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• >V;  - : ...i  -W;  •«  ; ,1  rn.  / • \ . 

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iri  t>  . ■'!••"  r.)i!t  olOrn  /.I  !>y,:  . • ■ , 

If*  i)fiU  <o  uA  /i>j  *4  Im  IwlWwH  onO  I . 

^r;«r  oi  i>  Jon  *i  sntodj  Ann'i  « , i,no{  lo  *•/./.  A 

: 

Y/wira  <■  r/iiifoih:  ii  eiiU  fnr/i  oili  Jnrlaib 

■ 

: *P  'ioftnB 

r.v.i/!  :<  ».f(>  *9(li  laarl/jr:  ■ /!:  oo/ti  - m!  ,<jj; 

P <»  • 1 i«feir«c*  adl  1q  r • ■,  ,jj  4u  ' nnt  . • 

rjaiJbnfiJ^iliviw  lli>l  ■ I 

lw  ' fl  l/.j/i  fy/lhiUi  ;•!••:-(  1<  ifcuol 

fi,wl  MM  ':i^  ’ ojj.l  - ' r 1.  • r>/JJ  vrii.vjflitu  VII.-':  > 

r;J  H‘  ' . " ■ “iJ  io'l  bru.I  U-  ..jii  v'  : . ;. < 

-VO*'l  -Jill  Hi  hk;.J  I, ill.  i'Oilwm/!  fi'j  . vir:  In 

An*  ) *fli  l’4  r% . 


personally  appearing  before  mee  the  Subscriber  one  of  his  majestys  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  sd  County  Capt  Joseph  Blanchard  and  made 
Solemn  Oath  that  in  the  survey  of  the  township  granted  to  the  Late  Capt  Tyng  & C ompany  he  acted  truely  & faithfully  according  to  the  best  of 
his  skill  & understanding : • Wra  Dudley 


In  the  House  of  Representatives  March  26  1736,  Read  and  O: 
be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Grantees  mentioned  in  the  petitid 
Company  under  the  Command  of  the  late  Capt  William  Tyng  decd  their 
mentioned,  & the  reserved  Land  for  the  Common  benefit  of  taking  ffish 
two  thousand  three  hundred  & sixty  acres  of  Land  besides,  and  interfer 
of  Sixteen  hundred  and  Eighty  Acres  in  the  province  Lands  else  & ret 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence 
In  Council;  Mar.  27,  173 
Read  & Concur ’d 
Consented  to 


lat  the  plat  jbe  Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  & described, 
of  Hildretl  1 and  Shipley  in  behalf  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the 
eirs  & assigr  is  respectively  forever,  exclusive  of  the  former  Grants  within 
Amaskeeg  f 'alls,  and  provided  it  does  not  exceed  the  quantity  of  twenty 
frith  no  otl  2r  Grant,  and  the  Grantees  are  allowed  to  make  a new  pitch 
Lplat  there  of  to  satisfie  the  remainder  of  the  Grant. 

J Quincy  Spk' 


• ■ /,  ,'h 

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vft  • : 7 - y f;  , • u. 

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MANCHESTER. 


183 

Litchfield  & East  on  a line  parralel  to  the  said  River,  and  three 
Miles  distant  from  it,  but  by  Reason  of  the  Land  Reserved  by  the 
Province  within  said  Grant  the  Land  is  1680  Acres  Short  of  Six 
Miles  Square — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  and  House  Journal,  June  18,  1736.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Ordered  that  the  New  Township 
lately  Granted  to  the  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Company  under 
the  Command  of  Major  William  Tyng  dec’ed,  lying  on  the  East 
side  of  Merrimack  River  commonly  Called  Old  Harry  Town,  be 
and  hereby  is  declared  & Determined  to  belong  to  and  hence  for- 
ward to  be  Accounted  A part  of  the  County  of  Middlesex — 

In  Council  Read  and  Concurrd — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  152.] 


: 


I The  Subscriber  Together  with  John  Coleburn  & Benjamin  Par- 
ker as  Chainmen  have  Lay’d  out  to  the  proprs  of  Tyngs  Township, 
so  Called,  or  ye  grantees  of  a Tract  of  Land  Between  Litchfield 
And  Suncook  on  ye  Easterly  Side  Merrimack  River,  A Tract  of 
Land  Adjoyning  to  Piscataquag  River  Containing  one  Thousand 
Six  Hundred  And  Sixty  Eight  Acres  Butted  and  Bounded  as  by 


184 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  figure  herewith  wch  is  plan’d  by  a Scale  of  one  hundred  And 
Sixty  perch  to  an  Inch,  with  a Small  Island  Containing  Twelve 
Acres  Lying  in  Merrimack  River  Between  Crosby’s  Brook  and 
Short  falls  so  Called  wch  is  in  Pursuance  of  a grant  of  one  thou- 
sand Six  hundred  and  Eigty  Acres  made  to  the  Sd  Proprs 
October  10th  1736 — Sam1  Cumings  Survr 


Middlesex  ss  Dunstable  December  3th  1736 

Personally  appearing  before  me  the  Subscriber  Sam11  Cumings 
Survayor  John  Colburn,  and  Benja  Parker  Chainmen,  Made  Oath 
that  in  survaying  and  measuring  sixteen  hundred  and  Eighty  acres 
of  Land  Granted  by  the  Generali  Court  to  be  new  pitched  for  And 
Lay’d  out  by  the  Propr3  of  Tyngs  Township  so  Called  on  merri- 
mack  River  they  Acted  faithfully 

Jurat  Me  Eleazar  Tyng  jus1  P 

In  the  Plouse  of  Representatives  January  14th  1736  Read  and 
Ordered  That  the  plat  be  Accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Grantees 
or  proprietors  of  the  township  Commonly  Called  Tyng’s  township, 
and  their  heirs  & Assigns  respectively  for  Ever,  provided  the  plat 
with  the  Island  contain  no  more  than  One  thousand  six  hundred 
and  Eighty  Acres  in  the  whole,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any 
former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Feb.  3,  1736. 

Read  & Concur’d  J Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  14,  1736-7.] 

A Plat  containing  one  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty  eight 
Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  J0J171  Colburne  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain 
Men  on  Oath,  to  the  Proprietors  of  Tyng' s Township,  so  called, 
adjoining  to  Piscataquoiag  River,  together  with  a small  Island 
containing  twelve  Acres,  lying  in  Aferrimcick  River,  lying  between 
Crosby's  Brook  and  Short  Falls,  so  called,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of 
this  Court  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  said  Township,  was  presented 
for  Allowance.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted, 
and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described,  together  with  the 


MANCHESTER. 


185 

Island  within  mentioned,  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Gran- 
tees or  Proprietors  of  the  said  Township  commonly  called  Tyng's 
Township,  and  their  assigns  respectively  forever,  provided  the 
Plat  with  the  Island  contain  no  more  than  one  thousand  six  hun- 
dred and  sixty  eight  Acres  in  the  whole,  and  does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

A plat  of  One  Thousand  Six  hundred  and  Eighty  Acres  of  Land 
laid  out  on  Piscataquoag  River  by  Samuel  Cummins  Surveyr  and 
Chainmen  on  Oath  to  fulfill  a Grant  made  to  the  Grantees  of  the 
Township  commonly  called  Tyngs  Township — 

In  the  House  of  Represent5*  Read  and  ordered  that  the  plat  be 
Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  Delineated  & described  be  and 
hereby  are  Confirmed  to  the  Grantees  or  Proprietors  of  the  Town- 
ship commonly  called  Tyngs  Township  and  their  heirs  and  As- 
signs forever  provided  the  plat  with  the  Island  Contain  no  more 
than  One  Thousand  Six  hundred  and  Eighty  Acres  in  the  whole 
and  does  not  Interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[ Vote  of  Prof  riet  or  s of  Tyngstown  to  Petition  for  Relief,  775/.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  116,  p.  26.] 

Att  a meeting  of  the  Propts  of  Tyngs  Town  (so  Called)  by 
ajournement  from  ye  6 Day  of  August  1750  To  the  21  Day  of 
January  Following,  held  at  ye  House  of  Co11  Jonas  Clark  in 
Chelmsford 

Voted  to  prefer  a Petition  to  the  Great  & General  Court  of  the 
Massachusetts  For  Some  Consideration  or  Releif  in  the  Present 
Deficulties  which  Sd  prop*3  Labour  under  with  Respect  To  Sd 
Town  Ship  in  Such  way  & maner  as  Sd  Court  in  their  Great  wis- 
dom Shall  See  meet 

Allso  Voted  that  Wm  Stickney  be  Desired  to  prefer  The  above 
mentioned  petition  as  voted  Above 

Billerica  April  ye  4 : 1751. 

A True  Copy  att1 


Wm  Stickney  Propts  Cler 


1 86 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Petition  of  Proprietors  for  Equivalent  Grant,  775/.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  116,  p.  22.] 

Province  of  the  MassaChusett3  Bay — 

To  the  Hon1  Spencer  Phips  Esqr  Leu1  Govenour  & Comandr  in 
Cheif  in  and  over  his  Majestys  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  : 
The  Hon1  his  Majestys  Councill  And  House  of  Representitives  in 
Gener11  Court  Assembled  at  Boston  ye  8lb  Day  of  April  1751  : 

The  Petition  of  Willm  Stickney  Agent  for  and  in  the  Behalf  of 
the  Prop13  of  a Tract  of  Land  the  East  Side  of  Merrymake  River 
Known  by  the  Name  of  Tyngs  Town  Granted  by  this  Hon1  Court 
(now  falling  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshier)  Humbly  Shew- 
eth 

That  your  Pet13  about  the  year  1726  made  Application  for  a Town 
Ship  of  Some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  The  Province  to 
Settle  themselves  & Famelys  on  to  be  Granted  Them  in  Case  their 
Services  & Sufferings  were  thought  worthy  in  their  Arduos  under- 
taking in  the  year  1703  Pursuing  the  Indian  Enemy  into  their  then 
own  Country  on  Snow  Shoes  the  First  attempt  of  that  Kind  and 
attended  with  Success  with  Killing  of  Five  Terryfieng  & Prevent- 
ing them  of  their  Comon  Winter  Inroads  on  us  as  they  had  used 
before  as  ^ Sd  Petitn  & Revivell  of  it  in  the  year  1734 : will  Ap- 
pear upon  Which  this  Hond  Court  in  the  year  1735  Saw  meet  to 
Grant  a tract  of  Land  for  a Town  Ship  the  East  side  merrymack 
River  Between  & Adjoyning  to  Litchfield  & Suncook  or  Love- 
wells  Town  in  Consequence  of  that  Petin  under  Condition  of  Set- 
lement  Subjecting  the  Grantees  to  Give  Bond  of  Twenty  Pounds 
Each  Forfeiture  And  to  Return  a Plan  According  to  the  Tenr  of 
sd  Grant  all  which  was  Complyed  with  by  y8  prop13  in  the  year 
1 736 — & in  order  to  pursue  the  Intention  of  the  Grant  they  Divided 
the  whole  Township  into  Convenient  Lotts,  Built  a meeting  house 
Cleared  the  Roads  & there  being  Severale  Large  Streams  Made 
Good  Bridges  at  a Large  Expence  Through  the  Town  which  was 
very  Longe  being  but  three  miles  wide  and  a Great  part  of  the 
prop13  Soon  Entered  in  Order  For  Comply ance  with  the  Condi- 
tions of  the  Grant,  But  the  Unhappy  Controversy  between  this 
Province  and  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  being  brought  for- 
ward and  a Court  of  Comissoners  in  the  year  1738  Sitting  in 
order  to  Conclude  that  Affaire  Some  Desisted  till  they  had  their 
Determination,  and  that  being  Suspended  for  a further  hearing 
before  the  King  in  Counc11  Left  yr  Petitioners  in  Great  Difficulty 


MANCHESTER. 


187 


many  having  bestowed  Large  Sums  of  money  in  Building  & Im- 
provements were  Encouraged  to  pursue  their  Labour  & others 
Entred  in  hopes  of  the  Line  being  Setled  in  their  Favour  Till  up- 
ward of  Two  Thousand  pounds  was  Spent  in  Publick  Charges  of 
the  Propty,  besides  all  the  Charges  of  Setlement 

That  in  the  year  1740  the  line  was  Determined  against  them 
And  Deamed  to  be  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire — Where- 
upon they  with  Severall  other  towns  Petitnd  his  Majesty  to  be  Re- 
stored to  the  Massachussetts  as  they  Expected  at  the  time  of  their 
Grant,  but  with  no  Success — 

That  Soon  after  the  arivall  of  Govenr  Wentworth  and  Hearing 
the  Defeat  of  our  Petition  the  Towns  of  Londonderry  and  Chester 
obtained  orders  From  ye  Govr  of  N.  Hampr  For  Running  out  their 
Bounds  according  to  their  Charters  which  being  Done  it  was  found 
that  the  Sd  Tyngs  Town  fell  all  to  a Trifle  into  the  Sd  Towns,  their 
meeting  house  Sawmill  and  the  Setlers  being  Included  in  them, 
which  Towns  Immediately  Demanded  the  Possession  and  Entered 
Themselves 

That  your  Petitioners  thereupon  Advised  with  many  of  the  prin- 
cipal Gentlemen  of  this  Government  as  well  as  the  best  Councell 
in  the  Law  they  Could  Obtain  and  were  Incouraged  to  Dispute 
their  property  in  the  Law  which  they  have  Done  in  the  most 
Effectual  method  they  Could  and  have  been  Harrased  allmost 
every  Court  from  the  year  1742  to  this  day  and  the  said  Towns  of 
Londonderry  & Chester  has  Recovered  the  Possession  & Turned 
out  Every  one  who  has  had  a final  Trial  Excepting  one  who  for 
Some  Special  Reasons  Peculiar  to  that  Case  did  Obtain  The  Re- 
mainder of  the  Setlers  Seeing  their  Distressed  Circumstances  and 
no  way  for  Releif  have  Either  deserted  their  Habitations  or  Com- 
pounded and  purchassed  at  an  unreasonable  and  Severe  Price, 
have  Little  for  their  own  Labour,  Excepting  one  who  is  Yet  in 
the  Dispute,  which  Troubles  in  the  Defence  of  their  Rights  has 
Cost  them  many  thousands  of  pounds  Exclusive  of  their  Much 
greater  Charges  in  Buildings  and  Improvements  and  now  are 
Obliged  to  give  over  the  Expectation  of  its  Ever  being  any  benifet 
to  them 

That  the  Sd  Tract  of  Land  the  East  Side  the  River  did  not  Con- 
tain the  Complement  of  six  miles  Square  by  1680  Acres  which 
they  Laid  out  (and  was  Approved  of  by  this  Court)  The  west 
Side  merrymack  River  About  five  miles  Distance  From  Namas- 
keeg  falls  and  as  that  Did  not  fall  in  Neither  of  the  Towns  Granted 
by  New  Hampshire,  they  Hoped  to  Enjoy  that  but  Since  about 


1 88 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


two  years  ago  Some  Gentlemen  Claiming  the  Right  to  the  Lands 
Granted  by  the  Crown  To  Cap1  John  Mason  Have  Granted  a Town- 
ship to  a Number  of  People  there,  which  Includes  the  Sd  1680 
Acres  and  they  under  Sd  Masons  Right  have  Actually  Setled  with 
a Number  of  Familys  the  Lands  there  Granted  to  your  Petitioners 
so  that  on  the  whole  wee  have  as  wee  Apprehend  Lost  the  Benefit 
of  The  Whole  Grant  as  well  as  Such  a Considerable  part  of  our 
Own  Estats  as  afore  Sd 

Butt  being  Sencible  of  the  Design  of  this  Hond  Court  to  Distin- 
guish them  (not  as  Subjects  of  the  Province  but)  for  their  Special 
merrit  and  Desert  for  their  Suffering  and  Service  in  their  Defence, 
to  Grant  that  Land  as  a Reward,  The  Defeat  therein  Gives  them 
Reason  Humbly  to  Hope,  that  you  will  yet  in  this  Respect  take 
notice  of  us 

Wherefore  your  Petitioners  most  Humbly  pray,  that  they  may 
be  favoured  with  your  Attention  to  these  their  Uncomon  Circum- 
stances and  that  they  may  be  Compassionately  Helped  Under  their 
Extraordinary  Loss  and  Disepointment  and  the  Originall  Design 
Obtained,  by  Granting  them  so  much  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands 
of  the  Province  in  Some  Convenient  Place  for  Setlement  under 
Such  Conditions  as  may  be  tho*  fit,  As  will  be  Equall  to  their  Nec- 
essary past  Charges  which  They  are  Ready  to  Shew  by  their 
Accompts,  and  the  first  Design  of  a Town-Ship  or  otherwaies 
Relieve  them  in  the  premises  as  Shall  in  your  Great  Clemency 
and  Wisdom  be  Thought  Equitable  for  them,  and  your  Humble 
peters  as  in  Duty  bound  Shall  Ever  pray — 

Wm  Stickney  Agent  for 
Tyngs  Town  Propts 

In  the  House  of  Repve9  April  17,  1751  Read  and  Ordered  that 
this  Petition  be  refer’ d till  the  next  May  Session  for  Considera- 
tion 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  T.  Hubbard  Spkr 

In  Council  April  17  1751  Read  and  Concurr’d 

Sam1  Holbrook  Dty  Sec’y 

Consented  to  Phips 

[The  proprietors  were  granted  the  town  of  Wilton,  Me.,  as  an 
equivalent.] 


MANCHESTER. 


[Grant  to  John  Rlaisdell.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  4,  1734*] 

A Petition  of  Mr.  John  Blaisdell,  Representative  of  the  Town 
of  Almsbury , shewing  that  he  has  formerly  enlisted  himself  into 
the  Service  of  the  Country  in  many  marches  against  the  Indian 
Enemy,  wherein  the  Company  he  belonged  to  were  so  successful 
as  to  kill  and  captivate  thirty  one  of  the  Enemy,  that  he  is  now 
advanced  in  years,  having  a numerous  family  and  not  Lands  to 
settle  them  on,  and  having  formerly  petitioned  this  Court  for  some 
ungranted  Lands,  but  not  yet  been  favoured  with  a Grant,  the 
Petitioner  renews  his  request  for  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands 
of  this  Province  on  the  east  side  of  Merrimack  River,  whereon 
to  settle  some  of  his  Children.  Read,  and  in  answer  to  this  Pe- 
tition, Ordered , That  the  Petitioner  have  leave  by  a Surveyor  and 
Chain-men  on  Oath,  to  survey  and  lay  out  three  hundred  acres  of 
the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  lying  on  the  east  side 
of  Merrimack  River  and  to  the  northward  of  the  one  thousand 
acres  granted  to  Robert  Rand  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  him  his  heirs  and 
assigns  for  ever,  on  condition  that  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  or  as- 
signs do  within  three  years  settle  two  Families  on  the  granted 
Lands,  and  have  each  of  them  an  House  there  of  eighteen  feet 
square,  and  five  acres  of  Land  brought  to  english  Grass,  or  broke 
up  by  plowing,  and  well  inclosed. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  16,  and  House  Journal,  April  10, 

I73S-] 

A Petition  of  Mr  John  Blaisdel  of  Amesbury  shewing  that  the 
three  hundred  Acres  of  land  on  merrimack  River  which  was 
Granted  him  on  Condition  of  his  Settling  two  familys  is  so  mean 
as  it  is  not  Capable  of  Supporting  two  familys  And  therefore  pray- 
ing for  addition  of  Land  to  the  Eastward  of  said  Tract. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  petition 
Ordered  That  One  hundred  Acres  of  The  Province  Land  lying 
Eastward  of  the  three  hundred  Acres  within  mentioned  be  and 
hereby  is  Granted  to  the  Pet1'  his  heirs  and  Assignes  and  that  he 


190  . 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Return  a Plat  of  the  whole  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for 
Confirmation — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  10,  1735.] 

A Plat  of  four  hundred  Acres  of  Land  Granted  by  the  General 
Court  to  John  Blaisdel  laid  out  by  Samuel  Emerson  and  two 
Chainmen  on  Oath  being  Situated  on  Merrimack  River — 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  16.] 


'A'A./<  q/Jtju.7'  Avndi  etf  «o>cs  Aunclr  kU  *c /■< 

ih*.  a.n  c£  one  tiundted  net «s 


Awn  L iAt  /oi/%  0* 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  16,  House  Journal  and  Court 
Records,  Sept.  10,  1735.] 

In  the  House  of  Reptives  Sept1’  10th  1735  Read  & ordered  that 
the  plat  be  accepted  & the  Lands  within  delineated  & described  be 


MANCHESTER. 


I91 

& hereby  are  accordingly  confirmed  to  ye  sd  John  Blaisdale  his 
heirs  & assigns  for  Ever  provided  he  or  they  comply  with  the  Con- 
ditions of  the  respective  Grants  provided  also  the  plat  exceed  not 
ye  quantity  of  four  hundred  Acres  of  Land  & does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council,  Read  & Concurred.  T.  Mason  Dep*  Secry 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  16.] 

Essex  ss  Almsbury  July  : ye  18th  1735 

Appeared  Samuel  Emerson  as  Surveyer  And  Made  oath  that  he 
surveyed  ye  within  mentioned  tracts  of  Land  as  Granted  ; by  scale 
and  Compass  and  that  ye  within  Mentioned  plan  is  a true  plan 
Missured  According  to  Arte 

before  me  Orlando  Bagly  Justice  apeac 

Essex  ss  Almsbury  July  ye  18th  1735 

Appeared  Jacob  Sargent  And  Samuel  Colby  and  Made  oath  as 
Chaine  men  that  they  Carefully  Carryed  ye  Chaine  for  Laying  out 
sd  tracts  of  Land  and  allowed  only  for  swage  of  Chaine  and  for  a 
pond  in  sd  Land  of  aboute  sixteen  acres 

before  Me  Orlando  Bagly  Justice  apeac 


[Grant  to  Isaac  Bradley.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  8,  1736-7.] 

A Petition  of  Isaac  Bradley  of  Haverhill  in  the  County  of  Essex , 
praying  the  Consideration  of  the  Court  on  Account  of  his  publick 
Services  & Sufferings,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and  in 
Answer  to  this  Petition  Ordered,  That  three  hundred  Acres  of  the 
unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province,  adjoining  to  some  Town- 
ship, be  and  hereby  are  given  and  granted  to  the  Petitioner  Isaac 
Bradley , his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  and  that  he  return  a Plat  thereof 
to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


192 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  2,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  1, 1737*] 

A Plat  of  Two  Hundred  Acres  of  land  laid  out  by  James  Cum- 
mins Survey1'  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  fulfill  a grant  made 
by  the  General  Court  to  Isaac  Bradley,  scituate  on  the  Westerly 
side  of  Merrimack  River,  joining  to  the  Northerly  side  of  the 
Narraganset  Township  Number  Five,  being  bounded  as  follows, 
viz*  Beginning  at  an  Heap  of  Stones  by  Merrimack  River  at  the 
Corner  of  said  Narraganset  Township,  thence  running  West  by 
said  Township,  one  hundred  and  forty  five  rods,  ending  on  Piscat- 
aquay  River,  thence  North  by  a line  of  marked  trees  bounded 
Westerly  on  Province  Land  to  a Pine  marked,  being  one  hundred 
and  eighty  five  rods ; thence  East  bounding  Northerly  on  Province 
Land,  two  hundred  and  ten  rods  to  a White  Oak  tree  at  Merri- 
mack River  ; thence  Southerly  by  said  River  to  the  Heap  of  Stones 
first  mentioned ; with  an  allowance  of  eight  ^ Cent  for  Swagg  of 
Chain. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  and  Ordered ; that  the  Plat 
be  accepted  and  the  lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and 
hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Isaac  Bradley  his  Heirs  and  As- 
signs for  ever  in  satisfaction  of  the  within  grant : Provided  he  or 
they  fulfill  the  conditions  thereof  and  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  Two  Hundred  Acres  of  Land,  with  the  said  Allow- 
ance for  swag  of  Chain,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former 
grant. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’ d 

Consented  to  J.  Belcher. 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Butterfield.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  1,  1735-6.] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  for  Lands,  reported  on  the 
Petition  of  Samuel  Butterfield  of  Chelmsford,  praying  as  en- 
tred  the  20th  ult,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  the  facts  being 
well  vouched,  Ordered,  That  the  Petitioner  have  leave  by  a Sur- 
veyor and  Chain-men  on  Oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  three  hundred 
acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  adjoining  to 
same  Town,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  the  Court  within  twelve 
months  for  confirmation  to  him  his  heirs  and  assigns,  provided  he 
or  they  within  three  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the  Grant 


MANCHESTER. 


193 


settle  a family  thereon,  and  also  build  a dwelling  House  of  eigh- 
teen feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  least,  and  clear,  fence  in, 
and  bring  to  six  acres  thereof  by  ploughing,  or  stocking  the  same 
with  English  Grass. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  22,  1736.] 

A Plat  containing  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Sam- 
uel Cumings  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  first  of  January  last  to  Samuel  Butter- 
field of  Chelmsford , lying  on  Merrimack  River  near  Namaskeeg , 
was  presented  for  allowance.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Plat 
be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be 
and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Samuel  Butterfield  his  heirs 
and  assigns  for  ever,  he  or  they  performing  the  Conditions  of  the 
Grant  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  three  hundred 
acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  23,  1736.] 

A Plat  of  three  hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Samuel 
Cummins  Survey1  and  Chainmen  on  oath,  to  Satisfy  a Grant  of 
this  Court  of  the  first  of  January  last  to  Samuel  Butterfield  of 
Chelmsford  on  Merrimack  River,  near  Namaskeag ; bounded  as 
follows,  viz4  begining  at  a pine  tree  by  the  River  & Runing  West 
22  deg.  South  two  hundred  & Eighty  Nine  Rods  to  a Maple 
Marked  with  C B,  thence  North  22  deg.  West  One  hundred  & 
forty  Rods  to  a pine  Marked  C B from  thence  East  22  degs  North 
four  hundred  Rods  to  a pine  Marked;  from  thence  East  30  deg. 
South  thirty  Eight  Rods  to  a pine  Marked  C B at  Merrimack  River 
and  then  by  the  River  to  the  bounds  first  mentioned. — 

13 


i94 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  io.  p.  14.] 


May  The  Eleventh,  1736 

I The  Subscriber  Sam1  Cumings  together  with  James  Cumings 
& John  Goffe  as  Chainmen  have  Layd  out  to  Sam1  Butterfield  of 
Chelmsford  of  Midx  Three  hundred  Acres  of  The  unappropriated 
Lands  of  ye  Province  on  Merrimack  River  near  Namaskeeg 
Bounded  thus — Begining  at  a pine  tree  by  ye  river  and  we  run 
west  Twenty  two  degrees  South  two  hundred  And  Eighty  nine 
rods  to  a maple  marked  wth  C B from  thence  we  ran  north  twenty 
two  deg8  west  one  hundred  and  forty  eight  rods  to  a pine  marked 
C B from  thence  east  twenty  two  deg8  north  four  hundred  rods  to 
a pine  Marked  C B from  thence  east  30  g8  South  38  rods  to  a pine 
marked  C B at  merrimack  river  from  thence  by  ye  River  to  the 
first  Bounds  mentioned 

Sam1  Cumings  Surveyor 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  14,  and  Court  Records,  June 

23. 1736.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  22d  1736  Read  and 
ordered  that  the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
& described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Samuel  Butter- 
field his  heirs  & assigns  for  Ever  he  or  they  complying  with  the 
Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity 
of  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any 
former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  June  23,  1736 

Read  and  Concurrd  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Sec1-? 

30  : Consented  to  J Belcher 


MANCHESTER. 


T95 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  io,  p.  14.] 

Middlesex  ss  June  ye  10th  1736 

Personally  Appearing  before  me  ye  Subscriber  Samuel  Cumings 
as  Surveyor  James  Cumings  and  John  GofFe  as  Chainmen  made 
Oath  that  in  Surveying  and  measureing  three  Hundred  Acres  of 
Land  Granted  by  die  Gen11  Court  to  Sam1  Butterfield  of  Chelms- 
ford thay  Did  Deal  faithfully  & Impartially 

Eleazar  T}mg  Justice  pacis 


[Grant  to  John  Plaisted.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  17,  1734-] 

A Petition  of  John  Plaistead  of  Amesbury,  Shewing  that  he 
Served  the  Province  in  the  Indian  War  in  five  Several  Expedi- 
tions and  in  four  of  them  as  a Voluntier  that  he  with  others  pe- 
titioned the  Court  for  a Township  at  Ameskeeg  and  from  some 
Encouragement  he  had  built  upon  the  Land  but  the  Court  were 
pleased  to  Grant  a Township  near  the  place  to  the  Narragansett 
Soldiers,  Praying  for  a Grant  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  on  the 
East  Side  of  Merrimack  River. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Petition 
Ordered  that  the  pet1  have  leave  to  Survey  and  lay  out  by  a Sur- 
veyor & Chainmen  on  Oath  three  hundred  Acres  of  the  Unappro- 
priated Lands  of  the  Province  lying  on  the  East  Side  of  Merri- 
mack River,  and  to  the  Northward  of  One  Thousand  Acres 
Granted  to  Robert  Rand,  and  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court 
within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation,  to  him  and  his  heirs  and 
Assignes  forever,  On  Condition  the  Pet1’  his  heirs  or  assignes  do 
within  three  Years  Settle  two  familys  on  the  Granted  Lands  and 
have  each  of  them  a house  there  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  five 
Acres  of  Land  brought  to  English  Grass  or  broke  up  by  Plowing 
and  well  inclosed — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurrd — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Grant  to  Robert  Rand.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  1,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  Robert  Rand  of  Boston  Sail-maker,  shewing 
that  his  great  Uncle  Thomas  Goffe , Esq  ; Deputy  Governour  of  the 


196 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Company  for  settling  the  late  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts-Bay , 
was  at  great  expence  in  bringing  forward  and  planting  the  said 
Colony,  and  after  large  Adventures  here,  he  took  a Voyage  for 
this  Country,  but  died  in  the  Passage,  and  never  received  any 
Gratuity  from  the  Planters  or  Settlers,  nor  any  Person  for  him  ; 
that  the  Petitioners  Grand-mother  was  Sister  to  the  said  Mr.  Goffe  ; 
and  that  he  is  eldest  Son  to  her  Daughter ; praying  that  forasmuch 
as  the  said  Colony  was  greatly  benefitted  by  the  Expence  or  Es- 
state  of  the  said  Mr.  Goffe , and  never  received  any  thing  therefor, 
and  the  Petitioner  being  reduced  to  low  and  necessitous  Circum- 
stances, that  the  Court  of  their  compassionate  consideration  would 
make  him  a Grant  of  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the 
Province,  for  the  reasons  aforesaid.  Read  and  referred  to  the 
next  sitting  of  the  Court  for  consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  3,  1734.] 

A Plat  of  One  thousand  acres  of  Land  laid  out  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  of  this  Court  made  to  Robert  Rand  in  Affil  last,  lying  on 
the  East  side  Merrimack  River  to  the  Northward  of  little  Cohass 
Brook , great  Cohass  River  running  through  the  same,  was  pre- 
sented for  allowance.  Read,  and  the  Question  was  put,  Whither 
the  Plat  shall  be  accented.  It  pass’d  in  the  Negative. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  4,  1734.] 

On  a motion  made  and  seconded  by  divers  Members  that  the 
House  would  re-consider  their  Vote  of  the  third  of  July  last  for 
not  accepting  a Plat  of  one  thousand  acres  of  Land,  Surveyed 
and  laid  out  by  Samuel  Danforth  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men 
on  Oath,  lying  on  the  east  side  of  Merrimack  River  to  the  north- 
ward of  little  Cohass  Brook,  great  Cohass  River  running  thro’ 
tne  same  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  made  to  Robert  Rand  in 
A-pril  last,  the  Question  was  put,  Whither  the  House  would  re- 
consider their  said  Vote  ! Resolved  in  the  Affirmative,  and  there- 
upon Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein 
described  and  delineated  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said 
Robert  Rand  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  in  satisfaction  of  the 


MANCHESTER. 


I97 


Grant  within  mentioned,  provided  it  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of 
one  thousand  acres  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any 
former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  5,  1734-] 

Jacob  Wendell , Esq ; brought  down  the  Plat  of  one  thousand 
acres  of  Land  granted  to  Robert  Rand , with  the  vote  of  the 
House  of  the  4 th.  currant  thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz . In  Coun- 
cil, Decemb.  $th.  1734.  Read  and  concur’d  with  an  amendment, 
viz . add — -provided  also  that  this  Grant  shall  no  ways  affect  the 
privilege  of  fishing  in  great  Cohass  River,  but  the  same  shall 
remain  in  common  to  all  His  Majesty's  Subjects  of  this  Province 
as  heretofore , and  no  obstruction  shall  be  given  to  the  passage  oj 
the  Fish  up  and  down  the  said  River . Sent  down  for  Concur- 
rence. 

Read  and  Concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  5,  1734.] 

A Plat  of  One  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Samuel 
Danforth  Esqr  and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  fulfill  a Grant  made  by 
this  Court  to  Robert  Rand  lying  on  each  side  of  Merrimack  River 
begining  at  a Great  White  Oak  tree  marked  R Standing  on  the 
side  of  the  said  River  and  a little  to  the  Northward  of  little  Cohass 
Brook  Thence  Runing  upon  Merrimack  River  five  hundred  and 
Eighty  Six  poles  to  a great  White  Oak  tree  mark’d  R being  the 
North  West  Corner  thence  Runing  Eastward  two  hundred  and 
twenty  three  poles  to  a pine  tree  marked  R which  is  the  Northeast 
Corner  thence  Southward  five  hundred  & Eighty  poles  to  a pine 
tree  mark’d  R which  is  the  South  east  Corner  thence  to  the  bounds 
first  mentioned 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  and  Ordered  that  the  plat  be 
Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  Delineated  & Described  be  and 
hereby  are  Confirmed  to  the  said  Robert  Rand  his  heirs  and 
assignes  forever  in  Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  within  mentioned 
Provided  it  Exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  one  Thousand  Acres  of 
Land  and  does  not  Interfere  with  any  former  Grant  Provided  also 
that  this  Grant  shall  no  Ways  affect  the  priviledge  of  Fishing  in 
Great  Cohass  River  but  the  same  shall  remain  in  Common  to  all 


198 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


his  Majestys  Subjects  of  this  Province  as  heretofore  and  no  Ob- 
struction shall  be  given  to  the  passage  of  the  Fish  up  and  down 
the  said  River — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  35.] 


S'"*! 


june  28  : 1734  Laid  out  to  Robert  Rand  of  Boston  one  thousand 
acres  of  land  on  ye  east  side  of  merimack  River  begining  at  A 
great  white  oak  tree  marked  R : which  stands  by  ye  side  of  mer- 
imack River  and  A little  north  ward  of  little  cohas  Brook  called 
and  from  sd  white  oak  it  bounds  upon  merimack  River  five  hun- 
dred and  eighty  six  pole  to  A great  white  oak  tree  marked  R : 
which  is  ye  north  west  corner,  then  it  Runs  east  ward  from  sd 
white  oak  two  hundred  and  twenty  three  poles  to  A pine  tree 
marked  R which  is  ye  north  east  corner  then  it  Runs  south  ward 
from  sd  pine  tree  five  hundred  and  eighty  poles  to  A pine  tree 
marked  R : which  is  ye  South  east  corner,  then  it  turns  and  Runs 
west  ward  to  ye  first  bound  white  oak  tree  where  it  began — 

Samuel  Danforth  Survayor : 


MANCHESTER. 


I99 


In  the  House  of  Reptive3  July  3d  1734  Read  & the  Question  was 
put  Whether  the  Plat  shall  be  accepted?  It  pass’d  in  the  Negative 

Middelsex  ss  Dunstable  June  28th  1734 

Sam11  Danforth  personally  appeard  before  me  and  was  sworn 
to  the  faithful  Discharge  of  a Surveyer 

Eleazar  Tyng  just  P 

Middelsex  ss  Dunstable  June  29th  1734 

Cap*  Henry  Farwell  and  Zacheus  Lovewell  personally  appeared 
before  me  and  was  sworn  to  the  faithfull  Discharge  of  Chanemen 

Eleazar  Tyng  jus*  P 


[Grant  to  Jeremiah  Stevens.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  10,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  Cap1  Jeremiah  Stevens  of  Salisbury,  praying  that 
in  consideration  of  his  many  Services  to  the  Province  against  the 
Indian  Enemy  in  the  Eastern  Country  especially,  as  particularly 
therein  set  forth,  he  may  obtain  a Grant  of  some  of  the  Province 
Lands,  the  better  to  enable  him  to  settle  some  of  his  Sons  who  are 
grown  up,  he  having  but  little  Land  of  his  own  to  settle  them  on. 
Read,  and  in  answer  to  this  Petition,  Ordered , That  four  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  of  the  Province  Lands  lying  on  the  east  side  of 
Merrimack  River  next  the  Grant  lately  made  to  Mr.  Jonathan 
Blaisdell,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  and 
assigns,  on  condition  that  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  or  assigns  do 
within  three  years  settle  three  families  on  the  granted  Lands,  and 
have  each  of  them  an  House  there  of  eighteen  feet  square  and 
seven  feet  stud  at  least,  and  also  five  acres  of  Land  brought  to 
english  Grass  or  broke  up  by  plowing,  and  well  inclosed ; the 
Petitioner  to  return  a Plat  of  the  Lands  to  the  Court  within  twelve 
months  for  confirmation. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Sept.  11,  1735.] 

A Plat  containing  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  Land  laid  out 
by  Samuel  Rmerson,  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  to 


200 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  io th.  of  Afril  last  to  Capt. 
Jeremiah  Stevens , lying  on  the  East  side  Merrimack  River , next 
Mr.  John  Blaisdale's  Grant,  was  presented  for  allowance.  Read 
and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  within 
mentioned  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Capt.  Jere- 
miah Stevens  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  provided  he  or  they 
comply  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  also  the  Plat 
exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  Land, 
and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  2."] 


Essex  ss 

Almsbury  July  ye  18th  1735 

Appeared  Samuel  Emerson  a Serveyer  and  Made  oath  that  he 
serveyed  ye  within  mentioned  tract  of  land  as  Granted  by  Scale 
and  Compass  and  that  ye  within  Mentioned  plan  is  a true  plan 
Misured  according  to  arte 

before  me  Orlando  Bagly 

Justice  of  ye  peace 


MANCHESTER. 


201 


Essex  ss 

Almsbury  July  ye  18th  1735 

Appeared  Jacob  Sargent  and  Samuel  Colby  And  Made  oath  as 
Chaine  Men  that  they  Carryed  ye  Chaine  for  laying  out  sd  tract 
of  Land  Carefully  and  Allowed  only  for  Swage  of  Chaine 

before  me  Orlando  Bagly 

Justice  o peace 

In  the  House  of  Rptives  Septr  11,  1735  Read  & ordered  y*  ye 
plat  be  accepted  & ye  Ids  within  mentioned  be  & hereby  are  con- 
firmed to  ye  sd  Capt  Jerimiah  Stevens  his  heirs  & assigns  for  ever 
provided  he  or  they  comply  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  pro- 
vided also  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  four  hundred  & 
fifty  acres  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Novr  22  1735  Read  and  Concurred 

J Willard  Sectry 

Dec  29  Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Grant  to  Thomas  Tilestone.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  9,  1735-6.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Tilestone,  of  Dorchester,  Esq ; praying 
the  consideration  of  the  Court  for  a Grant  of  Lands  on  account 
of  his  publick  services  and  sufferings,  for  the  reasons  mentioned. 
Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Petitioner  have  leave  by  a Surveyor 
and  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  two  hundred  acres 
of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  adjoining  to  some 
former  Grant,  and  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve 
months  for  confirmation  to  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
provided  he  or  they  do  within  the  space  of  three  years  break  up 
bring  to  and  fit  for  mowing  and  ploughing  and  well  inclose  six 
acres  of  the  granted  premisses,  and  build  an  House  thereon  of 
eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  and  have  a 
family  actually  dwelling  therein  within  said  term. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  7,  1736-7.] 

A Plat  containing  two  hundred  & twenty  Acres  of  Land,  sur- 
veyed & laid  out  by  James  Cummings  Surveyor  and  two  Chain- 


202 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  to  Thomas  Tilestone , 
Esq : as  entred  the  9 th.  of  "January  last,  with  an  allowance  for 
Ponds  and  swag  of  Chain,  lying  on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack 
River  at  the  Head  of  Amaske eg  Falls,  beginning  at  a Pine  Tree 
marked,  then  the  Line  runs  up  the  River  three  hundred  rods  to  a 
Pine  Tree  marked,  was  presented  for  Allowance.  Read  and 
Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described,  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said 
Thomas  Tilestone , Esq ; his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  he  or 
they  performing  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  the  Plat 
exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  Acres,  and 
does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  68.] 

I the  Subscriber  to  gather  with  William  lund  and  Cypron  Pow- 
ers have  survaid  and  laid  out  un  to  Coll  Tho9  Tilston  a sarton  farm 
or  tract  of  land  contaning  220  acars  bounded  thus  as  folios  one 
the  west  side  of  Merimack  river  beginen  att  ye  head  of  namoskeag 
falls  att  a pine  tree  marked  then  ye  line  runs  up  the  river  300  rods 
to  a pine  tre  marked  then  line  runs  west  7 degree  to  the  South 
sixty  rods  then  ye  line  South  twenty  degres  west  268  rods  then 
ye  line  Runs  South  30  degres  Est  Sixty  rods  to  pine  then  ye  line 
runs  Est  70  North  170  rds  to  ye  bounds  furst  menchond  all  wch 
with  out  allowance  for  Sagg  of  Chain  and  Ponds  wch  is  abt  20 
acres.  Survaid  this  29  daye  of  December  ye  1736  Per  me 

James  Cumings 

Middlesex  ss 

Dunstable  January  3th  1736 

Personally  appearing  be  fore  me  the  Subscriber  James  Comings 
Surveyor,  Will  Lund  and  Cypron  Powers  Chaine  men  made  Oath 
that  in  the  Surveying  and  Measuring  Two  Hundred  acres  of  Land 
Granted  by  the  General  Court  to  Thos  Tileston  Esqr  of  Dorchester 
they  doe  deal  faithfully  and  Impertially 

Jurat  me  Eleazar  Tyng  jus1  Peace 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  Jan  the  17th  1736  Read  and  Or- 
dered that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  & are  hereby  confirmed  to  the  said  Thomas 
Tilestone  Esqr  his  heirs  & assigns  for  ever  he  or  they  performing 


MERRIMACK. 


203 


the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  acres  and  does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  Janry  10.  1736 

Read  & Concurred  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Sec17 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


MERRIMACK. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Old  Dunstable  grant.  Incorporated  April  2,  1746.  Col. 
Joseph  Blanchard  was  authorized  to  call  the  first  meeting.  An  addition  of  all  that 
part  of  the  town  north  of  the  Souhegan  river  was  granted  Jan.  1,  1750. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  54$  ; XII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  586;  Index  to  Laws,  342  ; Centennial  Address,  1846,  by 
S.  T.  Allen,  pub.  1846;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County, 
1885,  p.  527  ; consult  authorities  cited  under  title  of  Dunstable.] 


[Grant  to  Benjamin  Smith.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  17,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Smith,  living  on  Land  on  Merrimack 
River  near  Naticook,  praying  the  Court,  to  make  him  a Grant  of 
One  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  (including  an  Island  whereon  he 
has  built  a House,  & made  Improvements)  on  the  West  side  of 
the  said  River,  adjoyning  thereto,  (to  be  laid  out  in  a regular 
Form)  or  that  it  may  be  Sold  to  him  on  reasonable  Terms,  for 
Reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and  referred  to  the  next  Session  for 
Consideration. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Smith  Setting  forth  his  great  Services 
for  the  province  in  divers  Marches  against  the  Indian  Enemy  & 
Shewing  that  he  has  presumed  to  take  up  ab1  Sixteen  Acres  of 
Province  Land  on  Merrimack  River,  partly  on  an  Island  about  a 
Mile  above  Sohegan  River,  & partly  on  the  Main  adjacent  there- 
to, & hath  built  an  House  thereon,  & laid  out  ab*  One  Hundred  & 


204 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


fifty  pounds  To  which  Land  he  acknowledges  he  has  no  right  & 
Praying  a Grant  of  the  sd  Land  & thirty  four  Acres  more  upon 
such  Terms  as  this  Court  shall  judge  proper — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™55  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Petition, 
Ordered  that  the  Petitionr  be  allowed  by  a Survey1'  & Chainmen 
on  Oath  to  Survey  & lay  out  fifty  Acres  of  the  Province  Lands, 
including  the  Island  within  mentioned  & the  other  Land  improved 
by  the  Petition1*  & that  he  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within 
twelve  Months  for  Confirmation — In  Council ; Read  & Concur’ d 
Provided  the  Petition1'  pay  into  the  Province  Treasury  The  Sum 
of  Ten  pounds  immediately  upon  ye  Confirmation  of  the  said  Land 
by  this  Court — In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Concur’d 
Consented  to  J Belcher 


MILFORD. 

[Constituted  from  parts  of  Hollis,  Amherst,  and  the  Mile  Slip,  and  included 
Charlestown  and  Duxbury  School  Farms.  Incorporated  Jan.  n,  1794.  Unsuc- 
cessful attempts  at  incorporation  were  made  in  1779  and  1780.  A portion  of  Am- 
herst was  annexed  Dec.  20,  1842,  and  a portion  of  Lyndeborough,  June  27,  1873. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  397  ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  603  ; Index 
to  Laws,  345  ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885, 
P-  55*] 


[Charlestown  School  Farm.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659.] 

In  Ans1'  to  the  peticon  of  Charles  Toune  & Cambridge  The 
Court  having  Considered  the  Grounds  of  this  peticion  & of  how 
great  Concernment  It  is  y*  all  due  encouragement  be  given  there- 
to, Judge  meete  to  Graunt  to  each  Toune  a thousand  acres  of  land 
upon  Condicon  yt  they  forever  appropriate  it  to  that  use,  & wthin 
three  yeers  at  farthest  lay  out  the  same  & put  it  on  Improovement, 
& In  Case  that  they  faile  of  mainetaining  a Grammar  schoole  dur- 
ing the  said  time  they  shall  so  doe  the  next  Gramar  schoole  of  w* 
Toune  soever  shall  have  the  sole  bennefitt  thereof ;/ 


MILFORD. 


205 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

By  virtue  of  an  order  of  the  Gennerall  Court  laid  out  for  the  use 
of  the  schoole  of  Charles  Toune  one  thousand  acres  of  land,  more 
or  lesse,  in  the  wildernesse  on  the  westerne  side  of  merremacke 
River  at  a place  Comonly  Called  by  the  Indians  Sowheaganucke 
begining  at  the  ffoote  of  a great  hill  and  so  extending  Eastward 
about  two  miles  doune  the  said  River  and  bounded  wth  the  River 
North  and  by  land  laied  out  for  mrs  Anna  Cole  on  the  East  the 
wildernes  elswhere  surrounding  according  to  marked  trees  all  wcb 
are  sufficiently  bounded  wth  C and  is  more  fully  demonstrated  by 
a platt  taken  of  the  same  by  Jonathan  Danforth  survr. 

The  Court  doth  allow  & approove  of  this  Returne./ 


[Grant  to  Anna  Cole.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659.] 

In  Consideration  of  the  late  Cap4  Robert  Keaynes  libberall 
guifts  to  the  Country  in  his  will  the  whole  Court  mett  together 
voted ; that  m1*3  Anna  Cole  the  late  Relict  of  the  said  Cap4  Robert 
Keaine  and  Anna  Keayne  the  Grandchild  shall  have  five  hundred 
acres  of  land  apeece  laid  out  to  them  & theire  heires  where  It  is  to 
be  found./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

Laid  out  to  mrs  Anna  Cole  five  hundred  acres  more  or  lesse  of 
land  in  the  wildernes  on  the  westerne  side  of  merremacke  River  at 
Souheaganuck  being  butted  & bounded  w4h  land  lately  laid  out  for 
charlstowne  schoole  on  the  west  sowheaganucke  River  on  the 
North  lying  three  hundred  and  forty  pole  long  by  the  side  of  the  said 
River  the  wildernesse  elswhere  surrounding  according  to  bound 
mark  trees  wch  are  marked  w4h  C.  wch  is  more  fully  demonstrated 
by  a platt  taken  of  the  same  by  Jonathan  Danforth  surveyor  The 
Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Allow  & Confirme  the  land  returned  to 
the  said  Anna  Cole  lately  keayne  hir  heires  & Assignes  forever./ 


20  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Cole.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  26,  1658.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petition  of  Samuell  Cole.  The  Court  Judgeth  it 
meete  to  Graunt  the  peticoner  the  necke  of  land  desired  lying 
wtoin  a mile  & a half  or  two  miles  of  nacooke  beyond  the  Toune  of 
Chelmsford  & what  is  wanting  there  to  make  up  the  fower  hun- 
dred acres  formerly  Graunted  him  he  hath  liberty  to  take  up  in  any 
other  place  where  he  Cann  finde  it  according  to  lawe 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  9,  and  Court  Records,  Nov. 

12, 1659.] 

Laid  out  to  Mr  Samuell  Cole  of  Boston,  four  hundred  acr  of 
lands  in  ye  wildernesse ; on  ye  westerne  side  of  Merimack  River ; 
begining  at  Nacook  one  part  of  ye  same ; about  fifty  and  five 
acc : lying  upon  ye  said  Brooke  andjoyning  to  Merimack  River 
runing  up  ye  brook  about  two  hundred  & fifty  two  pole  ; also  one 
part  or  parsall  of  y®  same  adjoyning  to  ye  said  River  beginning 
about  three  quarters  of  a mile  above  it ; and  so  runnes  up  v®  River 
two  miles  and  34  pole,  as  by  this  plott  is  demonstrated ; also  3 
patches  of  meadow  lying  distinck  from  ye  aforesaid  lands,  about  2 
miles  : two  of  ym  lying  at  forrest  field  hill : y*  3d  som  what  distant 
from  ym  also  a small  parsall  of  meadow  lying  upon  a brook 
(called  little  Nacook)  which  brook  runnes  through  y®  said  farme ; 
ye  content  or  Superfitia  of  all  ye  aforesaid  parsells  are  (400)  ace 
of  land,  all  which  land  are  well  and  suffetiendy  bounded  and 
marked  with  C : 

May  11th  1659  By  Jonathan  Danforth  Survey1 

The  Deputyes  approve  of  this  return  provided  that  this  four  hun- 
dred Acors  be  made  up  seven  hundred  Acors  back  from  the  river, 
out  of  which  Capt  Edward  Johnson  is  to  have  his  three  hundred 
Acors  indeffrently  layd  out  respecting  both  meddow  & upland  & 
Mr  Cole  to  have  his  first  choyce  but  Capt  Johnson  to  beare  halfe 
the  Charge  of  laying  of  it  out,  relating  to  what  hath  bin  already 
expended  or  what  further  remayned  to  be  done  & all  with  refer- 
ence to  the  Consent  of  oe  Horn**1  magists  hereto 

10  (9)  1659  William  Torrey  Cleric 

Consented  to  by  ye  Magists 


Edw  Rawson  Sectey 


MILFORD 


207 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1.  p.  9.] 


20  8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  i,  p.  io.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  4,  1733-4.] 

“A  Petition  of  Col.  John  Alden — Represent™  of  the  Town  of 
Duxbury  Shewing  that  the  said  Town  is  obliged  by  Law  to  main- 
tain a Grammar  School,  but  by  reason  of  the  fewness  of  the  Inhab- 
itants & their  Poverty  the  Charge  of  the  School  lies  heavy  upon 
them,  and  therefore  Praying  that  this  Court  would  make  them  a 
Grant  of  the  Province  Land  the  better  to  enable  them  to  defray 
the  said  Charge — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™9  Read  & Ordered  that  the  Town  of 
Duxbury  be  & hereby  is  allowed  & impowered  by  a Survey1  & 
Chainmen  on  Oath  to  survey  & lay  out  Five  hundred  Acres  of  the 


MILFORD. 


209 


unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province,  & return  a Plat  thereof  to 
this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation,  for  the  mainte- 
nance & support  of  a Grammar  School  there — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurred — 

Consented  to — J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  24,  1734.] 

A plat  containing  five  hundred  acres  of  Land  surveyed  and  laid 
out  by  order  of  the  Court  the  4 th  of  March  last  by  Capt.  Jonas 
Houghton  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  made  to  the  Town  of  Duxbury  for  the  use  of  a Grammar 
School  there,  bounded  southerly  on  Souhegan  River  East  on  the 
uppermost  Narragansett  Township  on  said  River  ; was  presented 
for  allowance.  Read  and  accepted,  and  Ordered,  That  the  Plat 
be  allowed,  and  that  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described 
be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Town  of  Duxbury  for  the  use 
maintenance  and  support  of  a Grammar  School  there  for  ever, 
provided  it  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  five  hundred  acres,  and 
does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Maps  & Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  27] 


1 


210 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


July  ye  4 & 5 : 1734  Laid  out  five  Hundred  acres  of  Land  to 
fulfill  a Grant  made  by  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly 
to  the  Town  of  Duxbury  March  ye  4th  1733  : which  Bounds  South- 
erly on  Souhegan  River : East  on  the  upermost  Narragonset 
Township  upon  Said  River,  North  & West  upon  the  unapropri- 
ated  Lands  It  begins  at  a whitoak  Marked  (with  a heep  of  stons 
nere  to  it)  on  the  North  side  of  said  River  : abought  one  Hundred 
and  thirty  Rods  above  the  uper  End  of  Chalstown  Scool  Farme 
and  Runs  North  two  Hundred  Rods  from  thence  East  four  Hun- 
dred Rods  to  Said  Narraganset  Township  from  thence  South  two 
Hundred  & Seventeen  Rods  to  Said  Souhegen  River  and  then  it 
Runs  up  along  by  Said  River  to  where  it  first  began 

Surveyd  ^ Jonas  Houghton 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  24th  1734.  Read 
and  accepted  and  ordered  That  the  plat  be  allowed  and  the  Lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to 
the  town  of  Duxbury  for  the  maintenance  and  support  of  a gram- 
mer  School  there,  provided  it  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  Five 
hundred  acres  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  Decr  : 26  : 1734  Read  & Concurred 

T : Mason  Dep*  Sec17 
27  : Consented  to  J Belcher. 


NASHUA. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Old  Dunstable  grant.  Incorporated  as  Dunstable , April 
1,  1746.  “ One  Pine  Hill,”  belonging  to  Dunstable , was  annexed  to  Hollis,  Dec. 

13,  1763.  The  farms  of  Daniel  Merrill  and  Ebenezer  Jacquith  were  taken  from 
Dunstable  and  annexed  to  Hollis,  May  14,  1 773.  The  name  was  changed  to 
Nashua,  Dec.  7,  1836.  Nashville  was  set  off  and  incorporated  June  23,  1842,  but 
was  re-united  and  the  two  incorporated  as  a city,  June  27,  1853. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  193  ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  622  ; Index 
to  Laws,  389  ; sketch,  by  O.  C.  Moore,  1,  Granite  Monthly,  57  ; historical  sketch, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  139;  consult  authorities  cited 
under  title  of  Dunstable.] 


[Grant  to  Boston  Artillery  Company.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1670.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  motion  of  severall  officers  of  the  Artillery  Com- 
pany in  Boston  Itt  is  Ordered  that  the  thousand  acres  of  land 


NASHUA. 


21 1 


formrly  granted  to  them,  & not  laid  out  be  laid  out  in  any  place 
where  it  may  be  found  not  already  granted  & returne  thereof 
made  to  this  Court 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  34,  p.  9.] 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  34,  p.  9,  and  Court  Records,  Oct. 

i5>  i673*] 

Artilery  of  Boston  Ther  ffarme  Lad  out  Septr  22th  1673  Viz 
ffrom  a Red  oake  tre  marked  a by  a gully  Side  on  the  banke  of 


212 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Marymak  River,  on  a Straight  Line  W b S one  mile  & thre  quart9 
by  marked  trees  unto  a pine  at  B : by  a medow  calld  Speckticle 
Medow  ffrom  B to  C.  & about  the  Medow  to  D : taking  in  the  sd 
two  first  patches  of  Medow  wch  Medow  is  estimated  at  30  Acors  : 
ffrom  D to  E by  the  brooke  Caled  Specticle  Brooke  wch  Brooke 
Runs  into  Nashua  River  ffrom  E to  F by  Nashua  or  Watananok 
River  into  Marymak  River. 

17th  October,  1673  : 

The  magists  approove  of  this  Returne  and  doe  further  Grant 
them  as  an  Addition  thereto  ye  Grant  being  above  thirty  yeares 
since  The  quantity  of  five  hundred  acres  next  Adjoyning  The 
magists  have  pass  this  their  brethren  the  Deputy es  hereto  Con- 
senting Edw  Rawson  Secret? 

The  Deputies  Consent  hereto  provided  that  the  Addition  of  five 
hundred  Acre9  be  layd  out  in  some  Convenient  place  next  Adjoyn- 
ing to  the  plantation  now  graunted  there  or  Honord  magists  Con- 
senting hereto 

Consented  to  by  ye  magists 

17th  October  1673.  Edw  Rawson  Secret 


[Grant  to  Richard  Dummer.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  14,  1656.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  mr  Richard  Dummer  Craving  an 
Allowance  of  land  for  seventy  three  pounds  by  him  long  since 
given  to  the  Countries  use  by  the  Appointm*  of  the  Court  in  the 
yeares  1637  & 1639.  This  Court  In  Consideration  thereof  doth 
graunt  the  Peticoner  eight  hundred  acres  of  land  in  any  place  that 
is  free  from  former  graunts  & not  prjudiciall  to  a Plantacion  Pro- 
vided it  be  laid  out  bounded  & Retourne  made  by  some  surveyor 
wthin  one  yeare./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659,  and  Maps  and  Plans, 

Vol.  1,  p.  8.]. 

Laid  out  to  mr  Richard  Dummer ; eight  hundred  acres  of  land 
in  the  wildernes  on  the  Northerne  side  of  merremack  River 
begining  at  weekasoak  brook  being  bounded  therewith,  & merre- 


NASHUA. 


213 


mak  River  on  ye  west ; Adjoyning  to  farmes  lately  laid  out  to 
Peter  & James  Oliver  & some  others  on  the  South  the  wildernesse 
elswhere  surrounding  according  to  marked  trees  as  by  a plott 
taken  of  the  same  is  more  fully  demonstrated  wch  is  on  file. 

By  Jonathan  Danforth  Surveior 


The  Court  Approoves  of  this  Returne  so  as  It  exceed  not  fiffty 
acres  above  the  some  of  eight  hundred  acres/ 


The  deputyes  approve  of  this  returne  wth  reference  to  the  Con- 
sent of  or  honor3  magists  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magist3  Consent  hereto  so  as  it  exceede  not  fifty  acres  above 
the  some  of  eight  hundred  acres  theire  brethren  the  deput3  Con- 
senting thereto  : Edw  : Rawson 

Consented  to  by  the  deputyes 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  1,  p.  8.] 


214 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Savage,  Oliver,  and  Others.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  28,  1659.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  Cap1  Thomas  Savage,  Left  Peter 
Oliver  Capt  James  Oliver  Capt  James  Johnson,  Left  wm  Hudson 
mr  Jeremiah  Houchin  and  Ensigne  John  Evered  Humbly  Desiring 
the  favor  of  this  Court  to  Graunt  unto  them  meete  ffarmes  The 
Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Graunt  the  peticoners  two  hundred  & 
fifty  acres  of  land  apeece  on  Condition  that  they  observe  the  order 
propounded  for  the  regulating  in  the  laying  out  of  all  future 
Graunts  that  so  places  fitt  for  Touneships  be  not  utterly  spoyled  : 
to  the  Great  Damage  of  this  Comon=wealth./ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659.] 

Laid  out  to  Capt  Thomas  Savage  Cap1  frauncis  Norton  Left  wm 
Hudson  & mr  Jerremiah  Houchin  one  thousand  acres  of  land  in 
the  wildernesse  on  the  westside  of  merremak  River  upon  Samon 
Brooke  begining  at  sagumskuffe  and  so  Runing  doune  the  River 
or  brooke  one  part  or  parcell  of  the  same  Conteyning  about  nine 
hundred  thirty  fower  acres  more  or  lesse  also  one  part  or  parcell 
Conteghning  sixty  six  acres  more  or  lesse  nere  adjoyning  there- 
unto being  bounded  wlh  the  wildernesse  according  to  marked  trees 
as  by  a plott  taken  of  ye  Same  is  more  fully  Demonstrated  & is  on 
file 

By  me  Jonathan  Danforth  surveior 
The  Court  approves  of  this  Returne/ 


[Grant  to  John  Whiting.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  12,  1659.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petic’on  of  mr  Samuell  whiting  in  behalfe  of  his 
brother  mr  John  whiting  & Mr  Richard  westland  Aldermen  of 
Boston  for  this  Courts  Graunt  of  fower  hundred  acres  of  land 
apeece  In  Consideration  of  fifty  pounds  apeece  long  since  laid  out 
in  the  Comon  Adventure  the  Court  Graunts  his  request  i.  e fower 


NEW  BOSTON. 


215 


hundred  acres  apeece  to  them  the  said  John  whiting  & Richard 
westland  & theire  heires  & Assignes  & that  It  be  laid  out  adjoyn- 
inge  to  such  Lands  as  are  taken  up  by  order  of  this  Court. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

Laid  out  to  mr  John  whiting  fower  hundred  acres  of  land  on  the 
western  side  of  merrernacke  river  begining  at  the  mouth  of  Sal- 
mon Brooke  & so  extending  upwards  one  the  same  brooke  about 
one  mile  & halfe  being  butteld  & bounded  by  merremack  River  on 
the  east,  & by  the  upland  side  on  the  north  of  the  said  brooke  els- 
where  bounded  by  marked  trees  according  to  a platt  taken  of  the 
same  : The  Court  doth  Approove  & Confirme  this  Returne. 


NEW  BOSTON. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  14,  1735-6,  to  John  Simpson  and  others. 
The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Feb.  2,  1748-9.  Some- 
times called  Lane's-town  and  Boston  Piscataquog  Township.  Regranted  Dec.  24, 
1751,  to  Job  Lewis  and  others,  Incorporated  as  New  Boston,  Feb.  18,  1763,  and 
named  from  Boston,  Mass.  The  farm  of  Isaac  Parker  was  severed  and  annexed  to 
Goffstown,  June  18,  1836. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  553  ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  642  ; Index 
to  Laws,  395;  History,  by  Elliott  C.  Cogswell,  1864,  pp.  470;  historical  sketch, 
by  Neil  McLane,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  585.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  5,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  Capt.  Nathanael  Bowman , and  others  in  the  pub- 
lick  Service  in  the  Canada  Expedition  under  the  command  of  the 
late  Sir  William  Phiffs,  Knt.  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land,  as 
entred  the  20 th,  of  June  1732,  and  i6ih.  of  June  last,  and  referred. 
Read  and  committed  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the 
Petition  of  Abraham  Tilton  of  Ifswich , and  others,  and  report 
what  may  be  proper  to  be  done  thereon. 


21 6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Simpson , and  others,  praying  for  some 
Province  Lands,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted , That 

the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  that  together 

with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by  the  honourable  Board,  be  a Com- 
mittee at  the  charge  of  the  Petitioners,  to  lay  out  a Township  of  the 
contents  of  six  miles  square  at  the  place  petitioned  for,  or  some 
other  suitable  place,  and  that  they  return  a Plat  thereof  within 
twelve  months  for  confirmation ; and  for  the  more  effectual  bring- 
ing forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  new  Town,  Ordered , 
That  the  said  Town  be  laid  out  into  sixty  three  equal  shares,  one 
of  which  to  be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry, 
and  one  for  the  School ; and  that  on  each  of  the  other  sixty  shares 
the  Petitioners  do  within  three  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the 
Plan,  have  settled  one  good  family,  who  shall  have  a House  built 
on  his  home  lot  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the 
least  and  finished,  that  each  Right  or  Grant  have  six  acres  of 
Land  brought  to  and  plowed,  or  brought  to  english  Grass  and 
fitted  for  mowing,  that  they  settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister, 
and  build  and  finish  a convenient  Meeting  House  for  the  publick 
Worship  of  GOD,  and  the  said  Committee  are  hereby  directed  to 
take  bond  of  each  Settler  of  Forty  Pounds  for  his  faithful  comply- 
ing with  and  performing  the  Conditions  of  Settlement,  and  in  case 
any  of  the  said  Settlers  fail  of  performing  the  aforesaid  Condi- 
tions, then  his  or  their  Right  Share  or  Interest 'in  said  Town  to  re- 
vert to  and  be  at  the  disposition  of  the  Province. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Petition  of  Capt.  Nathanael  Bowman , and  others,  Can- 
ada Officers  and  Soldiers  Anno  1690,  as  entred  the  5 th.  of  June 
1734,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  thereupon  the  House 
came  into  a Vote  for  a Grant  of  a Township  to  the  Petitioners  of 
six  miles  square,  lying  North  of  the  Narragansett  Town  called 
number  Three , on  the  same  Conditions  of  Settlement  as  the  afore- 
said Grants  were  made.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


NEW  BOSTON. 


217 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  14,  1735-6.] 

Joseph  Wilder , Esq : brought  down  the  Petition  of  John  Simp- 
son, and  others,  praying  for  a grant  of  a Township,  as  entred  the 
3d.  ult,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council, 
viz . In  Council  January  14 th.  1735.  Read  and  concur’d  with 
the  Amendment,  viz.  at  the  end  the  Vote — add — and  that  the  said 
Committee  be  and  hereby  are  impowred  to  sue  out  the  bonds  and 
recover  the  -possession  of  the  forfeited  Lots  (if  any  be)  at  the  expi- 
ration of  the  three  years,  and  to  grant  them  over  to  other  Persons 
that  will  comply  with  the  Conditions  within  one  year  next  after  the 
said  Grant , and  the  bonds  to  be  made  and  given  to  the  said  Com- 
mittee and  their  successors  in  said  trust. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  14,  1735-6.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  In  answer  to  the  petition  of  John 
Simpson  & others  Voted  That  the  prayer  of  the  petition  be  Granted 

& that together  with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  by  the  Honble 

Board  be  a Comtee  at  the  Charge  of  the  pet1’3  to  lay  out  a Township 
of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square  at  the  place  petitioned  for1  or 
some  other  Suitable  place  and  that  they  Return  a plat  thereof  to 
this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation ; And  for  the 
more  Effectual  bringing  forward  a Settlement  of  the  said  New 
town  Ordered  that  the  said  Town  be  laid  out  into  Sixty  three 
Equal  Shares  One  of  which  to  be  for  the  first  Settled  Minister, 
One  for  the  Ministry  and  one  for  the  School  and  that  on  each  of 
the  other  Sixty  Shares  The  petrs  do  within  three  Years  from  the 
Confirmation  of  the  Plan  have  Settled  one  Good  Family  who  shall 
have  a house  built  on  his  home  lott  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and 
Seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least,  and  finished,  that  each  Right  or 
Grant  have  Six  Acres  of  Land  brought  to  and  plowed  or  brought 
to  English  Grass  and  fitted  for  Mowing  that  they  Settle  a Learned 
and  Orthodox  Minister  and  build  and  finish  a Convenient  Meeting 
house  for  the  publick  Worship  of  God,  And  the  said  Comtee  are 
hereby  directed  to  take  Bond  of  each  Settler  of  Forty  pounds  for 
his  faithfull  Complying  with  and  performing  the  Conditions  of 
Settlement,  And  in  Case  the  said  Settlers  fail  of  performing  any 


1 Lands  lying  near  Lambstown,  Paquoig,  &c. 


2 18 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  the  abovesaid  Conditions  of  Settlement,  then  his  or  their  Right 
Share  or  Interest  in  said  Town  to  Revert  to  and  be  at  the  Dispo- 
sition of  the  province  and  that  the  said  Comtee  be  and  hereby  are 
Impowred  to  sue  out  the  Bonds  and  Recover  possession  of  the  for- 
feited Lotts  if  any  be  at  the  Expiration  of  the  three  Years  and  to 
Grant  them  over  to  other  persons  that  will  Comply  with  the  Condi- 
tions within  one  Year  next  after  the  said  Grant  And  the  Bonds  to 
be  made  and  given  to  the  said  Comtee  and  their  Successors  in  the 
said  Trust — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.] 

On  the  petition  of  John  Simpson  and  others  Entred  Jan’ry  14, 

I735> 

Ordered  that  Cap*  William  Collins  and  Mr  Ebenezer  Parker 
with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  with  the  Honble  Board,  be  a Comtee  to 
take  a plat  of  the  within  Township  & Effectual  Care  that  the  same 
be  brought  forward  to  all  Intents  & purposes  Agreeable  to  the 
Conditions  of  the  Grant — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr'd  and  William  Dudley  Esqr  is 
Joined  in  the  Affair — 

Consented  to  , J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  17.] 

Midx  ss  Dunstable  Janr  ye  28th  1735. 

Jerathmeel  Cumings  as  Surveyor  and  Zacheus  Lovewell  & 
James  Cumings  as  Chainmen  personally  appearing  before  me  y® 
Subscriber  one  of  his  Majesties  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the 
County  of  Midx  made  Oath  that  in  Surveying  And  measureing  a 
Township  granted  by  the  GenI 11  Court  to  Mr  John  Simpson  And 
Others,  thay  would  deal  truly  and  faithfully  in  their  Respective 
trusts.  Eleazer  Tyng 

I The  Subscriber  together  wth  Zacheus  Lovewell  and  James 

Cumings  as  Chainmen  have  Lay’d  out  Pursuant  to  the  Grant  of 
the  Gen11  Court,  To  MrJohn  Simpson  & Others  Petitioners  with 
him  for  a Township  in  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  province  of 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p-  *7-] 


NEW  BOSTON. 


219 


The  Contents  of  Six  miles  Square  with  one  thousand  Acres  Added 
for  ponds  that  Lye  within  the  Sd  township,  and  have  bounded  it 
thus  Beginning  at  a Beach  tree  one  of  the  Corners  of  the  Narra- 
gansit  town  N°  5 and  in  the  north  Line  of  ye  Narragansit  N°  3 : 
from  thence  runing  two  degrees  South  of  the  West  by  ye  Sd  Nar- 
ragansit Town  N°  3 four  miles  & three  Quarters  to  the  northwest 
corner  of  the  sd  Township  from  thence  the  Same  Course  one  mile 
and  one  hundred  and  Twenty  Rods  to  a Burch  tree  marked  from 
thence  the  line  turn’s  and  run’s  North  two  degrees  to  the  west  By 
Province  Land  Six  miles  and  fourty  two  rods  to  a white  pine  tree 
marked  from  thence  the  line  turns  & Run’s  East  two  Degrees 
north  by  Province  Lands  Six  miles  and  fourty  two  Rods  to  a white 
Oake  tree  marked  from  thence  we  run  South  two  degrees  East 
Partly  by  Province  Lands  & partly  by  the  Narragansit  town  aforesd 
N°  5 to  the  beach  tree  the  first  mentioned  bound  with  two  rods  in 
Each  hundred,  Added  for  uneveness  of  Land  and  Swagg  of  Chain 
wch  said  Lands  Lye  on  the  west  side  Merrimack  river  on  the 
Branches  of  Piscataquag  river. 

Jerahmeel  Cumings — Surveyor 

February  The  12th  1735 — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  March  19th  1735.  Read  and 
Ordered  That  the  plot  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  John 
Simpson  and  the  other  Grantees  mentioned  in  their  petition  passed 
the  last  Sitting  of  the  Court  their  heirs  & assigns  respectively  for 
ever  provided  the  plot  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  Six  Miles 
Square  and  One  thousand  acres  of  Land  an  allowance  for  ponds 
within  the  Tract,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  other  or  former 
Grant,  provided  also  the  petitioners  their  heirs  or  assigns  comply 
with  the  conditions  of  the  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council : March  20,  1735,  Read  & Concur’d, 

Simon  Frost  Dep*  Sec’ry 
Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  19,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  containing  six  miles  square  of  Land  laid  out  by  Jerah- 
meel  Cummings  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy 
a Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  3^  day  of  December  last,  made  to 


220 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


John  Simpson  and  divers  others,  lying  adjoining  to  the  JVaragan- 
set  Towns  Numb.  Three , and  Numb.  Five , and  on  Province 
Lands,  with  an  allowance  of  a thousand  acres  of  Land  for  Ponds 
lying  within  the  Plat,  was  presented  for  allowance,  Read  and 
Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  allowed,  and  the  Lands  therein  deline- 
ated and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  John 
Simpson  and  the  other  Grantees  mentioned  in  their  Petition, 
passed  the  last  sitting  of  the  Court,  their  heirs  and  assigns  respect- 
ively for  ever,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  six 
miles  square,  and  one  thousand  acres  of  Land  an  allowance  for 
Ponds  within  the  tract,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  other  or 
former  Grant,  provided  also  the  Petitioners  their  heirs  or  assigns 
comply  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  20,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  of  Six  Miles  Square,  Granted  by  the 
General  Court  to  John  Simpson  & others,  Surveyed  by  Jarahmeel 
Cummins  & Chainmen  on  oath;  begining  at  a Beach  tree,  being 
one  of  the  Corners  of  the  Narraganset  Town  Number  five,  and  in 
the  North  line  of  the  Narraganset  Town  Number  three,  thence 
Runing  West  2 deg.  South  by  the  said  Town  Number  three  four 
Miles  and  three  Quarters  to  the  North  West  Corner  of  the  said 
Township,  then  on  the  same  Course  One  Mile  & one  hundred  & 
twenty  Rods,  to  a Birch  tree ; thence  North  two  deg  : West  by 
Province  lands  Six  Miles  & forty  two  Rods,  to  a white  pine  tree 
Mark’d ; Thence  South  2 deg.  east  partly  by  province  Land  & 
partly  by  the  Narraganset  Town  Number  five  to  the  Beach  first 
mentioned — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1736.] 

Ehenezer  Pomroy , Esq ; brought  down  a Petition  of  John 
Simpson  and  others,  setting  forth  their  grateful  acknowledgments 
for  the  Grant  of  a Township  made  them  by  this  Court  in  Decem- 
ber last,  subjected  to  Conditions  of  Settlement,  and  praying  they 
may  be  allowed  by  their  Committee  to  give  bond  in  a sufficient 
Sum  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  said  Conditions  of  the  whole  sixty 
Grantees,  so  that  if  either  of  the  Grantees  shall  fail  of  performing 


NEW  BOSTON. 


221 


the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  or  complying  with  the  Votes  and 
Orders  they  may  pass  among  themselves,  for  the  effectual  Settle- 
ment of  the  Township  agreable  to  the  intent  of  the  Court,  the 
Right  of  such  Grantee  shall  be  forfeit  to  the  other  Grantees,  for 
the  reasons  mentioned,  they  having  agreed  to  build  the  Houses 
&c.  by  a joint  Stock,  which  accompanied  an  unanimous  Vote  of 
the  Grantees  to  the  purposes  aforesaid.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz . 
In  Council  June  12th.  1736.  Read  and  sent  down. 

Read  and  the  Question  was  put,  Whither  the  -prayer  of  the 
Petition  shall  be  granted f It  pass’d  in  the  Negative,  and  Or- 
dered, That  the  Petition  be  dismiss’d.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  14,  1736-7.] 

A Complaint  of  Mr.  Joseph  Marion  of  Boston , setting  forth 
that  he  signed  a Petition  called  the  Petition  of  John  Simpson  and 
others,  for  a Township,  which  Petition  has  been  granted  by  the 
Court ; that  he  imagined  he  was  equally  intitled  with  the  other 
Petitioners  to  the  benefit  of  the  said  Township,  but  that  Mr.  An- 
drew Lane  of  Boston,  as  the  Complainant  says  he  doubts  not  to 
prove,  cut  off  his  Name  from  the  Petition ; whereby  he  conceives 
himself  greatly  injured  ; that  he  did  not  within  twenty  Days  after  the 
present  sitting  of  the  Court  discover  that  the  said  Lane  had  thus 
Mutilated  the  Record,  praying  his  Name  may  be  inserted  among 
the  said  Petitioners,  and  have  equal  Benefit  with  them  in  the 
Grant,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read,  and  the  Complainant 
was  admitted  into  the  House,  but  the  said  Lane  not  being  present, 
the  affair  was  referred  to  the  afternoon  for  Consideration. 

Post  Meridiem . 

The  House  entred  into  the  Consideration  of  the  Complaint  of 
Joseph  Marion , and  the  Complainant  with  Mr.  Andrew  Lane 
attending  at  the  Door  were  admitted  in  and  fully  heard  thereon, 
and  then  they  withdrew  ; and  the  matter  being  fully  considered, 
the  Question  was  put,  Whither  the  Prayer  of  the  Complainant 
shall  be  granted?  It  pass’d  in  the  Negative,  Nemine  Contradi- 
cente . 


222 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  17,  1737.] 

A Petition  signed  Andrew  Lane,  in  behalf  of  the  present  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Township  granted  to  John  Simpson  and  others, 
lying  on  the  Banks  of  Piscataquioag  River  in  the  County  of  Mid- 
dlesex, praying  they  may  obtain  a Grant  of  some  of  the  unappro- 
priated Lands,  being  Part  of  the  Southermost  Part  of  Narragan- 
set  Number  Four  so  called,  from  the  Line  of  Col.  Gorham's 
Township  to  Narragansett  Number  Five,  and  from  the  Petition- 
ers Township  East  to  Merrimack  River , and  that  all  the  said 
Lands  within  the  Lines  above,  which  includes  several  private 
Grants  maybe  annexed  to  the  Petitioners  Township  and  accounted 
all  one  intire  Township,  and  among  other  Duties,  they  are  willing 
over  and  above  to  pay  sixty  Pounds  towards  building  a Bridge  over 
Nashua  River  in  such  Place  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Court. 
Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Petition  be  considered  on  Thursday 
the  23d.  Instant. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  23,  1737.] 

A Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  granted  to  Joh?i 
Simpson  and  others,  lying  on  the  Banks  of  Piscatquoiag  River  in 
the  County  of  Middlesex  praying  for  an  additional  Grant  to  their 
Township,  that  they  are  willing  to  pay  among  other  Duties  sixty 
Pounds  towards  building  a Bridge  over  Nashua  River,  as  entred 
the  17 th.  currant,  Read  again,  and  the  Question  was  put,  Whither 
the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  shall  be  granted?  It  pass’d  in  the 
Negative. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  841.] 


A List  of  the  Names  Subscribed  to  ve  Aforementioned  Petition 


Viz1 

Andrew  Lane 
John  Spooner 
John  Boydell 
Joshua  Henshaw  J 
James  Townsend 
Zaca  Johonnot 
Wm  Speakman 


Byfield  Lyde 
John  Read 
John  Homans 
Lr  Benja  Clark 
\Vm  Salter 
Dan1  Loring 
Tho9  Greene 


John  Hill 
Sam1  Tyler 
Jona  Williams  Junr 
Jacob  Hurd 
Tho9  Downe 
John  Crocker 
Gilbert  Warner 


NEW  BOSTON. 


223 


John  Larrabee 
Tho3  Forster 
Joseph  Green 
Benja  Bagnall 
Joshua  Thomas 
John  Carnes 
John  Steel 
Ebenr  Bridge 
Henry  Howell 
John  Indicott 
A True  Copy 


John  Green 
John  Arbuthnott 
Isaac  Walker 
Richd  Checkley 
Tho9  Hancock 
James  Halsey 
Dan1  GofFe 
Dan1  Pecker 
Job  Lewis 
John  Erving 
Examd 


Rufus  Greene 
James  Gould 
Robert  Jenkins 
John  Maverick 
John  Simpson 
John  Tyler 
Charles  Coffin 
Wm  Lee 
Tho3  Bulfinch 
James  Day 


Thad  Mason  Dep1  Seer? 


att  a Meeting  of  ye  Propriators  Ap1  21st  1736  Wm  Dudley  Esq1’ 
Chosen  Moderator  Wm  Salter  Clerk  Tho3  Greene  Treasurer 

Wm  Dudley  Esqr  Josiah  Willard  Esqr  of  Lunenburgh  John 
Chandler  Junr  Esqr  Wm  Bant  Gideon  Ball  Capt  Edward  Durant 
Gershom  Keys  Rob1  Auchmooty  Esqr  Admitted  Associates  to  ye 
Originall  Petitioners  & ye  other  Lott  to  make  up  ye  60  was  Re- 
servd  in  Common 

Voted  yt  ye  Committee  Imploy  a Surveyor  & Chainman  to  Lay 
out  ye  home  lotts  which  was  Accordingly  done 

built  a Saw  Mill  Raised  a Meeting  house  & built  Sixty  Houses 
Clear’d  Roads  built  bridges  &c  ye  Committee  upon  ye  Whole 
Expended  as  much  as  Amounted  to  Each  Share  between  Seventy 
& Eighty  pounds  Old  Tennor  which  each  owner  paid  Readily  (& 
Notwithstanding  Said  Grant  on  ye  Divisionall  Line  being  Run 
between  the  Provinces  sd  Grant  fell  within  ye  Line  of  New  hamp- 
shire)  they  were  determin’d  to  Settle  ye  Same  Agreable  to  ye 
Grant  of  this  Province  & Some  Settlers  were  on  ye  Premises  & 
many  More  Agreed  with  to  go  on,  Some  Hunters  or  Evill  minded 
persons  by  Setting  Fire  to  ye  Woods  many  of  Said  houses  & p*  of 
ye  Meeting  house  were  burnt,  which  together  with  ye  Expectation 
of  a French  war  & which  did  Soon  After  Happen  putt  a Stop  to 
any  further  progress  for  y4  time,  the  next  lett  or  Discouragement 
was  a Number  of  ye  Gentlemen  of  ye  Province  of  New  hampshire 
purchasers  of  Masons  Claim  gave  them  to  Understand  they  Should 
not  allow  them  to  go  on  under  Sd  Grant  from  this  Province  unless 
they  would  Come  under  them  & Acknowledge  their  Purchase 
Legall  & Valid  whereupon  they  did  by  a Committee  wait  on  sd 
Claimers  & finding  their  Demands  as  they  thought  Extravagant 
Nothing  Since  has  been  done  as  Proprietors  some  few  have  in 


224 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


their  own  Right  disposd  of  their  Shares  to  Inhabitants  of  y4  Pro- 
vince at  a Less  Sum  Than  they  had  Expended  Rather  than  have 
any  further  Contention  with  sd  Masons  Claimers ; The  Above 
Township  Lyes  on  the  branches  of  Piscataquaog  River  nigh  Merri- 
mack Above  Dunstable. 

With  ye  Above  Grant  is  the  Substance  of  ye  Case  as  it  now 
stands — 

Attest  Wm  Salter  Proprietors  Clerk 

Suffolk  ss  Boston  25th  March  1751 

Cap4  William  Salter  appeared  & made  solemn  oath  that  the 
following  Return  is  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge  just  & true 

Before  me  Thos  Hubbard  Just  Peace 


NEWINGTON. 

[Formerly  a part  of  Dover,  known  as  Bloody  Point.  The  date  of  incorporation 
is  doubtful,  but  is  given  by  some  authorities  as  July,  1764.  A small  portion  of 
the  town  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Portsmouth,  June  26,  1821. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  153;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  710;  Index 
to  Laws,  404;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882, 
p.  392  ; consult  authorities  cited  under  title  of  Dover.] 


[. Petition  of  Bloody  Point  to  Belong  to  Dover  Instead  of  Ports- 
mouth.^ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  442.] 

To  the  Right  Wor11  Governour  and  the  Wor11  Assistants  of  the 
Massachusetts 

The  humble  peticon  of  the  inhabitants  of  Blody  poynt  in  the 
River  Pascataway. 

Humbly  showing  unto  you1  good  Worpps  that  you1  peticon18  the 
inhabitants  of  Bloody  poynt  being  as  they  are  informed  ordered  to 
be  wthin  the  Township  of  Strawberry  Banck  wch  was  done  alto- 
geather  against  our  consent  wee  ever  having  beene  w^in  the  towne- 
ship  of  Dover  & in  Combinatio11  wth  them  at  our  entrance  under 
your  govrment  and  had  promise  from  you  to  enjoy  all  our  lawfull 
libertyes  of  felling  Timber  & the  like  wch  your  petition"  are  De- 


NEW  IPSWICH. 


225 


barrd  of  wch  is  upon  record  in  your  Books  and  have  beene  formerly 
to  their  great  losse  & dammage,  Alsoe  your  petionr8  further  shew 
unto  your  good  WorPP3  that  Strawberry  Banck  lyeth  4 Myles  from 
them  or  therabouts  wherby  they  shalbe  Debarred  from  hearing 
the  word  by  reason  of  the  Tides  falling  out  that  wee  cannot  goe 
but  once  a fortnight  & then  can  stay  but  ^te  of  the  day  wch  will 
rather  be  a day  of  toyle  & labour  then  rest  unto  the  Lord  & yet 
must  be  forced  to  pay  for  the  mainetenance  of  their  Minister  And 
sithence  the  Court  they  have  layd  out  to  themselves  50.  100  : or 
200  Acres  a pte  round  about  us  penning  us  up  & deniing  us  falling 
of  any  Timber  wthout  their  leave  & making  every  one  that  will 
have  of  the  said  Land  to  pay  yearely  50s  for  a C Acres  & soe  after 
the  rate  for  more  or  lest  they  being  some  14  or  15  familyes  living 
remote  from  one  another  scatering  upon  the  River  2 miles  & 4 : 
5.06  myle  from  us  yet  have  taken  to  themselves  all  our  best  land 
adjoyning  to  us 

Humbly  Beseeching  your  good  WorPps  to  be  pleased  to  take  our 
Case  into  your  cerious  consideracons  & to  take  some  order  for  us 
that  wee  may  enjoy  our  former  libertyes  & continue  in  the  same 
Towneship  we  were  of  And  that  the  order  of  Court  may  be  con- 


firmed 


w 


Ch 


was  that  our  Neck  should  be  in  Dover  Towne  other- 


wise wee  shalbe  forced  to  remove  wch  wilbe  to  our  undoing  being 
poore  familyes  And  your  poore  peticonr8  shalbe  bound  to  pray  for 
yor  Worpps  &c  a 

The  names  of  the  Inhabitants  that  agree  to  this  peticon 
The  mke  of  James  -j+f  Johnson  Seba  Godard  (?) 

The  mke  of  H Thomas  Canning 
the  mke  of  |x]  Henry  LangstafFe 

the  mke  of  Thomas  F fiurson  John  Fayer[weather  ?] 

the  mke  § of  william  [illegible]  Oliver  Frimington 

William  Jones  Whillie  Lewis 

Thomas  Trissel  (?)  the  mark  of  [illegible]  A H 


NEW  IPSWICH. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  15,  1735-6,  to  John  Wainwright,  John  Choate, 
and  others,  inhabitants  of  Ipswich,  Mass.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors, 
April  17,  1750,  to  Reuben  Kidder  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Ipswich , Sept.  9, 
1762.  Incorporated  as  New  Ipswich,  March  6,  1766. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  604;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  730;  Index 
to  Laws,  402;  Sketches  of  History,  by  Charles  Walker,  5,  Collections  of  N.  H. 

15 


226 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Historical  Society,  p.  155  ; History  from  First  Grant,  1736,  to  1852,  by  F.  Kid- 
der and  A.  A.  Gould,  1852,  pp.  488  ; Historical  Discourse,  by  Samuel  Lee,  i860, 
pub.  1861,  pp.  88;  historical  sketch,  Hurd's  History  of  Hillsborough  County, 
1885,  P-  610.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1722.] 

A Petition  Signed  John  Wainwright  in  behalf  of  himself  and 
80  others  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Ifswich,  praying  that  as  the 
Lands  which  they  Surveyed  by  Order  of  this  House  is  not  suitable 
to  make  a Settlement  for  a Township.  They  are  informed  that 
there  is  a Tract  between  Shew-brook  which  is  the  Southermost 
bounds  of  the  Land  lately  Surveyed  between  Suncook  and  Cunta- 
cook  and  Amaskeeg-Falls,  consisting  of  good  Land  suitable  for  a 
Township.  Praying  that  it  may  be  granted  to  them,  &c.  Read, 
and  referred  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Report  of 
Mr.  Buckminster , Mr.  Shefte,  and  Mr.  Winslew , to  make  their 
Report  thereon  also.  And  that  the  Accompt  of  the  Expences 
given  in  by  Col.  Buckminster , &c.  be  also  referred  to  them. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  14,  1735-6.] 

A motion  was  made  by  John  Wainwright,  and  John  Choate , 
Esqrs;  Representatives  of  the  Town  of  Ipswich  in  the  County  of 
Essex  in  behalf  of  sundry  Inhabitants  of  said  Town,  praying  that 
a Grant  of  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  for 
a Township  may  be  made  to  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Town ; which  was  seconded  by  divers  Members ; and  the  House 
thereupon  came  into  the  following  Vote,  viz . In  answer  to  the 
prayer  of  John  Wainwright , and  John  Choate , Esqrs ; Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Town  of  Ifswich , in  behalf  of  sundry  Inhabitants 
of  said  Town,  Voted , That  the  prayer  be  granted,  and  that  John 
Wainwright , and  John  Choate , Esqrs ; together  with  such  as 
shall  be  joined  by  the  honourable  Board,  be  a Committee  at  the 
charge  of  the  Grantees,  such  of  the  said  Inhabitants  as  they 
shall  think  most  proper,  to  lay  out  a Township  of  the  con- 
tents of  six  miles  square,  in  some  of  the  ungranted  Lands  of 
the  Province,  and  that  they  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court 
within  twelve  months  for  confirmation ; and  for  the  more  effectual 
bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  new  Town,  Ordered , 


NEW  IPSWICH. 


227 


That  the  said  Town  be  laid  out  into  sixty  three  equal  shares,  one 
of  which  to  be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry, 
and  one  for  the  School ; and  that  on  each  of  the  other  sixty  shares 
the  Grantees  do  within  three  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the 
Plat  settle  one  good  family,  who  shall  have  an  House  built  on  his 
home  lot  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least 
and  finished,  that  each  Right  or  Grant  have  six  acres  of  Land 
brought  to  and  ploughed,  or  brought  to  english  Grass  and  fitted 
for  mowing,  that  they  settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister,  and 
build  and  finish  a convenient  Meeting  House  for  the  publick  Wor- 
ship of  GOD  ; that  the  said  Committee  take  bond  of  each  Settler 
of  Forty  Pounds  for  his  complying  with  the  Conditions  of  Settle- 
ment ; and  that  each  Settler  that  shall  fail  of  performing  the  afore- 
said Conditions,  shall  forfeit  his  Share  or  Right  in  said  new  Town 
to  the  Government,  and  the  same  shall  be  disposed  of  as  they  shall 
see  cause. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  15,  1735-6.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent  In  Answer  to  the  prayer  of  John 
Wainwright  and  John  Choat  Esq1’3  Represent51  of  the  Town  of  Ips- 
wich in  behalf  of  Sundry  Inhabitants  of  said  Town,  Voted  that 
the  prayer  be  Granted  and  that  John  Wainwrright  and  John  Choat 
Esq1’3  with  such  as  shall  be  Joined  by  the  Honble  Board  be  a Comtee 
at  the  Charge  of  the  Grantees  (such  of  the  Inhabitants  as  they 
shall  think  most  proper)  to  lay  out  a Township  of  the  Contents  of 
Six  Miles  Square  in  some  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the 
Province  and  that  they  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within 
twelve  Months  for  confirmation  And  for  the  more  Effectual  bring- 
ing forward  a Settlement  of  the  said  New  town  Ordered  That  the 
said  Town  be  laid  out  into  Sixty  three  Equal  Shares  one  of  which 
to  be  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  One  for  the  Ministry  and  one 
for  the  School  and  that  on  each  of  the  other  Sixty  Shares  the 
Grantees  do  within  three  Years  after  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan 
Settle  one  Good  family  who  shall  have  a house  built  on  his  Home 
lott  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  Seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least  and 
finished,  that  each  Right  or  Grant  have  Six  Acres  of  Land  brought 
to  and  plowed  or  brought  to  English  Grass  and  fitted  for  mowing, 
that  they  Settle  a Learned  Orthodox  Minister  and  Build  a Con- 
venient Meeting  house  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God,  that  the 


228 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  Comtee  take  Bond  of  each  Settler  of  forty  pounds  for  his  Com- 
plying with  the  Conditions  of  Settlement  and  that  each  Settler 
that  shall  fail  of  performing  the  aforesaid  Conditions  shall  forfeit 
his  Share  or  Right  in  the  said  New  Town  to  the  Government  and 
the  same  to  be  Disposed  of  as  they  shall  see  Cause — 

In  Council  Read  and  Concurred  & Thomas  Berry  Esqr  is  Joined 
with  the  Comtee  of  the  House  in  the  said  Affair — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  20,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  containing  six  miles  square  of  Land  laid  out  by  Jonas 
Houghton  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  satisfy  a Grant 
of  this  Court,  as  entred  the  14 th  of  January  last  to  sundry  Inhab- 
itants of  Ifswich,  bounded  Southerly  by  the  Canada  Town  lately 
granted  on  the  petition  of  Thomas  Tileston , Esq ; and  others, 
Southerly  partly  on  Townshend  and  partly  on  Province  Land  &c. 
was  presented  for  allowance.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the 
within  Plat  be  and  hereby  is  accepted,  as  it  is  reformed  by  the 
prick’d  lines  within  set  forth  so  as  the  Township  adjoins  to  Towns- 
hend ; and  the  Lands  within  mentioned  and  so  described  are  con- 
firmed to  the  Grantees  mentioned  in  the  Grant  of  the  Township 
made  by  this  Court  in  their  late  sitting  to  sundry  Inhabitants  of 
the  Township  of  Ipswich  on  the  prayer  of  John  Wainwright  and 
John  Choate , Esqrs  ; and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively  for 
ever,  they  performing  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  the 
Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  six  miles  square  of  Land,  and 
does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  20,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  by  Jonas  Houghton  Survey1 
and  Chainmen  on  Oath  to  fulfill  a Grant  of  Six  Miles  Square  of 
Land  for  a Township  made  by  the  General  Court  to  the  Inhab- 
itants of  the  town  of  Ipswich  Bordering  Southerly  on  a Township 
laid  out  to  Tileston  & others  Canada  Soldiers  and  adjoyning  to  the 
Town  of  Townshend — 


NEW  IPSWICH. 


229 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  6.] 


In  the  House  of  Representatives,  March  20th  1735,  Read  and 
Ordered  that  the  within  plat  be  and  hereby  is  Accepted  as  it  is 
reformed  by  the  prickt  lines  within  set  forth  so  as  the  township 
adjoins  to  Townshend  and  the  Lands  within  mentioned  and  so 
described  are  confirmed  to  the  Grantees  mentioned  in  the  Grant 
of  the  township  made  by  this  Court  in  their  late  Sitting  to  Sundry 
Inhabitants  of  the  Township  of  Ipswich  on  the  prayer  of  John 
Wainwright  and  John  Choate  Esqrs;  and  to  their  heirs  and 
assigns  respectively  for  Ever  they  Performing  the  Conditions  of 
the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  Six  Miles 
square  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant — 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J.  Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council ; March  20,  1735 — 

Read  & Concurr’d  Simon  Frost  Dep*  Sec’ry. 

Consented  to — J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  26,  and  House  Journal,  March 

25>  i7 36-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Ordered  That  Thomas  Berry  Esqr 
be  and  hereby  is  Authorized  and  Impowred  to  Assemble  and 
Convene  the  Proprietors  and  Grantees  of  the  New  Township, 


230 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


lately  Granted  to  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Ipswich, 
in  Some  Convenient  place  and  Suitable  time,  to  Chuse  a Proprie- 
tors Clerk  and  pass  such  votes  and  orders  as  they  shall  Judge 
Necessary  for  Carrying  on  the  Settlement  of  the  new  Township 
in  the  most  Speedy  Manner,  Agreeable  to  the  Conditions  of  the 
Grant  and  how  to  Call  their  Meetings  for  the  future — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  2,  and  House  Journal,  Jan.  12, 

1736-7-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Voted  That  Seventeen  hundred 
Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  be  and  hereby 
is  given  & Granted  to  the  proprietors  or  Grantees  of  the  Town- 
ship lately  Granted  to  Sixty  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Ipswich, 
as  an  Equivalent  for  about  that  Quantity,  being  taken  out  of  their 
plat  by  the  proprietors  of  the  Common  Lands  of  Groton.  And 
that  the  Ipswich  Grantees  be  Allowed  to  take  out  the  same  on  the 
Northern  or  Western  line  of  the  said  New  Township  or  on  both 
sides 

In  Council  Read  & Nonconcured — 


[Petition  of  Proprietors  of  New  Ipswich  for  Equivalent  Grants 

i?67 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  267.] 

To  His  Excellency  Francis  Bernard  Esqr  to  the  Honourable  His 
Majesty’s  Council,  and  to  the  Honourable  House  of  Representa- 
tives, in  General  Court  assembled  May  1767. 

The  Petition  of  sundry  Persons  Grantees  of  the  Town  of  New 
Ipswich,  lately  so  called,  & the  legal  Representatives  of  Grantees 
of  said  Town,  Humbly  Sheweth 

That  the  Great  & General  Court  or  Assembly  of  the  Province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  did  in  the  Month  of  January  Anno 
Domini  1735,  grant  unto  Sixty  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Ipswich  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  which 
was  called  New  Ipswich,  that  afterwards  the  said  Township  fell 
within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  that  your  Petitioners,. 


NEW  IPSWICH. 


231 


after  having  been  at  very  great  & long  continued  Expence,  lost 
their  several  Rights  in  said  Township,  & because  very  great  Suf- 
ferers, they  having  built  a Meeting  House,  a Saw-Mill,  Bridges, 
&ca,  besides  expending  a great  Deal  on  their  several  Rights ; 
wherefore  your  Petitioners  humbly  pray,  that  your  Excellency  & 
Honours  would  be  pleased  to  take  the  Premisses  into  your  Consid- 
eration, & grant  unto  them  an  Equivalent  in  some  of  the  ungranted 
Lands  of  this  Province,  or  make  them  such  other  Compensation 
as  to  your  Wisdom  shall  seem  meet ; and  your  Petitioners  as  in 
Duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray  &ca 

Samuel  Wigglesworth 

Nathaniel  Rogers,  for  the  RevdMr  John  Rogers  late  of  Ipswich 
Deceas’d 

Nathaniel  Rogers,  in  his  own  Right. 

Elizabeth  Appleton  Admrx  on  Daniel  Appleton  Esqr  Decd 


John  Walley 
Elizabeth  Walley  V 
Mary  Appleton 

j 


Heirs  of  said  Daniel,  who  owned  five  original 
Rights,  namely,  the  Right  of  Daniel  Ap- 
pleton Esqr,  John  Appleton  Esqr,  John 
Wainwright  Esqr,  Thomas  Cross,  and  Na- 
thaniel Wells. 


John  Smith 

Richard  Brown  on  original  Right  of  Jerh  Fitts 
Andrew  Burley  Ex1’  on  Andw  Burley  Esqr  Decd 
William  Brown 

Daniel  Rogers  for  Richd  Rogers  Esqr  Late  of  Ipswh  ded 
Thomas  Dennis 
Isaac  Appleton 

Wm  Dodge  Purchesed  ye  Wright  Joseph  Abbe 
Jeremiah  Perkins 
John  Treadwell 
Thomas  Norton 

Francis  Choat  for  my  Farther  Capfc  Thomas  Choat 

Thomas  Choat  jur 

Francis  Choat  for  him  Self 

Jonathan  Cogswell  for  Mr  William  Cogswell 

John  Kinsman  for  L1  James  Burnam 

Nehemiah  Choat  for  Cap1  Robert  Choate 

Abraham  Knowlton  for  Cpl  Knowlton 

Thomas  Smith 

Daniel  Eveleth 

John  Berry  for  Tho9  Berry  Esqr  Decsed 


232 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


PELHAM. 

[Constituted  from  parts  of  Old  Dunstable  and  Dracut,  Mass.,  and  incorporated 
July  5,  1746.  Named  in  honor  of  Thomas  Pelham  Holies,  Duke  of  Newcastle. 
The  charter  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  April  27,  1774.  The 
town  was  divided  into  two  parishes,  Jan.  4,  1787,  but  the  act  was  repealed  in  1792. 
The  town  was  severed  from  Rockingham  County  and  annexed  to  Hillsborough, 
Dec.  10,  1824.  A gore  of  land  between  Pelham  and  Windham  was  annexed  to 
Pelham,  June  29,  1830. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volmes ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  652  ; XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  142  ; Index  to 
Laws,  424;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885;  p. 

631.] 


[Grant  to  John  Endicott,  Jr.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1660.] 

In  Ansrto  the  petition  of  mr  John  Endecott  Junr  humbly  Craving 
the  Confirmation  of  a deed  of  Certaine  lands  to  him  Given  by 
Pompassenoway  alias  old  william  &c  The  Court  doe  not  Judge 
meete  to  Confirme  the  Indians  deed  but  Considering  ye  many 
kindnesses  y*  were  shewn  to  the  Indians  by  or  Honnored  Govrnor 
in  the  Infancy  of  these  plantations  for  the  pacifying  the  Indians 
tending  to  the  Comon  Good  of  the  first  planters  In  Consideration 
whereof  the  Indians  were  moved  to  such  a Gratuity  unto  his  Sonne 
doe  Judge  meete  to  Give  ye  petitioner  fower  hundred  acres  of  land 
provided  It  be  not  formerly  Graunted  & be  no  prejudice  to  any 
plantacion  to  be  sett  out  by  such  a Comittee  as  this  Court  shall 
appoint/ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1660.] 

Laid  out  unto  mr  John  Endecott  Junr  fower  hundred  acres  of  land 
more  or  lesse  in  the  wildernes  on  the  east  side  of  merremacke  River 
about  six  miles  Northward  from  Patuckitt  falls  and  wthin  one  mile 
of  Beavor  brook  at  a great  hill  Called  by  the  Indians  masheshat- 
tuck  lying  on  the  west  of  the  forementioned  brooke  and  as  it  were 
betweene  two  great  hills  and  neare  Adjoyning  to  a pond  on  the 
southwest  Called  by  the  Indians  pemmemitte-quonnitt  and  is  sur- 
rounded by  wildernes  land  being  sufficiently  bounded  by  trees 


PEMBROKE. 


233 


marked  wth  E : and  is  more  fully  demonstrated  by  a platt  taken 
of  the  same 

B Jonathan  Danforth  Surveior 
The  Court  Allowes  & Approoves  of  ye  Returne./ 


PEMBROKE. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Aug.  6,  1728,  to  Capt.  John  Lovewell  and  others, 
and  known  as  Suncook  and  LovewelVs-town.  Incorporated  as  Pembroke,  Nov.  1, 
1759,  and  named  probably  in  honor  of  the  Earl  of  Pembroke.  The  town  was 
•divided  into  two  parishes,  Dec.  17,  1763.  The  boundary  line  was  extended  to  the 
bank  of  Suncook  River,  Dec.  24,  1798,  to  settle  a dispute  between  Pembroke  and 
Allenstown.  All  that  part  of  Bow  on  the  east  side  of  Merrimack  River  was  an- 
nexed to  Pembroke  and  Concord  Dec.  13,  1804. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  657  ; XIII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  153  ; Index  to  Laws,  424  ; historical  sketch,  by  John  N. 
McClintock,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  560;  History,  now  in 
preparation.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  29,  1727.] 

Thomas  Fitch  Esq,  brought  down  a Petition  of  David  Melven 
and  William  Ayer , for  themselves,  and  at  the  instance  of  Thirty 
others,  Soldiers  late  in  the  Service  of  this  Province,  under  the 
Command  of  Capt.  John  Lovewell  deceased,  praying  that  in  Con- 
sideration of  the  many  hard  Services  and  Fatigues,  Wounds  &c. 
they  received  in  the  Service,  as  particularly  are  Enumerated  in 
the  Petitition,  they  may  have  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  each 
side  Merrimack — River  next  the  Township  lately  Granted  at 
Penny-Cook,  of  such  Extent  as  may  be  thought  Suitable  for  the 
Erecting  the  same  into  a Township  for  the  reasons  mentioned, 
Pass’d  in  Council  viz . In  Council  June  27,  1727.  Read  and 
Sent  down  Recommended.  Read. 


[JVames  of  LovewelV s Men , 1728.'] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  72,  p.  367.] 
ADVERTISEMENT. 

These  may  Certify  whom  it  may  concern,  That  the  General 
Assembly  of  this  Province  at  their  Session  begun  and  held  the 


234 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


29th  of  May  1728,  Pass’d  a Resolve  for  granting  two  Tracts  of 
unappropriated  Land  for  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
square  each,  to  the  Persons  whether  Officers  or  Soldiers,  belong- 
ing to  this  Province,  who  were  in  the  Service  of  their  Country 
in  the  Narraganset  War : And  all  such  Officers  and  Soldiers  now 
surviving,  and  the  legal  Representatives  of  those  that  are  De- 
ceased, are  desired  to  give  or  send  into  the  Secretaries  Office  Lists 
of  their  Names  and  Descents,  to  be  laid  before  the  General  Court 
at  their  next  Fall  Session. 

J.  Willard,  Seer. 

Acc°  of  Persons  wn  ye  10  Indians  were  Killed — 


Jn°  White 

Sam  Tarbol 

Jer : Hunt 

Eben  Wright 

Jos  : Read 

Sam  Moor 

Phin  Foster 

Fra  Doyen 

S Hilton 

Jn°  Pollard 

Ben  Walker 

Jos  Wright 

Jn°  Varnum 

Rob1  Ford 

Ben  Parker 

Sam  Shattock 

Jacob  Ames 

Jn°  Stephens 

Jos  : Wheelock 

Sam  Sawyer 

Ezra  Sawyer 

Jona  Houghton 

James  Houghton 

Henry  Willard 

Jacob  Gates 

Joseph  Whitcomb 

Sam11  Learned 

Robt  Phelps 

Moses  Graves 

Moses  Hazzen 

John  Livingston 

Jeremi  Pearly 

Wm  Hutchins 

Jacob  Cory 

Oliver  Pollard 

Sam11  Trull 

Bena  Parker 

Wm  Spalden 

Sam11  Fletcher 

Jn°  Duncom 

Jethro  Ames 

John  Sawyer 

Moses  Chandler 

Josep  Wilson 

Jona  Parks 

Joshua  Webster 

Sam11  Johnson 

Steph  Murrill 

Jacob  Pearly 

John  Hazzen 

Eb  : Brown 

Jona  Ferren 

sam11  Stickney 

Joshua  Hutchins 

Benony  Boynton 

Eph  Farnsworth 

Ruben  Farnsworth 

Tho3  Farmer 

Rich  Hall 

Neh.  Robinson 

Jona  Parks 

Caleb  Dolton 

62 

at  Killing  the  ten  Indians  Lovell  & White  88  : 


[Report  of  Committee  on  Grants  to  LovewelVs  Men , ij28C\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  72,  p.  369.] 

The  Committee  having  seen  the  muster  Roll  of  the  within 
named  Lovell  and  Company,  finde  that  at  the  march  to  Pegwacket 
there  were  in  all  forty  seven  men,  three  of  wcb  Returnd  home 


I 


PEMBROKE. 


235 


Sick  & Lame,  and  ten  of  them  Stayed  at  Ossapy  to  build  a shelter 
for  retreat  We  also  finde  that  on  the  march  under  the  said  Lovell 
When  the  ten  Indians  were  Kil’d  there  were  Eighty  Eight  men, 
twenty  six  of  which  were  in  the  Expedition  to  Pegwacket  and  that 
Sixty  Two  of  them  did  not  go  on  the  said  march  to  Pegwacket 
The  Comittee  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  Land  mentioned 
In  the  within  petition  Running  the  same  wedth  on  Each  Side  of 
Merrimack  River  as  the  Town  of  Penny  cook  does  and  so  to  Ex- 
tend on  the  River  from  the  South  bounds  of  sd  Town  of  Penny 
Cook  as  to  make  up  the  contents  of  six  miles  Square  be  Granted 
to  the  said  forty  seven  men  and  to  the  Legal  Representatives  of 
such  of  them  as  are  since  deceased  and  that  thirteen  of  the  sixty 
two  which  were  In  the  first  march  and  not  on  the  Pegwacket 
march  which  shall  first  offer  & In  their  own  persons  Settle  upon 
the  sd  Land  shall  be  admitted  Eaqual  Sharers  with  the  other  forty 
seven  which  with  one  Lott  or  share  wch  shall  be  sett  apart  and 
given  to  the  first  minister  that  Settle  there  in  ye  worke  of  the  min- 
istry and  one  Lott  for  the  ministry  and  one  for  the  Schooll  will 
make  the  number  of  Sixty  three  Lotts  the  first  sixty  proprieters  to 
pay  their  Eaquall  proportion  of  the  charge  of  petitioning  and  Sur- 
veying and  that  the  petitioners  Have  Leave  by  a Surveyor  & Chain- 
men  under  Oath  to  Lay  out  the  said  Land  and  Return  a plan 
thereof  to  this  Court  at  their  Sessions  In  may  next  In  Order  to 
have  the  same  settled  as  this  Court  shall  then  Direct 
In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  29th  1727  Read 
In  the  House  of  Representatives  July  29th  1728 

Read  again  & Committed  to  the  Committee  for  petitions 
The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  in  Answer  to  this  Petition  a 
Survey  at  ye  Charge  of  the  Province  be  Made  on  the  Land  within 
mentioned  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square,  In  order  to  make 
a Grant  thereof  to  ye  Petit1'3  and  Such  others  as  were  in  Capt : 
Lovel’s  Company  in  the  Late  Action  at  Pigwackett  & their  Legal 
Representatives  Under  Such  Restrictions  & Limitations  as  this 
Court  Shall  order  John  Quincy  order 

Not  Accepted 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  29,  1728.] 

A Petition  of  David  Melven  and  William  Ayer  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  sundry  others  Soldiers  in  the  Service  of  the  Prov- 
ince under  the  Command  of  the  late  Capt.  Lovewell , praying  for  a 


236 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Tract  of  Land  next  the  Township  of  Penny- Cook , as  entred  the 
29th  of  June  1727.  Read  again  and  Committed  to  the  Commit- 
tee for  Petitions. 


.[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  6,  and  House  Journal,  Aug.  5, 

1728.] 

A Petition  of  David  Melvin  & William  Ayer  for  themselves  & a 
Number  of  other  Persons  who  served  as  Voluntiers  against  the 
Indians  in  the  late  War  under  the  Command  of  Cpt.  John  Love- 
well,  Praying  that  a Tract  of  the  Province  Land  for  a Township 
may  be  granted  them  in  consideration  of  their  Services  which  they 
have  done  & the  great  Difficulties  which  they  have  undergone  in 
the  War  : 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & In  answer  to  this  Petition, 

Resolved  that  the  Contents  of  six  miles  square  of  Land  lying 
•&  being  on  each  side  of  Merrimack  River,  of  the  same  breadth 
from  Mermack  River  as  the  Township  of  Pennicook,  to  begin 
where  Pennicook  new  Grant  determines  which  is  one  hundred 
Tods  to  the  Southwards  & thence  to  extend  the  Lines  of  the  East 
& West  Bounds  on  Right  Angles  until  the  six  miles  square  of 
Land  be  compleated  as  afore  said ; be  hereby  is  granted  unto 
the  forty  seven  Soldiers  & the  legal  Represent™3  of  such  of  them 
as  are  deceased,  who  marched  out  with  the  said  Cpt.  Lovewell 
(himself  included)  when  he  engaged  the  Enemy  at  Pigwacket; 
& also  the  first  thirteen  of  the  sixty  two  Men  who  were  in  the  first 
March  with  the  said  Lovewell  & not  in  the  Pigwacket  March  who 
shall  offer ; & in  their  own  Persons  settle  upon  the  Land  shal 
also  be  admitted  equal  Sharers  & Proprietors  with  the  forty  seven 
above  mentioned,  making  sixty  in  the  Whole  ; And  that  there  be 
also  granted  three  other  full  Shares  or  Lots  out  of  the  said  six 
miles  square  equal  to  any  of  the  sixty  ; viz,  One  to  the  first  settled 
Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry,  & One  for  the  Use  of  the  School ; 
That  the  Petitioners  have  leave  by  a Surveyr  & Chain  men  under 
Oath  to  survey  & lay  out  the  said  Grant  of  Land,  & return  a Plat 
thereof  to  this  Court  in  their  next  May  Session,  that  so  the  same 
may  be  put  under  such  Restrictions  & Limitations  for  the  effectual 
Settlement  thereof  as  may  be  then  thought  proper,  in  Order  to  the 
Confirmation  of  the  Grant ; The  whole  Charge  to  be  born  by  the 
sixty  Grantees  first  mentioned. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to 


Wm  Burnet 


PEMBROKE. 


237 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  9,  1729.] 

A Plat  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  by  the  General  Assembly 
in  August  1728,  to  the  Voluntiers  that  were  under  Cpt.  John  Love- 
well  at  Pigwacket  Fight  &c  surveyed  by  Jonas  Houghton,  bounded 
Northerly  on  the  Addition  of  Land  made  to  Penicook,  & every 
way  else  by  undivided  Land ; It  begins  at  a white  Maple,  the 
South  east  Corner  of  said  Penicook  Addition  & runs  West  17  De- 
grees South  by  the  Needle  seven  miles  to  a Hemlock ; then  South 
17  Deg.  East  five  Miles  & ninety  six  Perch  to  a white  Pine  ; then 
East  17  Deg.  North  seven  miles  to  a Heap  of  Stones;  then  North 
17  Deg.  West,  five  miles  & ninety  six  Perch  to  where  it  first 
began  ; There  is  allowed  one  Chain  in  thirty  for  uneven  Land 
and  Swag  of  Chain,  & seven  hundred  Acres  allowed  for  Ponds 
& Rivers. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Read  & Orde7*ed  that  the  Lands 
in  this  Plan  delineated  & described  be  & hereby  is  confirmed  to- 
the  Petitioners  & their  Associates  their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever, 
Provided  it  exceed  not  the  Contents  of  six  miles  square,  nor  inter- 
fere with  any  other  or  former  Grant  of  this  Court.  And  for  the 
more  regular  & effectual  Settlement  of  the  said  Grant,  That  the 
Petitioners  & their  Associates  be  & hereby  are  obliged  within  the 
space  of  five  years  to  have  actually  settled  on  the  Land  granted 
fifty  families ; each  of  which  shall  within  that  space  build  an 
House  of  the  Bigness  of  eighteen  feet  square  at  the  least,  & stock 
with  English  Grass  fit  for  mowing,  or  break  up  & fit  for  plowing 
five  Acres  of  Land,  Excepting  only  the  Children  & Heirs  of  those 
Men  who  were  killed  in  the  Fight  with  the  Indian  Enemy  at  Pig- 
wacket (who  are  Minors)  who  shall  have  the  Privilege  of  hold- 
ing one  Lot  with  proportionable  Divisions  for  each  Man  who  lost 
his  Life  as  above,  they  only  paying  their  Proportion  of  the  Charge 
that  has  or  may  arise  in  settling  the  Premisses  : And  the  Petitioners 
& their  Associates  within  the  space  afore  said  settle  a learned  or- 
thodox Minister,  & build  a convenient  House  for  the  publick  Wor- 
ship of  God  : And  for  the  accomplishing  of  these  Ends,  That 
David  Melvin  be  impowered  to  assemble  the  Petitioners  & their 
Associates  together  at  their  first  Meeting,  who  shall  there  also  act 
as  a Moderator ; At  which  Meeting  they  shall  be  sworn  well  & 
truly  to  enter  all  their  Votes  & Orders,  when  they  shall  also  agree 
upon  the  future  Method  & Place  for  warning  & assembling  their 
Meetings ; & also  at  the  same  first  Meeting  shall  chuse  a Com- 
mittee for  surveying,  & Ordering  the  Affairs  of  the  Plantation,  & 


238 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


have  Power  to  admit  thirteen  Men  who  will  actually  settle  in  their 
own  Persons  of  those  that  were  in  Lovewells  first  March  & not  in 
the  second  ; which  Committee  shall  be  annually  chosen.  The 
Petitioners  & their  Associates  to  have  Power  to  raise  Money  on 
the  Lands  granted  for  defraying  the  Charges  that  have  or  may 
arise  in  carrying  forward  the  above  said  Settlement,  & to  chuse  a 
suitable  Person  to  collect  it,  who  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  his  Trust,  and  make  up  his  Accompts  with  the  said 
Committee. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  23,  1729.] 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Melvin  &c  in  behalf  of  Cpt.  Love- 
wells  Soldiers  & the  Order  of  the  two  Houses  thereon  as  enter’d 
July  9,  1729. 

In  the  House  of  Representves  Read  & Ordered  that  this  Petition 
& Vote  above  be  revived  with  an  Amendm1  viz,  after  the  words 
(and  not  in  the  second)  add  (giving  the  Preference  to  those  who 
were  actually  with  Cpt.  Lovewell  in  the  Engagem1  where  he 
killed  the  ten  Indians) 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to  t Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  19,  1729.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Richardson  & others,  Shewing  that 
whereas  this  Court  were  pleased  to  grant  a Tract  of  Land  for  a 
Township  at  a Place  called  Suncook  to  David  Melvil  [Melvin]  & 
others,  & impowered  the  said  Melvil  to  call  a Meeting  of  the 
Grantees  in  order  to  their  carrying  on  the  Settlement  of  the  said 
Place,  & a Meeting  was  accordingly  called  & convened  at  Chelms- 
ford on  the  tenth  Instant,  & a Clerk  & Committee  were  then 
chosen,  the  Proceedings  were  very  irregular  & unwarrantable, 
many  Persons  voting  who  were  no  ways  qualified,  being  only  such 
as  had  purchased  of  the  Grantees,  by  wch  means  the  good  Design 
of  the  Court  in  that  Grant  is  like  to  be  defeated ; And  therefore 
Praying  that  the  Proceedings  of  the  Meeting  of  the  tenth  Instant 
may  be  declared  to  be  null  & void. 


PEMBROKE. 


239 


In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Ordered  that  Petition  be 
refer’d  to  the  next  May  Session  for  further  Consideration,  & that 
in  the  meantime  the  Petitioners  serve  the  Moderator  & Committee 
within  mentioned  with  a Copy  thereof,  that  they  then  shew  cause 
why  the  Prayer  thereof  should  not  be  granted,  & that  in  the  mean 
time  no  further  Proceedings  be  had  in  Pursuance  of  the  Votes  of 
that  Meeting. 

In  Council ; Read  & Council  [Concurred]  ; — 

Consented  to  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Oct.  22,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  Stephen  Richardson  and  Fifteen  others,  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  Province,  praying  for  a Tract  of  Land  agreeable  to 
the  following  Mets  and  Bounds,  viz . to  extend  the  North  and 
South  Lines  of  the  Township  lately  granted  to  Capt.  LovewelVs 
Officers  and  Soldiers,  on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack  River,  two 
Miles,  so  that  by  the  Enlargement  of  the  Boundary  of  that  Town- 
ship, their  Lines  will  be  six  Miles  on  the  Westerly  side  of  the 
River,  and  five  Miles  up  and  down  the  same,  which  may  be  big 
enough  for  the  Settlement  of  a comfortable  Township,  for  Reasons 
mentioned.  Read  and  referred  (with  the  other  Petitions  for 
Land)  to  the  next  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  14,  1731-2.] 

A Memorial  and  Address  of  'Jeremiah  Pearley  and  Twelve 
others,  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  either  adjoining  to  a Grant 
lately  made  to  some  Soldiers  who  were  under  the  Command  of 
Capt.  Lovel , or  in  some  other  place  the  Court  shall  think  fit,  for 
their  Service  of  the  Country  in  the  late  Indian  Wars,  for  Reasons 
mentioned 

Read,  and  referred  for  Consideration  to  the  next  Session  of  this 
Court. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  9,  1732.] 

A Memorial  of  Jeremiah  Perley  and  others  Soldiers  in  the  Ser- 
vice of  this  Province  under  the  late  Capt.  Lovewell  praying  for  a 


240 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Grant  of  Land  at  Suncook  as  entred  the  14^  of  January  last  and 
referred ; And  also  a Petition  of  John  Bennet  for  himself  and 
forty  others  Voluntiers  in  the  Service  of  this  Province  late  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Lovewell  and  Capt.  White , praying  for  a 
Grant  of  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province,  for 
the  Reasons  mentioned,  both  read  and  committed  to  the  Commit- 
tee for  Lands. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  13,  1733.] 

A Memorial  and  Petition  of  William  Lovejoy , and  Josiah 
Chandler,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  and  Grantees 
of  the  Plantation  of  Suncook  on  both  sides  Merrimack-River , 
shewing  that  notwithstanding  they  have  obtained  a fair  and  good 
Grant  from  this  Court,  as  a reward  for  their  Services  under  the 
late  Capt.  Lovewell,  they  are  unreasonably  trespassed  upon  and 
insulted  by  a number  of  People  from  New -Hampshire,  who  pre- 
tend to  the  right  of  Soil  under  colour  of  a Grant  from  that  Govern- 
ment praying  for  such  relief  as  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Court  shall 
seem  meet.  Read  and  committed  to  the  Committee  for  Petitions- 


f 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  14,  1733.] 

The  Memorial  of  William  Lovejoy,  and  Josiah  Chandler,  in 
behalf  of  the  Grantees  and  Proprietors  of  the  Plantation  of  Sun- 
cook, praying  as  entred  the  1 3th.  currant. 

Read  again  and  in  answer  thereto  Voted,  That  the  Lands  set 
forth  and  described  in  the  Grant,  be  and  hereby  are  declared  to 
be  within  the  County  of  Middlesex , and  the  Grantees  or  Proprie- 
tors are  hereby  fully  authorized  and  impowred  to  bring  their 
Action  or  Actions  at  Law  in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same 
within  the  said  County  of  Middlesex  in  Trespass  or  Trespass  and 
Ejectment,  against  any  Person  whomsoever  that  shall  trespass  upon 
them,  or  unlawfully  hold  them  out  of  possession  of  the  granted 
Premises,  and  to  defend  the  same  also  as  the  case  may  require 
until  final  issue. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


PEMBROKE. 


24I 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  20,  1733.] 

Mr.  Welles  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  9 th.  currant  to 
consider  of  the  Lists,  and  Petitions  of  the  Voluntiers  under  the 
late  Capt.  Lovewell,  made  report  on  the  Petitions  of  Jeremiah 
Pearley  and  John  Bennet  and  also  that  of  Thomas  Farmer  and 
eight  others  of  said  Voluntiers,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
Voted , That  one  of  the  Petitioners  be  admitted  in  the  room  of  Ed- 
ward Hartwell  who  has  been  enter’d  on  the  List  of  Capt.  Love- 
welVs  Voluntiers,  but  was  not  in  the  Service,  and  therefore  not 
entitled  to  any  part  of  the  Reward,  and  that  four  more  be  admitted 
in  the  room  of  Josefh  Wright , Josefh  Wheelock , Robert  Phetys, 
and  Jo7iathan  Houghton,  jun.  who  have  been  admitted  to  a share 
in  the  Township  at  Suncook , and  therefore  ought  not  to  have  to 
have  a right  in  this  Grant.  And  whereas  there  are  four  more  of 
the  Petitioners  not  yet  provided  for,  Ordered , That  there  be  laid 
out  twelve  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  Land  in  a regular  form,  to 
be  added  to  the  Northwesterly  part  of  said  Township,  and  that 
these  remaining  four  be  added  to  the  original  number,  making 
with  them  in  the  whole  seventy  two,  all  to  be  equal  in  their  Right 
or  Proportion  of  Lands  in  said  Township  : The  Names  of  Volun- 
tiers now  to  be  admitted  are  Thomas  Farmer , Henry  Colburn , 
and  the  Seven  other  Petitioners  on  the  other  side. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  17 33.] 

A Petition  of  Tho3  Farmer,  Henry  Colburn,  Jonathan  Farren, 
Samuel  Shaddock  Samuel  Trull  Jacob  Corey,  Joshua  Webster, 
Abiel  Forster,  & Samuel  Tarbal,  Shewing  that  they  served  as 
Voluntiers  in  the  late  Indian  War  under  Cp1  John  Lovewell  & Cpl 
John  White,  & were  omitted  in  the  Grant  made  by  this  Court  of  a 
Township*  to  the  Officers  & Soldiers  in  those  Companies  & pray- 
ing that  they  may  be  admitted  into  that  Township,  & that  the 
Grant  may  be  Enlarged  accordingly — 

In  the  House  of  Representve3  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Peti- 
tion, Voted  that  one  of  the  Petition18  be  admitted  in  the  room  of 
Edward  Hartwell  who  has  been  Enter’d  in  the  List  of  Cp*  Love- 

* Petersham,  Mass.,  originally  Voluntierstown. 

16 


242 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


well’s  Company,  but  was  not  in  ye  Service  & therefore  not  entitled 
to  any  part  of  the  reward  & that  four  more  be  admitted  in  the 
room  of  Josept  Wright  Joseph  Wheelock,  Robert  Phelps,  & Jona- 
than Houghton  Junr  who  have  been  admitted  to  a Share  in  the 
Township  of  Suncook,  & therefore  ought  not  to  have  a right  in 
said  Grant,  & whereas  there  are  four  more  of  the  Petitiors  not  yet 
provided  for,  Ordered  that  there  be  laid  out  twelve  Hundred  Acres 
of  Land  in  a regular  Form  to  be  added  to  ye  Northwesterly  part 
of  sd  Township,  & that  these  remaining  four  be  added  to  ye  Orig- 
inal Number,  making  with  them  in  the  whole  Seventy  two,  All  to 
be  equal  In  their  right  or  proportion  of  Lands  in  said  Township 
the  Names  of  the  Voluntiers  now  to  be  Admitted  are  Thom9 
Farmer  & the  Eight  other  Petition18  on  ye  other  Side — 

In  Council,  Read  & Concur’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  18,  1734.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Cuningham  and  Eight  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Planta  Called  Suncook,  Complaining  of  the  Great  Neglect 
of  most  of  the  Proprietors  to  Comply  with  the  Terms  and  Condi- 
tions enjoyned  by  the  General  Court  for  Settling  the  same ; by 
which  means  the  Petrs  who  have  Actually  Settled  themselves  and 
their  familys  Upon  the  place  are  put  to  Gfeat  difficultys  more 
Especially  in  their  not  Enjoying  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel 
among  them  praying  that  this  Court  would  Grant  them  Relief  in 
the  premises — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & ordered  that  the  Petrs  serve 
William  Lovejoy  and  the  Rest  of  the  Comtee  of  the  Proprietors  of 
the  Planta  of  Suncook  with  a Copy  of  this  petition  ; And  that  the 
said  Committee  be  and  hereby  are  Required  and  directed  to 
Assemble  and  Convene  the  said  Proprietors  as  soon  as  may  be, 
and  that  they  take  into  consideration  the  Subject  Matter  of  the 
petition  and  Shew  Cause,  if  any  they  have,  to  this  Court  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  the  next  May  Session,  why  the  prayer  thereof 
should  not  be  Granted,  and  that  the  petition  be  Referr’d  in  the 
mean  time  Accordingly — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


PEMBROKE. 


243 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1735-6.] 

A Petition  of  Zecheus  Lovewell,  and  five  others,  Soldiers  in  the 
Service  of  this  Province,  and  Voluntiers  under  the  late  Capt.  John 
Lovewell , deceas’d,  setting  forth  that  they  have  not  hitherto  re- 
ceived anything  of  the  bounty  of  this  Court,  which  has  been 
bestowed  on  the  rest  of  their  fellow  Soldiers  under  the  said  Capt. 
Lovewell , praying  they  may  now  obtain  a Grant  of  some  of  the 
Province  Lands,  for  the  reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  committed  to  the  Committee  for  Lands. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  12,  1735-6.] 

On  the  Petition  of  Zecheus  Lovewell,  and  others,  as  entred  the 
5 th  currant,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted,  That 
twenty  one  hundred  and  ninety  acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands 
of  the  Province  adjoining  to  the  Township  of  Suncook,  be  and 
hereby  is  given  and  granted  to  the  six  Petitioners  within  mentioned, 
their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively,  and  that  they  be  allowed  and 
impowred  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  return  a Plat 
thereof  in  a regular  form  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for 
confirmation  accordingly,  provided  they  settle  six  families  thereon 
within  four  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the  Grant,  each  family 
to  have  a dwelling  House  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet 
stud  at  least  and  well  finished,  and  each  family  or  settler  to  clear 
fence  and  bring  to  english  Grass  or  tillage  six  acres,  and  on  fail- 
ure thereof  such  Right  or  Interest  of  such  defective  Grantee  to 
revert  to  the  Province ; and  said  Land  to  be  annexed  to  said 
Township  at  Suncook,  to  do  duty  and  receive  privilege  accord- 
ingly. Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  25,  1736.] 

A Petition  of  Zacheus  Lovewell,  Thomas  Colburn,  Peter  Pow- 
ers, Josiah  Cummins  Henry  Farewell  junr  and  Nicholas  Crosby, 
Shewing  that  they  Served  as  Voluntiers  Against  the  Indian 
Enemy  under  Cap4  Lovewell  either  in  his  first  or  second  March 
that  all  the  Rest  of  Cap4  Lovewell’s  Soldiers  have  had  Land 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


244 

Granted  them  by  this  Court  but  the  petrs  have  as  yet  had  none 
And  therefore  Praying  for  a Grant  of  Province  Land — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Voted  That  Twenty  one 
hundred  and  Thirty  Acres  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the 
province  Adjoyning  to  the  Township  of  Suncook  be  and  hereby  is 
Granted  to  the  Six  petitioners  within  mentioned,  their  heirs  and 
Assignes  Respectivly,  and  that  they  be  Allowed  and  Impowred 
by  a Survey1  and  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  Return  a plat  thereof  in 
a Regular  form  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirma- 
tion Accordingly ; Provided  they  Settle  Six  familys  thereon  within 
four  years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Grant;  each  Family  to 
have  a Dwelling  house  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  Seven  feet 
Stud  at  the  least,  and  well  finished,  & each  family  or  Settler  to 
Clear  fence  and  bring  to  English  Grass  or  Tillage  Six  Acres ; 
And  on  failure  thereof  such  Right  or  Interest  of  such  Defective 
Grantees  to  Revert  to  the  Province  ; The  Pet18  to  give  Bond  to  the 
Province  Treasurer  and  his  Successors  in  the  said  office  in  the 
sum  of  Forty  pounds  each  to  fulfill  the  Conditions  of  this  Grant 
and  said  Land  to  be  Annexed  to  the  Township  of  Suncook  for  the 
present  and  to  do  duty  & Receive  priviledge  Accordingly. — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[ Vote  of  Proprietors  of  Pembroke  to  Petition  for  Equivalent 

Grant , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  219.] 

Andovr  April  8,  1747. 

At  a Meeting  this  Day  of  Some  of  ye  Proprietors  of  the  Plan- 
tation of  Suncook,  Voted, 

That  we  the  Proprietors  of  sd  Township  present,  in  our  own 
Names,  and  in  ye  Name  of  Several  other  Proprietors,  will,  as  soon 
as  may  be,  Petition  the  great  & general  Court  of  the  Massachu- 
setts bay,  (by  the  Authority  of  which  ye  sd  Tract  was  Granted  to 
Capt : Lovewell  and  Company)  viz  for  their  Speedy  advice  what 
course  to  take  under  our  very  Difficult  Circumstances,  Namely  1. 
The  Whole  of  sd  Tract  or  Grant  of  Land  falling  within  ye  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire.  And  moreover,  2.  It,  Or  ye  most  of  it, 
being  Claimed  by  a Number  of  New  Hampshire  men  by  vertue 


PEMBROKE. 


245 


of  a Prior  Grant  made  to  ym  by  the  General  Court  of  Sd  province, 
which  Proprietors  having  tryed  Title  have  already  Recovered 
Judgment  against  one  of  our  Brethren.  And  3.  Because  we  are 
under  very  great  Difficulties  with  respect  to  ye  payment  of  the 
Ministers  Salary,  who  (according  to  ye  Order  of  the  General 
Court)  has  been  Setled  there  for  ye  Space  of  nine  years,  and  has 
Recovered  Judgment  ag*  us  at  ye  Quarter  Sessions  in  Charlestown 
on  Decr  Last,  for  his  Said  Salary. 


William  Lovejoy  Mod1 
Nicoles  Holt 
Peter  Ayer 
Jeremiah  Swain 
Oliver  Holt 
Joshua  Andrew 


Samuel  Phillips 
Josiah  Chandler 
Jonathan  Abboott 
James  Kittredg 
Benja  Gale 
Oliver  Barrron 


John  Barnard 
Hanery  Lovejoy 
Joseph  Mulichen 
John  Pollard 
Abisha  Brown 
Braveter  Gray 


\_Petition  of  Proprietors  of  Pembroke  for  Equivalent  Grant , 

1 773-1 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  824.] 

Province  of  the  > To  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  To  the 
Massachusetts-Bay  $ Honourable  His  Majesty’s  Council  & House 
of  Representatives  in  general  Court  Assembled 

The  Petition  of  the  Subscribers  hereto,  Humbly  Shews — 
That  in  the  Time  of  the  War  with  the  Indians  called  the  three- 
year  War,  Cap1  John  Lovewell  and  a number  of  Men  under  his 
Command,  Voluntarily  Engaged  in  the  Service  of  Their  King 
and  Country,  and  bravely  Exerted  Themselves  therein,  by  Pur- 
suing the  Indians  in  the  Wilderness,  where  They  repeatedly  met 
with  & Destroy’d  some  of  Them ; And  finally,  viz  on  the  8®*  Day 
of  May  AD  1725,  He,  with  thirty  four  Men,  met  with  a Large 
Body  of  Them  at  Pigwacket,  and  had  a Long  & very  warm  En- 
gagement with  Them,  in  which  He,  and  a Considerable  part  of 
His  Men  lost  Their  Lives.  But  the  Indians  were  so  Severely 
handled  in  this  Engagement,  It  Struck  Them  with  so  much  Ter- 
ror, That  the  Government  looked  upon  Lovewell  & His  Men  so 
Eminently  Serviceable  by  This  & Their  former  Bravery,  as  That 
They  were  worthy  of  some  particular  Regard  from  the  Publick — 
In  Consideration  whereof,  The  Government  granted  a Township 


246 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  Wilderness  Land  at  Suncook,  To  the  Heirs  of  the  said  Cap1 
John  Lovewell,  To  the  Heirs  of  those  of  His  Men  that  fell  with 
Him  in  the  Engagement,  To  those  of  Them  who  Liv’d  thro’  it, 
and  to  a number  of  such  other  Men  as  the  Government  then 
thought  were  the  most  Proper  to  be  admitted  with  Those  who  had 
been  in  said  Engagement,  and  to  make  a Suitable  Society  for  the 
Settlement  of  a New  Township — 

That  in  Consequence  of  said  Grant,  and  in  Compliance  with  the 
Conditions  thereof,  The  Grantees  Settled  said  Township,  some  by 
Their  own  Persons,  and  others  by  Their  Assigns ; And  as  no 
Body  at  that  Time,  had  any  Suspicion  of  Danger  in  the  Title  of 
the  Land,  the  People  who  Settled  thereon,  carried  all  the  Interest 
They  had  in  the  World  with  Them,  and  Laid  it  out  on  Their  Re- 
spective Rights,  and  therewith  bestow’d  a great  deal  of  Labour 
with  Their  own  hands  to  bring  Their  Lands  to  be  Profitable  to 
Them,  Trusting  that  They,  and  Their  Posterity  Should  Enjoy  the 
Fruit  of  Their  Labour  without  Interruption — But  by  the  running 
the  Line  for  a Divisional  Line  between  this  Province  and  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  said  Township  was  taken  into  the 
Latter — Soon  after  This,  there  came  a number  of  Men  and  laid 
Claime  to  the  same  Land,  Alledging  it  was  a Township  granted 
by  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  Them,  by  the  Name  of 
Bow , And  from  thence  forward  Sues  for  the  Land,  and  so  worried 
the  Massachusetts  Grantees  and  Their  Assigns  from  Time  to  Time 
in  Law,  That  They  found  Themselves  obliged,  either  to  leave 
Their  Possessions  or  buy  Them — And  being  in  Such  an  unhappy 
Situation,  They  knew  not  well  what  to  do.  Some  bought  the 
Lands  They  had  Subdu’d  & lived  upon,  but  others,  who  would 
not  buy,  were  Intirely  Ousted  of  Theirs,  so  that  upon  the  whole, 
the  Massachusetts  Grant  has  been  obliged  (by  the  Laws  in  Hamp- 
shire) to  give  way  to  the  Hampshire  Grant,  and  the  Township 
is  (by  that  means)  wholly  Lost  to  Those  of  the  original  Grantees 
who  never  Sold  Their  Rights,  and  in  a great  Measure  to  Those 
who  Settled  therein  by  Purchase.  Some  of  the  Latter  having 
had  some  Considerations  from  those  of  the  original  Grantees  of 
whom  They  Purchas’d  Their  Lands,  They  did  not  wholly  Loose 
Their’s  but  as  the  Considerations  They  Recd  were  much  Short  of 
the  Damages  They  Sustain’d  They  were  greater  Loosers  than 
Those  were  that  They  Purchas’d  of — But  in  Fact  both  are  Loosers, 
so  there  is  become  more  than  one  Sufferer  on  one  & the  same 
of  many  of  the  Rights  in  said  lost  Township — wherefore  your 
Petitioners,  who  are  Some  of  the  immediate  Sufferers  by  said 


PEMBROKE. 


247 

Loss,  take  leave  to  Pray,  That  in  Lieu  of  said  Township,  your 
Excellency  & Honours  would  be  Pleas’d  to  grant  a Tract  of 
Wilderness  Land  belonging  to  the  Province  Sufficient  for  a Town- 
ship, to  such  of  the  original  Grantees  of  said  Lost  Township  as 
are  Living,  To  the  Heirs  of  such  of  Them  as  are  Dead,  and  to 
Those  who  Settled  therein  by  Purchase,  So  that  the  same  may  be 
Shar’d  among  all  the  Loosers,  in  Proportion  to  the  Damages  They 
have  Respectively  Sustain’d  ; with  Liberty  to  Lay  it  out  to  the 
Eastward  of  Saco  River,  adjoining  to  the  Northwardly  part  of  the 
Township,  granted  to  Benjamin  Mullikin  Esqr  and  others.  And 
as  in  Duty  bound  Prays — 


Noah  Johnson 
Thomas  Harwood 
Francis  Doyne 
Joseph  Baker 
John  Whittemore 
Benjamin  Hall 
Patrik  Gault 
Andrew  Galt 
Ephriam  Blunt 
Moses  Foster 
Benjamin  Holt 
Abiel  Austin 
Thomas  Barnard  ' 
Edward  Barnard  ; 
John  Tucker 


John  Chamberlin 
James  Whitney 
John  Knox 
David  Abbot 
Andrew  Bunten 
David  Lovejoy 
James  Cuningham 
Ephriam  foster 
John  Man 
Nathanael  Holt 
Benja  Stevens  Junr 
Zebadiah  Austin 


John  Love  well 
Richard  Eastman 
Joseph  Brown 
Samuel  Abbot 
Moses  Tyler 
Robert  White 
Caleb  Lovejoy 
Sam11  mcConnell 
Robert  Moore 
David  Chandler 
William  Ayer 


Heirs  of  Revd  Mr  Barnard  late  of  Andover 


Stephen  Holt  of  Lawful  Age  Testifieth  & Saith  That  he  was  one 
of  the  first  Settlers  in  a Township  Granted  to  Captn  John  Lovewell 
& others  known  by  the  Name  of  Suncook — That  the  Grantees 
with  great  Labour  & Expence  brought  forward  their  Settlements 
Soon  after  the  grant  of  sd  Township  was  made  Notwithstanding 
the  opposition  made  by  the  Proprietors  of  Bow  who  Claimed  a 
Tract  of  Land  by  Virtue  of  a grant  made  by  the  Goverment  of 
New  Hampshire  of  the  Contents  of  Twelve  miles  Square  which 
Included  Suncook  & was  made  near  the  Time  of  the  Massachu- 
setts grant — That  they  were  Encouraged  by  the  People  of  the 
Massachusetts  Government  to  Perfect  their  Settlements  Notwith- 
standing the  opposition  made  by  Bow  & Accordingly  Persevered 
in  their  undertakeing  & Endeavoured  to  Defend  their  Rights  in 


248 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  Common  Law  of  New  Hampshire  when  many  of  them  were 
held  to  Answer  there  by  Process  or  be  Defaulted — 

That  many  Actions  were  Continued  from  Term  to  Term  ’till  the 
Defendants  were  Almost  Ruin’d — That  the  Proprietors  of  Penni- 
cook  being  under  like  Circumstances  (Saving  only  that  Pennicook 
was  purchas’d  with  money  & Suncook  was  the  Price  of  Blood) 
Apply’d  to  the  great  & General  Court  of  the  Massachusetts  Prov- 
ince for  Relief  & obtained  a grant  of  one  hundred  pounds  Sterling 
to  Defend  their  Cause  in  England  and  the  Suncook  Proprietors 
Embark’d  in  the  Same  Cause  According  to  their  Ability  Contrib- 
uted to  the  Pennicook  Agent  for  his  Aid  to  them  in  the  Common 
Cause.  But  So  it  is  though  the  Actions  at  home  were  Determin’d 
in  Some  Sort  in  favour  of  the  Massachusetts  Grantees  yet  the 
point  of  Property  most  Essencial  to  be  Determin’d  was  Carefully 
Avoided ; and  after  this  New  Actions  were  Commenced  So  that 
the  Proprietors  of  Suncook  as  well  as  those  of  Pennicook  have 
been  Continually  Harrassed  & Worried  in  the  Law  from  their 
Infant  State  ’till  within  these  two  or  three  years  last  past  they  have 
Almost  all  of  them  Purchased  their  Improvements  & them  only  at 
an  Extravagant  La}r,  and  all  the  unimproved  Lands  Revert  to  the 
Proprietors  of  Bow  The  Deponant  further  Saith  that  he  was  an 
Inhabitant  of  Suncook  for  the  Term  of  Ten  Years  & Since  his 
Removal  he  has  been  Conversant  with  the  Proprietors,  been  Con- 
cern’d in  Defending  Sundry  Rights  & that  he  has  no  Knowledge 
of  any  one  of  the  Inhabitants  haveing  Received  any  Consideration 
from  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  nor  from  New 
Hampshire,  on  Account  of  their  Loss  in  Suncook ; but  on  the 
Contrary  is  well  Assured  that  there  is  not  one  Individual  of  sd 
Prop155  of  Suncook  but  what  has  Sustain’d  more  Loss  than  Double 
the  Value  of  his  Right  when  Granted,  and  that  many  Others  have 
been  Entirely  Ruined  And  were  Obliged  to  part  with  their  Farms 
Valued  at  more  than  £100  Sterling  to  Defrey  the  Charges  of  their 
Vexatious  Lawsuits 

Andover  May  31  : 1773 — Stephen  Holt 

Essex  ss  Andover  May  31.  1773 

Then  Mr  Stephen  Holt  appeard  personally  & made  Oath  to  the 
fore  written  Deposition  by  him  Subscrib’d 

Before  me  Samuel  Phillips  Juste  Pacis 

I the  Deponant  aged  Sixty  four  Years,  Testify  & Say,  That  I 
was  the  Lawful  owner  of  the  Substance  of  three  Rights  in  the 


PETERBOROUGH. 


249 

Township  at  Suncook  which  was  granted  to  Cap4  John  Lovewell 
& others — That  J Settled  upon  a Tract  of  my  Said  Land,  and 
have  lived  in  said  Township  about  thirty  nine  years,  and  have 
been  knowing  to,  and  have  been  a large  Sufferer  in  the  Loss  of 
said  Township,  which  has  been  recovered  & taken  from  the  Inhab- 
itants who  Settled  therein  under  the  Government  of  the  Massachu- 
setts-Bay, by  a number  of  Persons,  who  Claim’d  the  greatest  Part 
of  it  by  virtue  of  a grant  (as  They  said)  from  the  Government 
of  New-Hampshire  for  a Township  by  the  name  of  Bow — By  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Mason  Patent,  and  by  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Township  of  Chester.  That  I know  of  no  Compensation  being 
ever  made  to  the  Sufferers  for  that  Loss,  by  the  Government  of 
Massachusetts-Bay  or  New-Hampshire,  Except  Ross  Wyman, 
who  (as  I have  heard)  has  had  a Grant  of  some  land  from  the 
Government  of  the  Massachusetts-Bay  in  lieu  of  his  Loss — Also 
That  the  Bow  Proprietors  gave  (as  I have  been  told)  the  Late 
Revd  M1  Whittemore  fifty  acres  of  Land  He  was  Settled  upon, 
and  to  one  Francis  Doyne  twenty  acres  He  was  Settled  on  in  sd 
lost  Township — And  as  for  my  Self,  besides  the  loss  of  my  Lands, 
I have  been  put  to  greater  Expence  than  I can  readily  tell  having 
been  Ejected  out  of  two  Tracts  of  Land,  by  two  Actions  which 
were  continued  in  the  Law  for  about  fifteen  years — 

Benjamin  Holt 

York  ss  Fryeburg  Octor  23d  AD  1773  the  above  named  Benja 
Holt,  Personally  Appear’d  and  made  Solemn  Oath  to  the  Truth  of 
the  foregoing  Deposition  by  Him  Subscribed 

Before  me  J Frye  Jus4  Peace 


PETERBOROUGH. 

[Formerly  known  as  Souhegan.  Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1737-8,  to 
Samuel  Heywood  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Peterborough,  Jan.  17,  1760,  and 
named  probably  in  honor  of  the  Earl  of  Peterborough.  The  charter  was  renewed, 
Jan.  8,  1762.  A small  portion  of  the  southeast  corner  was  annexed  to  Temple, 
Jan.  29,  1789.  A part  of  this  town  was  included  in  the  limits  of  Greenfield,  in- 
corporated June  15,  1791.  An  act  was  passed  July  5,  1867,  by  which  Sharon  was 
to  be  annexed  to  Peterborough,  whenever  a majority  of  voters  in  both  towns  should 
adopt  the  provisions  of  the  act,  but  this  has  never  been  done. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  665  ; XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  174;  Index 
to  Laws,  427;  Ecclesiastical  History,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collec- 
tions, p.  55  ; Topographical  and  Historical  Account,  by  Elijah  Dunbar,  id.  p. 


250 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


129;  Centennial  Address,  by  John  H.  Morrison,  1839,  PP-  99?  History,  by 
Albert  Smith,  1876,  pp.  375  ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough 
County,  1885,  p.  650;  Proceedings  at  Sesqui-Centennial  Celebration,  1889,  pub. 
1890,  pp.  13 1 ; numerous  historical  articles  and  documents  in  the  files  of  the 
Peterborough  Transcript.~\ 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  27,  1726.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Hey  wood , Christopher  Page , and  sundry 
others,  praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  both  sides 
Sowhegen-River , as  entred  the  14th  of  December  past,  and  re- 
ferred to  this  Session.  Read  and  referred  to  the  next  Session  of 
this  Court  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  23,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Ephraim  Hildreth  for  himself  and  Associates, 
praying  that  their  former  Petition  for  a Grant  of  Land  for  a Town- 
ship at  Souhegan  may  be  revived  for  the  reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Petition  lye  on  the  Table. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1732.] 

s 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood  and  Thomas  Cutler  for  them- 
selves and  sundry  others,  praying  for  a Grant  of  a Township  at 
a place  called  Souhegan  agreeable  to  their  former  Petitions.  Read 
and  referred  to  the  next  May  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Memorial  of  William  Rand  and  others,  Canada  Soldiers 
Anno  1690,  as  entred  the  25th  ult.,  which  was  read  and  accepted, 
and  Voted , That  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  that 
. together  with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by  the  honour- 
able Board,  be  a Committee  at  the  charge  of  the  Government  to 
lay  out  a Township  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square  West  of 
the  Narragansett  Town  called  number  Three , viz.  leaving  one 


PETERBOROUGH. 


251 


Town  of  six  miles  square  and  adjoining  thereto,  and  that  they 
return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court,  within  twelve  months  for  confir- 
mation ; and  for  the  more  effectual  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  said  Town,  Ordered,  That  the  said  Town  be  laid  out 
into  sixty-three  equal  shares,  one  of  which  to  be  for  the  first  set- 
tled Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School,  and 
that  on  each  of  the  other  sixty  shares  the  Petitioners  do  within 
three  years  from  the  confirmation  of  the  Plan  have  settled  one 
good  family,  who  shall  have  an  House  built  on  his  home  lot  of 
eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least  and  finished, 
that  each  Right  or  Grant  have  six  acres  of  Land  bro’t  to  and 
plowed  or  brought  to  english  Grass  and  fitted  for  mowing,  that 
they  settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister,  and  build  and  finish  a 
convenient  Meeting  House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  GOD,  and 
that  each  Settler  give  bond  of  Tzventy  Pounds  to  the  Province 
Treasurer  for  fulfilling  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant ; provided 
that  in  Case  any  of  the  Lots  or  Rights  be  not  duly  settled  in  all 
regards  as  aforesaid,  then  such  Lot  or  Right  to  revert  to  and  be  at 
the  disposition  of  the  Province.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  6,  1737.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood , Joseph  Wheeler , Joseph  Bar- 
rett, and  sundry  others,  shewing  that  they  have  ever  since  the 
Year  1721,  been  sollicking  the  Favours  of  this  Court  for  a Grant 
of  Lands  for  a Township,  and  have  met  with  Encouragement  at 
sundry  Times,  and  particularly  were  in  great  Hopes  of  obtain- 
ing a Grant  of  a Township  in  the  Line  of  Towns,  but  that  Town- 
ship they  had  in  View,  was  finally  assigned  to  the  Petitioners  from 
Hofkinston,  so  that  they  have  hitherto  failed  in  their  Sollicitations, 
which  for  so  long  a Time  have  been  attended  with  considerable 
Expence,  praying  they  may  be  now  favoured  with  a Grant  of  some 
of  the  unappropriated  Lands  for  a Township  to  them  and  their  As- 
signs, under  such  Conditions  and  Regulations  as  to  the  Court  shall 
seem  meet.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  this  Petition  be  considered 
this  afternoon. 

Post  Meridiem. 

The  House  according  to  order  entred  into  the  Consideration  of 
the  Petition  of  Samuel  Heywood,  and  others,  praying  for  a Grant 
of  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  for  a Township,  as 


252 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


entred  in  the  Morning,  and  after  a full  debate  thereon,  Voted , 
That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  John  Chaiidler, 
Josiah  Willard , and  Nahum  Ward , Esqrs ; are  a Committee  to 
consider  of  some  suitable  Place  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square 
of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  for  the  Petitioners 
and  their  Associates  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  said  Town- 
ship upon,  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square,  under  such  Con- 
ditions and  Regulations  as  may  be  proper,  the  Committee  to 
report  hereon  as  soon  as  may  be. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  8,  1737.] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  sixth  Currant 
on  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood  and  others,  made  report 
thereon,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Voted , That  the 
Petitioners  and  their  Associates  be  and  hereby  are  impowred  by 
a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  on  Oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  a Town- 
ship of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square  eastwardly  of  the  great 
Menadnuck  Hills,  and  betwixt  the  Line  of  Towns  an  Ipswich 
Canada  Town,  where  a Town  may  be  best  accommodated,  so  as 
not  to  interfere  with  the  Town  granted  to  Capt.  Nelson  and  other 
Canada  Soldiers,  and  that  they  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court 
within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation  : And  for  the  more  effectual 
bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  new 'Town  : Ordered ; 
That  there  be  sixty  three  Lots  laid  out  in  a suitable  and  defensible 
manner,  one  of  which  to  be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for 
the  second  settled  Minister,  and  one  for  the  School,  each  of  said 
three  Lots  to  draw  equal  Divisions  with  the  other  Grantees  of  the 
said  sixty  Lots;  that  the  Grantees  do  within  three  Years  from  the 
Confirmation  of  the  Plan,  have  settled  on  each  Home-Lot  a good 
Family,  and  in  order  thereto  that  they  build  thereon  a dwelling 
House  of  eighteen  Feet  square  and  seven  Feet  stud  at  least,  and 
finish  the  same,  and  have  well  fenced  and  brought  to  english  Grass 
and  ploughed  six  Acres  on  each  of  the  Home  Lots,  that  they 
settle  an  orthodox  Minister  and  build  a convenient  Meeting  House 
for  the  publick  Worship  of  GOD;  and  that  Col.  Josiah  Willard 
and  Capt.  John  Hobson,  with  such  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
honourable  Board,  be  a Committee  for  admitting  the  Grantees  or 
Settlers,  and  that  they  take  effectual  Care  that  no  Persons  are 
admitted  as  such,  who  have  had  any  Grant  for  the  space  of  three 


PETERBOROUGH. 


253 


Years,  and  that  each  Grantee  give  Bond  to  the  Province  Treas- 
urer or  his  Successor  in  the  Sum  of  forty  Pounds  for  his  faithful 
fulfilling  or  complying  with  the  Terms  or  Conditions  of  the  Grant, 
and  if  any  of  the  said  Settlers  fail  of  performing  the  said  Con- 
ditions, then  his  or  their  Right  or  Share  to  revert  to,  and  be  at 
the  disposition  of  the  Province. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  15,  1737-8.] 

A Motion  was  made  and  seconded  by  divers  Members,  that  an 
Alteration  might  be  made  in  the  Vote  of  the  eighth  of  December 
last,  for  granting  a Township  to  Samuel  Haywood  and  others,  as 
to  the  Situation  of  the  Grant,  viz.  dele  the  Words  from — East- 
wardly  of  the  great  Menadnuck — to  the  Words — Canada  Soldiers 
— and  instead  thereof  to  insert  these  Words, — in  some  of  the  un- 
aj>frofriated  Lands  of  the  Province,  suitable  for  a Township, — 
and  thereupon  Ordered , That  Col.  Cha7idler  go  up  with  a Mes- 
sage to  the  honourable  Board,  to  propose  the  said  Alteration  may 
be  made,  which  he  did,  and  informed  the  House,  that  the  honour- 
able Board  agreed  therein. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  16,  1737-8.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood  and  about  fifty  others  Shewing 
that  they  often  petitioned  this  Court  for  a Tract  of  Land  to  settle 
themselves  and  their  Children  upon,  and  altho’  they  have  divers 
times  received  encouragement  yet  they  have  not  hitherto  obtained 
the  favour  of  a Grant ; Praying  for  a Tract  of  Land  of  six  miles 
square  to  settle  themselves  and  associates  on. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^8  Read  and  Ordered  that  the  Prayer 
of  the  Petition  be  granted  and  that  the  Petitioners  and  their  Asso- 
ciates be  and  hereby  are  impowered  by  a Survey1  and  chain  men 
on  oath,  to  survey  and  lay  out  a Township  of  the  contents  of  Six 
miles  square  in  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province 
suitable  for  a Township,  and  that  they  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation  ; And  for  the  more 
effectual  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  said  new  Town — 


254 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Ordered ; that  there  be  sixty  three  Home  Lots  laid  out  in  a 
suitable  and  defensible  manner,  one  of  which  to  be  for  the  first 
settled  Minister,  one  for  the  second  settled  Minister,  and  one  for 
the  School ; and  each  of  said  three  Lots  to  draw  equal  divisions 
with  the  other  Grantees  of  the  said  Sixty  Lots,  that  the  Grantees 
do  within  three  years  from  the  Confirmation  of  the  Plan  have 
settled  on  each  Home  Lot  a good  family,  and  in  order  thereto  that 
they  build  thereon  a Dwelling  House  of  Eighteen  feet  square  and 
seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  and  finish  the  same  and  have  well 
fenced  and  brought  to  English  Grass  or  plowed  six  Acres  on  each 
of  the  Home  Lots,  that  they  settle  an  orthodox  minister  and  build 
a decent  convenient  Meeting  House  for  the  Publick  Worship  of 
God  ; and  that  Coll : Josiah  Willard  and  Cpt.  John  Hobson  with 
such  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Honble  Board  be  a Committee 
for  admitting  the  Grantees  or  Settlers ; And  that  they  take  effect- 
ual care  that  no  persons  are  admitted  of  such  who  have  had  any 
grant  for  the  space  of  three  years ; And  that  each  Grantee  give 
Bond  to  the  Province  Treasurer  in  the  sum  of  Forty  Pounds  for 
his  faithful  fulfilling  or  complying  with  the  terms  or  Conditions  of 
the  Grant ; And  if  any  of  the  said  Settlers  fail  of  performing  the 
said  conditions,  then  his  or  their  Right  or  Share  to  revert  to  or  be 
at  the  disposition  of  the  Province. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d  ; and  William  Dudley  Esqr  is 
joined  in  the  affair 

Consented  to  , J.  Belcher. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  4.] 

May  ye  21st  1738.  Then  Finished  the  Surveying  and  Laying 
out  of  a Township  of  ye  Contents  of  Six  miles  Square.  To  Satisfie 
a Grant  of  ye  Great  and  General  Court  of  ye  Province  of  ye  Massa- 
chusets  Bay  made  ye  16th  Day  of  January  1737  on  the  Petition  of 
Samuel  Haywood  and  others  and  their  Assotiates ; Lying  on  the 
Easterly  Sid  of  a Great  Hill  Called  Manadnock  Hill  between 
Said  Hill  and  a Township  Laidout  to  ye  Inhabitants  of  Salam 
and  others  who  Servid  in  ye  Expedition  to  Canada  anno  1690  and 
Lyeth  on  the  Southerly  branch  of  Contokock  River  near  the  hed 
there  of  said  Branch  Runing  throughit.  It  began  att  a Black 
Burch  tree  ye  South  East  Corner  and  from  thence  it  Ran  West 
Six  Miles  and  Sixty  Eight  Rods  by  a line  of  marked  trees  to  a 
Spruse  tree  marked  for  ye  South  west  Corner,  from  thence  it  Ran 


PETERBOROUGH. 


255 


north  by  a line  of  markd  trees  six  Miles  and  Sixty  Rods  to  a 
Stake  and  Piller  of  Stons  ye  northwest  Corner  and  from  thence  it 
Ran  East  by  a line  of  Markd  trees  Six  Miles  and  Sixty  Eight 
Rods  to  a Stake  and  heep  of  Stons  the  Northeast  Corner  and  from 
thence  Straight  to  where  it  began  Six  Miles  and  Sixty  Rods,  the 
Lines  above  said  Contains  ye  Contents  of  six  miles  Square  with 
ye  alowance  of  one  Chane  in  thirty  for  Sagg  of  Chane  and  fifty 
acres  for  apond 

^ Joseph  Wilder  Jun  Surveyr 


Suffolk  ss  Boston  8th  June  1738 

Joseph  Wilder  Jur  Survey  our  Joseph  Richardson  & Zacheus 
Lovewell  Chain  men  all  personally  appearing  before  the  Sub- 
scriber one  of  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  peace  & Severally 
made  Solemn  oath  that  in  Surveying  and  meassureing  the  town- 
ship above  represented  by  this  platt  they  respectively  acted  faith- 
fully and  impartially  according  to  their  best  Skill  & understanding 

Wm  Dudley  Just  of  Peace 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


256 


[Reverse.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  June  14th  1738 
Read  and  Ordered  That  the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands 
therein  delineated  & described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the 
Grantees  the  petitioners  mentioned  in  the  petition  of  Samuel  Hay- 
wood and  others,  and  their  associates  agreable  to  the  Grant  of  this 
Court  of  the  said  township  made  them  at  the  setting  begun  & held 
the  thirtieth  of  November  last  past ; and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns 
respectively  for  Ever  : they  effectually  complying  with  & fullfilling 
the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  six  Miles  Square  of  Land  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  former  Grant.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence  T Quincy  Spkr 
Ex  per  E Burrill 
In  Council  June  16th  1738 

read  & Concurr’d  J Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1738.] 

A Plat  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square  of  Land,  surveyed 
and  laid  out  by  Joseph  Wilde r,  jun.  Surveypr  and  two  Chain 
Men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  sixteenth  of 
January  last,  in  answer  to  a Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood  and 
others,  lying  on  the  Easterly  side  of  a Great  Hill  called  Menad- 
nock  Hill , between  said  Hill  and  Salem  Canada  new  Township, 
and  lieth  on  the  Southerly  Branch  of  Contoocook  River  near  the 
Head  thereof  the  Branch  runneth  through  it ; it  begins  at  a black 
Birch  Tree  the  South  East  Corner,  thence  West  six  miles  sixty 
eight  Rods  by  a Line  of  mark’d  Trees  to  a Spruce  Tree  mark’d 
for  the  South  West  Corner,  thence  North  by  a Line  of  mark’d 
Trees  six  Miles  sixty  Rods  to  a Stake  and  Pillar  of  Stones  the 
North  West  Corner,  thence  East  by  a Line  of  mark’d  Trees  six 
Miles,  sixty  eight  Rods  to  a Stake  and  heap  of  Stones  the  North 
East  Corner,  thence  to  the  first  mentioned  Bounds  ; an  allowance 
being  made  of  one  Chain  in  thirty  for  swagg  of  Chain,  and  fifty 
Acres  for  a Pond ; was  presented  for  Allowance  Read  and 
Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described,  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Grantees 


PETERBOROUGH. 


257 


the  Petitioners  mentioned  in  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Haywood  and 
others  and  their  associates,  agreable  to  the  Grant  of  this  Court  of 
the  said  Township  made  them  at  the  sitting  began  and  held  the 
thirtieth  of  November  last  past ; and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns 
respectively  for  ever,  they  effectually  complying  with  and  fulfill- 
ing the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the 
Quantity  of  six  Miles  square  of  Land,  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrance. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  16,  1738.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square 
granted  to  Samuel  Haywood  and  others  laid  out  by  Joseph  Wilder 
Esqr  Survey1  and  Chain  men  on  oath,  lying  on  the  Easterly  side 
of  Menadnuck  Hill,  between  that  and  the  Township  laid  out  to 
Salem  Inhabitants  and  others  that  served  in  the  Canada  Expedi- 
tion in  the  year  1690,  and  lying  on  the  Southerly  Branch  of  Con- 
tocook  River,  which  Branch  runs  thro  the  Tract;  Beginning  at  a 
Black  Birch  Tree,  being  the  South  East  Corner;  thence  running 
West  Six  miles  and  sixty  eight  rods  by  a line  of  mark’d  Trees  to 
a Spruce  Tree  mark’d ; thence  North  by  a line  of  mark’d  Trees 
six  miles  and  sixty  rods  to  a Stake  and  Pillar  of  Stones ; Thence 
East  by  a line  of  mark’d  Trees  six  miles  and  sixty  eight  rods  to  a 
Stake  and  heaps  of  stones  ; thence  to  the  Bounds  first  mentioned 
six  miles  and  sixty  Rods. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  1738.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Ordered  that  Mr  Jonathan  Prescot, 
on  of  the  Grantees  of  the  new  Township  granted  to  Samuel  Hay- 
wood and  others,  be  and  hereby  is  fully  authorized  and  impow- 
ered  to  notify  and  warn  the  said  Proprietors  or  Grantees  to 
assemble  and  convene  as  soon  as  may  be  in  some  convenient  place 
to  chuse  a Proprietors  Clerk  and  pass  such  Votes  and  Orders  for 
the  effectual  bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  said  Township 
agreable  to  the  conditions  of  the  Grant,  and  also  to  chuse  such 
other  officers  as  they  may  think  proper,  and  to  agree  upon  a 
17 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


258 

method  for  calling  future  Meetings,  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the 
Law. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  28,  1738.] 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Jonathan  Prescot  one  of  the  Grantees  of 
the  new  Township  granted  to  Samuel  Hey  wood  and  others,  be 
and  hereby  is  fully  authorized  and  impowred  to  notify  and  warn 
the  said  Proprietors  or  Grantees  to  assemble  and  convene  as  soon 
as  maybe  in  some  convenient  Place,  to  chuse  a Proprietors  Clerk, 
and  pass  such  Votes  and  Orders  for  the  effectual  bringing  forward 
the  Settlement  of  said  Township,  agreable  to  the  Conditions  of  the 
Grant,  and  also  to  chuse  such  other  Officers  as  they  may  think 
proper  to  agree  upon  a Method  for  calling  future  Meetings,  agre- 
able to  the  Rules  of  the  Law. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrance. 


PORTSMOUTH. 

[This  territory  was  granted  for  a township  by  the  Council  of  Plymouth  in  1631, 
and  was  called  Piscataqua  and  Strawberry  Bank.  Submitted  to  Massachusetts 
government  in  1641.  Incorporated  by  Massachusetts  as  Portsmouth,  May  28, 
1653.  New  Castle  was  set  off  and  incorporated,  May  30,  1693.  Greenland  was 
setoff  partially  in  1704,  and  completely  in  1721.  A city  charter  was  adopted  in 
i849- 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes : IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  688  ; 
XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  236 ; Index  to  Laws,  440 ; Farmer’s  Belknap’s 
History  of  New  Hampshire,  chapters  1 and  2,  et  seq.  ; Annals  of  Portsmouth, 
Comprising  a Period  of  Two  Hundred  Years  from  the  Settlement  of  the  Town,  by 
Nathaniel  Adams,  1825  ; republished,  with  annotations  by  George  E.  Hodgdon,  in 
files  of  Portsmouth  Journal ; Rambles  about  Portsmouth,  Sketches  of  Persons, 
Localities,  and  Incidents  of  Two  Centuries,  Principally  from  Traditions  and  Un- 
published Documents,  by  Charles  W.  Brewster,  first  series,  1859;  second  edition, 
1873;  second  series,  by  same  author,  1869;  Portsmouth  Records,  1645-1656.  A 
Transcript  of  the  First  Thirty  Five  Pages  of  the  Earliest  Town  Book,  with  Notes, 
by  Frank  W.  Hackett,  privately  printed,  1886;  Centennial  History  of  the  United 
States  Navy  Yard  at  Portsmouth,  by  Walter  E.  H.  Fentress,  1876,  pp.  84;  His- 
tory of  the  U.  S.  Navy  Yard,  Portsmouth,  by  George  Henry  Preble,  1892  ; p.  219 ; 
Life  of  John  Mason,  by  Chas.  W.  Tuttle  and  J.  W.  Dean,  1887  ; historical  sketch, 
by  James  De  Normandie,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  41  ; 


PORTSMOUTH. 


259 


The  Isles  of  Shoals,  An  Historical  Sketch,  by  John  Scribner  Jenness,  1873,  sec- 
ond  edition,  1875;  New  Castle,  Historic  and  Picturesque,  by  John  Albee,  1885; 
Methodism  in  Portsmouth,  by  Thomas  L.  Tullock,  Granite  Monthly,  Vol.  7,  pp. 
209,  229,  314,  347;  petition  of  Dover  and  Portsmouth  for  grant  of  land,  1667, 
published  with  Dover  papers,  this  volume ; special  papers,  relating  to  early  grants, 
settlement,  and  boundaries  in  appendix  to  this  volume ; consult  authorities  cited  in 
this  and  previous  volumes,  under  titles,  Dover,  Exeter,  Hampton,  Gosport,  and 
New  Castle,  and  especially  documents  printed  in  Vols.  1 and  2,  this  series;  also 
Vol.  17,  pp.  475-603,  and  Vol.  22,  containing  a calendar  of  documents  relating  to 
New  Hampshire  in  the  English  archives ; numerous  historical  articles,  and  a series 
of  “ Historical  Notes,”  by  C.  H.  Cutts  Howard,  have  been  printed  in  the  Ports- 
mouth Journal .] 


[ Transfers  of  Prof  erty  in  Piscataqua  Adventure , i6qo.~\ 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  440.] 

Received  by  me  Obadiah  Bruen  of  Thomas  Larkham  for  my 
share  in  the  plantation  of  Pascataquake  Imp3  in  money  & bevar 
three  pound  in  Corne  five  bushells  twenty  shillings  sixe  yards  of 
woollen  cloth  forty  shillings  and  a heifer  Cow  fower  pound  in  all 
the  sume  of  tenn  pounds  wittnes  my  hand  this  21  of  June  1642. 

Obadiah  Bruen 

This  is  A true  Copie  Compared  wth  the  orignall  that  was  on  file 
& left  in  its  steed  as  Attests 

Edw  Rawson  Secrety 
Nich  : Scammon 

The  Accompt  of  goods  in  the  Custody  of  mr  Larkham  wch  doe 
belong  unto  the  whole  Adventure’s. 

Imp3  one  great  Iron  Pott. 

Itt  one  fouling  peece  the  barrell  five  foote 

Itt  3 pr  of  musket  moulds,  one  pr  sheep  sheres. 

It  2 brasse  tobacco  pipes  one  Great  knife : 2 ^ sissors  5 
dozen  Awle  blades  1 dozen  Cod  hookes  4lsi  lead  one  sickle  one 
brasing  bill — 

It  one  temr  sawe  & two  moose  Coates 

It  a key  of  the  barn  : dore  I acknowledge  it 

Vera  Copia  Thom,  larkham 

The  key  nicolas  hiltonn  got  of  mr  Larkam  & is  in  his  Custody 

This  is  a true  Copie  Compared  wth  the  originall  y4  was  on  file 
& in  its  steed  as  Attests 

Edward  Rawson  Secrety 
Nich  : Scammon 


26o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


know  all  men  by  these  presents  that  wee  whose  names  are  sub- 
scribed partners  in  the  plantation  of  Pascataquake  in  New  Eng- 
land are  acquainted  wth  a writing  drawne  by  Richard  Percyvall 
of  shrewsbery  draper  wherein  he  doeth  upon  Just  & valluable 
Consideration  devolve  all  that  adventure  which  he  the  said  Richard 
Percivall  hath  in  the  aforesaid  Plantation  according  to  the  writing 
expressed  Unto  Obadiah  Bruen  of  the  same  Toune  of  Shrewsbury 
draper  & to  his  execcutors  administrators  and  Assignes  and  to  his 
& their  propper  use  & behooffe  forever  wthout  giving  any  account 
unto  the  said  Richard  Percivall  or  to  any  other  in  his  behalfe  wee 
doe  also  approove  of  this  act  passed  by  bill  of  sale  betwixt  the  said 
Richard  Percivall  and  Obadiah  Bruen  and  doe  willingly  accept 
of  the  said  Obadiah  Bruen  as  partner  with  us  in  the  roome  of  the 
said  Richard  Percivall  according  to  the  proportion  expressed  in 
the  said  bill  of  sale  under  the  hand  & Seale  of  the  said  Richard 
Percivall  In  Witness  hereof  we  have  put  to  our  hands  this  4th  day 
of  may  Ann0  Dom  1640. 

11  June  1666.  That  this  is  A true  Copie  Compared  wth  ye  originall 
then  on  file  & left  in  its  steed  as  Attests 

Edw.  Rawson  secrety  Richard  Hunt 

Nich  : Scammon  Tho  : Wingfeild 

Tho : Knight 
Thomas  Hunt 
william  Rouley 


[Deed  from  Thomas  Larkham  to  William  Waldron , i6/}2.~\ 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  441*] 

To  all  xpian  people  to  whome  this  prnt  writting  shall  come  I 
Thomas  Larkeham  Pastor  of  the  church  of  Northam  in  Piscata- 
quake  in  New  England  send  Greeting  Whereas  I the  said  Thomas 
Larkham  wth  divers  others  have  an  adventure  or  stocke  in  the 
Patents  & plantation  at  Pascataquak  graunted  sold  Assigned  & sett 
over  by  one  Obadiah  Brewen  of  Cape  Anne  Alias  Glocester  in 
New  England  aforesaid  to  the  propper  use  of  me  my  executors  & 
administrators  & Assignes  which  was  granted  sold  assigned  & 
sett  over  unto  the  said  Obadiah  Bruen  by  Richard  Percivall  now 
or  heretofore  of  Shrewsbury  in  old  england  as  by  a writting  of  sale 
draune  by  Richard  Percivall  above  named  bearing  date  the  22th 
day  of  October  1635  Annoq.  Regni  Caroli  undecimo  more  at  large 


PORTSMOUTH. 


26l 


it  may  & doeth  Appeare  approved  by  Richard  Hunt  Thomas 
Wingfeild  Thomas  Knight  & other  adventurers  & partners  in  the 
above  mentioned  Patents  & plantation  as  by  a writting  bearing 
date  the  4th  of  may  Ann0  Dom  1640.  appeareth.  Now  know  yee 
that  I the  said  Thomas  Larkham  for  & uppon  a certaine  valluable 
some  of  money  by  me  received  of  William  Walderne  & for  divers 
other  good  causes  & Considerations  me  hereunto  mooving  Have 
Granted  Bargained  sould  Assigned  & sett  over  and  by  these 
presents  doe  fully  grant  bargain e Assigne  & sett  over  Unto  the 
afore  named  William  Walderne  to  his  owne  propper  use  & to  the 
use  of  his  execcutors  adminstrators  & Assignes  all  my  said  Adven- 
ture or  stock  by  me  bought  as  afore  said  & all  the  procedue  & in- 
crease by  me  also  bought  as  aforesaid  and  all  sithence  Coming  of 
the  said  Adventure  & stock  to  have  hold  receave  perceave  take  & 
enjoy  the  premisses  to  me  granted  & every  parte  to  the  said  William 
Walderne  his  execcutors  adminstrators  & Assignes  together  wth  all 
such  writtings  as  concerne  the  same.  In  Witnes  thereof  I have 
put  to  my  hand  & seale  the  13th  Day  of  September  ann°  Dom  1642 

Thom  : Larkham.  & (a  Seale) 
sealed  & delivered  in  presence  of 
William  Ballew 

sig. 

Phillip  x cheslin 

That  this  is  A true  Copie  Compared  wth  its  originall  left  on  file 
& in  its  steed : left  to  Remaine  on  file  Attests 

Edw : Rawson  Secrety 
Nich.  Scammon 


[ Gov.  Win l /iron’s  Authority  to  Thomas  Wiggin  to  Suppress 

Sedition , i6yi.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  443.] 

Sr  We  are  given  to  understand  That  there  is  an  intent  of  divers 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  Strawberie  Banck  seditiously  to  wthdraw  their 
subjection  from  this  Govhn*  to  sett  up  a new  Governr  their  over 
them  wthout  & contrarie  to  or  consent,  & contrarie  to  their  in- 
gagemt8&  oathes.  And  to  that  end,  they  have  (as  we  are  informed) 
called  a Towne  meetinge  to  Joyne  together  in  their  way  to  appoint 
such  a Govr : we  have  therefore  sent  unto  you  (knowing  yore 
fidelitie  & care)  to  seech  out  the  truth  of  theise  actings  & to  finde 


262 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


out  the  ^ticular  flsons  that  are  interested  in  this  designe  & the  ^tie 
whom  they  nominated  to  be  their  Governo*.  That  accordinglie 
we  may  put  forth  that  power  wch  God  hath  given  us  to  prosecute 
legallie  against  them.  And  to  that  end  we  desire  you  to  tak  such 
helpe  unto  you  both  of  such  as  are  in  comission  wm  you  & such 
officers  &c.  as  are  neere  you  to  assist  you  in  what  you  shall  require 
them,  according  to  Law  & Justice,  And  that  the  names  of  such 
as  are  interested  in  this  sedition  espetiallie  the  chiefe  acto13  therein 
may  be  sent  unto  us  together  wto  the  best  testimonie  you  can  pro- 
cure : And  if  you  shall  upon  search  & good  testimonie  observe 

any  to  be  resolute  in  their  way  & high  in  their  expressions  That 
you  forthw411  send  one  or  more  of  the  chiefest  we  meane  that  are 
principall  actors  therein  to  the  prison  at  Boston  who  shall  answere 
their  rebellion  at  the  generall  Court  the  next  Month.  Alsoe  we 
must  tell  you  that  we  are  verie  sensible  of  theise  motions  wcb  tend 
to  the  subversion  of  this  Common  wealth  & alteration  of  this 
goverm4  established  amongest  us.  & what  is  further  aymed  at  in 
this  designe  we  shall  further  acquaint  you  at  yor  comming  to  the 
generall  Court  wch  we  desire  you  will  be  present  at.  Not  else 
but  or  due  respects  to  you  wee  rest. 

Your  Loveg  ffreind 

Boston  6 7m°(5i.)  Jo  : Endicott  Gor 

in  ye  name  of  ye  whole  Courte 

To  his  honord  & very  Lovinge  ffriend  Captn  Thom3  Wiggins 
at  his  howse  at  Swampscott  in  Pascataque,  bee  these./ 


[. Portsmouth  Received  under  Massachusetts  Government , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  48,  and  Court  Records,  Oct.  9, 

1641.] 

whereas  it  appeareth  that  by  the  extent  of  the  line  (according  to 
our  patent)  that  the  River  of  Pascataquake  is  wthin  the  Jurisdiccion 
of  the  massatusetts.  and  conference  being  had  (atseverall  times  wth 
the  said  people  and  some  deputed  by  the  generall  courte  ffor  the 
setling  and  establishing  of  order  in  the  administrac’on  of  Justice 
there,  Itt  is  now  ordered  by  the  Generall  Courte  houlden  at  boston 
the  nynth  of  the  eight  month  1641  and  wth  the  consent  of  the  In- 
habitants of  the  said  river  as  followeth./ 

Imp3  that  from  henceforth  the  said  people  inhabiting  there  are 


PORTSMOUTH. 


263 


and  shall  be  accepted,  and  reputed  under  the  Goverment  of  the 
massatusetts,  as  the  rest  of  the  Inhabitants  wlhin  the  said  Jurisdic- 
c’on  are  Also  that  they  shall  have  the  same  order  and  way  of  Ad- 
ministration of  Justice  ; and  way  of  keeping  Courte  as  is  established, 
at  Ipswich  and  Salem  Also  they  shall  be  exempted  from  all  pub- 
licke  chardges  other  then  those  that  shall  arise,  for  or  from  amongst 
themselves,  or  from  any  occac’on  or  courses  that  may  be  taken  to 
procure  their  oune  propper  good  or  bennefitt : Also  they  shall  en- 
joy all  such  lawfull  liberties  of  fishing,  planting,  ffelling  timber,  as 
formerly  they  have  enjoyed  in  the  said  river  mr  Simon  Bradstreete, 
mr  Israeli  Stoughton  ; mr  Samuell  Simonds,  mr  wmTing  mr  ffrancis 
williams,  and  m1'  Edward  Hilton;  or  any  fower  of  them,  whereof 
mr  Bradstreet  or  mr  Stoughton  to  be  one,  these  shall  have  the  same 
power  that  the  quarter  Courts  at  Salem  and  Ipswich  have,  also  the 
Inhabitants  there  are  allowed  to  send  two  Deputyes  from  the  whole 
rivir  to  the  Courte  at  Boston  Also  mr  Bradstreet  mr  Stoughton  and 
the  rest  of  the  Comission13  shall  have  power  at  the  Courte  at  Pas- 
cataquacke  to  appoint  two  or  three  to  Joyne  wth  mr  williams,  and 
mr  Hilton  to  governe  the  people  as  the  magistrates  doe  heare  till 
the  next  generall  Courte,  or  till  the  Courte  take  further  order  :/ 

Itt  is  further  ordered  that  untill  our  comissioners  shall  arive  at 
Pascataquacke  those  men  who  already  have  Authority  by  the  late 
combination  to  governe  the  people  there,  shall  continew  in  the 
same  Authority  and  power  to  be  determined  at  the  Comming  of 
the  said  Comissioners,  and  not  before 

This  is  a true  Coppy  of  the  court  order  Concerning  the  Receav- 
ing  Pascataquak  under  the  Jurisdicc’on  of  the  massatusetts  Govr- 
ment  taken  out  of  the  Court  Records 

8 month  (41)  ^ Edward  Rawson  Secrty 


[. Portsmouth  Petition  for  Magistrates  &c.,  /dy/.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  38.] 

Straberye  Bancke  20th  of  Occtor  1651 

To  the  Honnered  Courte  Nowe  holden  at  Boston  ; — 

The  Humble  pettetion  of  the  Inhabytants  of  Straberye  Banke — 
In  all  dewe  Respects  Humblye  praye  ; That  whereas  wee  ffynde 
by  ye  answere  to  a former  made  by  some  of  ye  pettetionre  in  the 
yere  1641.  That  you  Accept  of  the  orderinge  and  Gover’inge  ye 


264 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  pettetion13 ; by  waye  of  there  pettion  ; and  by  straitninge  of  ye 
Lyne ; that  pascataquacke  is  w^in  ye  Juresdection  w01  it  for  wee 
are  p1*  by  straitninge  of  ye  Lyne  ; That  you  oulde  bee  pleased  to 
give  order  for  the  Lying  out  our  township  ; for  want  of  wch  wee 
deeplye  suffer ; and  to  Conferme  the  same  unto  us ; wth  other  the 
Condetions  fformerly  Agreed  one  And  likewise  that  wee  maye 
have  here  and  at  Dover ; two  Courts  every  yere  wto  two  Majis- 
trates ; and  three  Assestants ; whereof  this  Barer  mr  Bryant  pen- 
dleton  to  bee  one  of  the  asestants  Chossen  for  this  place  ; And 
where  as  by  Reason  of  divers  shipinge  and  others  Comminge  into 
this  harbour  ; as  likewise  some  of  our  'owne  Inhabytants  ; severall 
abuses  are  committed ; and  noe  Majestrate  were  at  hand  to  Ad- 
mester  Justice  upon  the  ^tyes  soe  offendinge  ; That  before  Justice 
Cann  bee  donne  many  departe  hence  wthout  punneshment ; and 
others  suffer  Rather  then  to  seeke  soe  ffarr  for  Justice  ; Humblye 
praye  that  said  mr  Pendleton  maye  have  more  then  ordynary  power 
what  other  asestants  have ; for  the  rectyfienge  and  puneshinge  of 
such  abuses  to  be  Committed — And  Lastlye  our  desire  is  that 
where  as  m*5  Mason ; hath  here  an  Agent  whoe  Lyith  Clayme  to 
some  of  those  Lands  wee  Inhabitt  in  the  behalfe  of  Cap  : John 
Masons  hearse ; That  you  will  be  pleased  to  mentayne  the  same 
unto  us  ; agaynst  any  shall  hereafter  oppose  us — if  by  straitninge 
of  ye  Lyne  the  Lands  are  wthin  ye  Juresdection ; if  not  There  to 
Leve  both  our  ^sons  Lands  and  all  freelye  to  our  selves  as  ffor- 
merlye  wee  were  before  you  took  us  into  yr  Goverm4  To  mentayne 
our  owne  Rights ; or  to  submitt  our  selves  to  those  to  whome  it 
maye  appere  Justlye  don  ; In  Confermation  of  our  desires  herein ; 
wee  whose  names  are  hereunder  subscribde  prsent  this  in  the 
behalfe  and  by  the  ffree  consent  of  all  the  said  Inhabytants  ; pray- 
ing this  Barer  mr  pendleton  to  prsent  this  to  your  honnored  Courte  ; 
Cravinge  yr  favorable  answere  herein — which  wee  Leave  to  yr 
more  serious  Judgments — for  whose  prosperytie  shall  day  lie  praye 
&c 

Amb  Lane 

Renald  Fernald 

William  Hevenor  ( ?) 

Henrie  Sherburne 

John  Webster 


PORTSMOUTH.  265 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  14,  1651,  and  Archives  Vol.  112, 

p-  38-] 

In  Answer  to  a petition  of  the  Inhabitant8  of  Strabery  banke  for 
the  Layinge  out  of  theire  Townshippe  & severall  other  thinges  ex- 
prest  therein  This  Court  thinkes  meete  to  graunt  the  petitiono"  all 
the  Land  betweene  Hampton  and  them  that  is  not  already  graunted 
to  Townes  or  persons,  (Squamset  pattent  excepted) 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  23,  1651.] 

In  Answer  to  the  peticion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  strawberry  bancke 
the  Courte  Graunts  the  peticioners  all  the  land  betweene  Hampton 
and  them  that  is  not  already  graunted  to  Tounes  or  persons 
Squamscott  pattent  excepted  2dly  That  mr  Ambrose  Lane  Mr  Brian 
Pendelton  and  Henry  sherborne  are  heereby  for  one  whole  yeere 
Invested  with  Ample  power  and  be  enabled  as  associates  wth  Capt 
Thomas  wiggin  to  keepe  one  Courte  in  a yeere  at  straweberry 
bancke  viz.,  at  such  time  as  Capt  wiggins  shall  appointe  to  trye 
all  civill  & Criminall  accions  as  other  theire  Courts  within  this 
Jurisdiccion  doth  As  also  the  three  aforesaid  Comissioners,  or  each 
of  them  shall  have  power  to  Administer  oathes  keepe  the  peace 
amongst  the  Inhabitants  and  to  graunt  warrants  to  bring  before 
them  such  as  shall  break  the  poenall  lawes,  the  poenalties  whereof 
exceede  not  fforty  shillings  and  all  offenders  whose  poenalty  shall 
exceede  the  somme  aforesaid  to  binde  over  to  the  County  Courte 
or  send  them  to  some  magis*8  to  be  provided  with  according  to  lawe 
And  they  have  further  power  to  end  smale  Cawses  as  three  men 
in  Tounes  have  and  for  what  else  is  mentioned  in  the  petition  The 
Courte  referrs  it  to  the  next  gennerall  Courte  of  Eleccion  to  be  con- 
sidered and  determined,  Provided  they  have  or  shall  take  the  oath 
of  fidellitie  to  this  government  before  they  act  according  to  this 
Commission. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  26,  1652.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  or  letter  of  Mr  Brian  Pendleton  : in  behalfe 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  strawbery  bancke  the  Courte  is  willing  to 
Consider  of  their  enlargment  when  they  propound  any  thing  to 


266 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Consideration  And  doe  order,  that  Rich  Bellingham  Esqr  and 
Mr  Pendleton  wth  the  Judges  of  Dover  Courte  shall  keepe  Court  at 
Straweberybancke  till  the  inhabitants  of  strawberry  bancke  doe 
present  such  persons  that  have  taken  the  oath  of  fidellitie  to  this 
Court  to  be  Allowed  and  confirmed :/ 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1652.] 

In  answer  to  a letter  sent  to  the  court  from  mr  Brian  Pendleton 
of  Strabery  banke  Concerning  theire  Enlargment  The  court  is 
willing  to  consider  thereof  when  they  ^pound  any  thing  to  theire 
consideration  which  may  be  suteable  to  such  an  End,  And  doe 
desire  & order  that  mr  Bellingham  & mr  Pendleton  with  the  Judges 
of  Dover  court  may  keepe  court  at  Strabery  banke  till  the  In- 
habitant3 of  Strabery  banke  doe  prsent  some  ^sons  y4  have  taken 
the  oath  of  fidelitie  to  this  court  to  be  allowed  & Confirmed. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  19,  1652. J 

The  Inhabitant3  of  Strabery  banke  prfering  a petition  for  the 
enlargm4  of  theire  Towne  bounds  are  referd  to  the  next  Court  of 
Election  for  further  answer  when  Capt.  Wiggan  is  to  shew  his 
Pattent  This  Court  further  graunts  that  mr  Henry  sherbourne  & 
mr  Reynold  fernald  be  admitted  as  Associates  according  to  theire 
petition 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  26,  1652.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  strawberry  bancke 
The  Court  seeth  not  how  they  cann  Graunt  further  accomodation 
to  the  petitioners  till  Capt  wiggins  Pattent  be  seene  which  will  be 
brought  to  the  next  Court  of  Election  and  then  accordingly  it  may 
be  supplied,  but  doe  Graunt  that  Mr  Henry  sherborne  and  mr  Rei- 
nold  ffernald  be  Admitted  Associates  according  as  in  the  peticion 
is  desired. 


PORTSMOUTH. 


267 


\_P0rts7n0uth  Petition  Jor  Grant  of  Land  and  Change  of  Name. 

1653 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  58.] 


To  the  Honnoured  Generali  Court  assembled  att  Boston  this 
present  Month  of  May  1653  :/ 

The  Humble  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  towne  att  present 
Called  Strabery  banke ;/ 

Sheweth  ; that  whereas  your  petitioners  petitioned  to  the  last 
Generali  Court,  to  graunt  unto  ye  said  Inhabitants  A Competent 
portion  of  Lands  to  make  us  a Towneshipp  whereby  wee  may  be 
inabled  to  subsist,  & bee  usefull  to  the  Church  & Comonwealth ; 
our  deseire  is  that  this  Honnoured  Court  will  bee  pleased,  to  shew 
theire  favour  & good  will  towards  us  and  willingnesse  to  accom- 
modate us  to  the  uttermost,  And  for  that  purpose  hath  deseired  the 
honnord  Capt  Wiggines  to  bringe  in  his  Pattent  to  this  present 
Court : 

Now  may  it  please  this  honnoured  Court  to  take  our  case  into 
Consideration  And  to  consider  of  our  exstreame  necessities ; first 
in  respect  of  ye  number  of  ffamilyes  wch  are  between  50,  & 60,  of 
wch  some  are  Constrained  to  remoove  for  want  of  Land  to  accom- 
odate them  with  theire  stockes,  secondly  the  qualitie  of  the  land 
wee  live  uppon  is  soe  badd  its  incredible  to  beleeve  except  those 
wch  have  seene  it  which  they  being  settled  a plantation  the  first  of 
any  in  these  parts  & our  willingnesse  in  submittinge  to  your  Gov- 
ernment ; fourthly  y*  all  ye  Neighbouringe  plantations  about  us 
wch  were  settled  since  wee  ; have  theire  Townshipps  setled  & 
bounded  onely  wee  as  yett  have  none,  fiftly  that  wheras  there  is 
much  benefitt  by  Sawmills  in  other  townes  in  this  River  and  ad- 
jacent Townes ; there  is  none  in  this  Towne  but  only  one  wch  was 
never  perfected;  nor  like  to  bee. 

Wee  humbly  intreat  this  honnoured  Court  to  take  into  theire 
View  this  necke  of  Land  wch  we  live  uppon ; wch  nature  it  selfe 
hath  bounded  with  ye  maine  Sea  & River  as  may  be  seene  by  ye 
draught  of  ye  River  wch  was  presented  to  the  Last  Generali  Court ; 
& now  prsented  againe  by  our  deputie  ; wch  necke  of  Land  is  farre 
Lesse  than  any  Neighbouringe  towne  about  us ; 

The  deseire  .of  your  Humble  petitioners  is  that  this  Honnoured 
Court  would  graunt  us  the  necke  of  Land  begininge  in  the  great 
bay  at  a place  called  Cotterills  Deleight  soe  Runninge  to  ye  sea 


268 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Accordinge  to  ye  former  petition  presented  to  ye  Last  Generali 
Court : 

And  whereas  ye  name  of  this  plantation  att  present  beinge  Stra- 
bery  banke  accidentally  soe  Called  by  reason  of  a banke  where 
straberies  was  found  in  this  place ; Now  your  petitioners  Humble 
deseire  is  to  have  it  Called  Portsmouth  beinge  a name  most  suta- 
ble  for  this  place  it  being  the  Rivers  mouth  & a good  harbour  as 
any  in  this  Land ; And  your  petitioners  shall  Humbly  pray 

Brian  Pendleton  Rich  : Cutt 

Renald  Fernald  Samuell  Gaines 

John  Sherbourn  In  the  behaulfe  of  the  rest 

We  Conceive  the  Answer  to  this  Petition  must  be  respited  be- 
cause of  mr  Masons  claime  to  the  Lands  only  so  far  as  relates  to 
Capt : wiggins  Patent  the  Committe  of  the  Last  Court  or  so  many 
of  them  as  being  prsent  had  thru  the  hearing  of  the  Case  are  fittest 
to  be  employed  now 

Daniel  Denison 
Jos  : Hills 
Edw.  Johnson 

The  magiste  Approove  of  the  Comittees  Retourne  for  respitting 
of  this  petic’on,  to  ye  next  Court  if  theire  bretheren  the  Depute  Con- 
sent heereto 

Edward  Rqwson  Secret’y 

The  Deputyes  Consent  hereto  & doe  further  graunt  the  petition13 
request  viz1  that  theire  Towne  shalbe  called  Portsmouth  if  or  hon- 
nrd  magistrates  please  to  Consent  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magis13  Consent  heereto  wth  ye  name  of  Portsmouth 

Edward  Rawson  Secret :/ 

The  magists  Considering  further  of  ye  petic’on  desire  a present 
Committee  may  be  chosen  to  whom  ye  setling  of  ye  Toune  of  Ports- 
mouth maybe  Referred  & theire  thoughts  thereabouts  Retourned 
to  this  Court  if  theire  bretheren  the  depu13  Consent  heereto 

Edward  Rawson  secret’y 

28  May  1653.  mr  Symonds  is  Appointed  to  be  of'ye  Comittee  for 
ye  peticon 


PORTSMOUTH.  269 

mr  Samuell  winsley  mr  Joseph  Jewet  & Shergent  Sherman  are 
appoynted  to  be  of  this  Committee 

William  Torrey  Cleric 

The  magist3  Consent  heereto  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 

The  Committee  (in  answer  to  this  peticion)  doth  conceive  that 
the  line  of  the  Towneship  of  Porchmouth,  should  reach  from  the 
sea  by  Hampton  lyne,  to  winnacout  River.  Leaving  the  proprietor 
to  their  just  right  & interest. 

Samuel  Symonds  Samuel  Winsley 

Joseph  Jewit  John  Sherman 

The  Deputyes  approve  of  the  returne  of  the  Committee  in 
answer  to  this  pet.  w*  reference  to  the  Consent  of  or  honord 
magistrates  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  18,  1653.] 

In  Answer  to  the  petition  of  Strabery  banke  it  is  ordd  that  there 
Towne  shalbe  Called  Portsmouth  & that  the  Lyne  oftheire  Town- 
shipp  should  reach  from  the  sea  by  Hampton  Lyne  to  Winnacout 
river  leaving  the  ^prietors  to  theire  Just  rights  & intrests 


[. Portsmouth  Petition  for  Certain  Privileges , 1655 -~] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  56.] 

To  the  Honnoured  Generali  Court  assembled  at  Boston  in 
ye  Mounth  of  May  1655 

The  Humble  petition  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  the  Towne  (att  present) 
called  strabery  banke 

sheweth  that  whereas  there  are  Certaine  Townes  about  us  wch 
enjoyes  ye  priviledg  of  freemen  & have  theire  votes  in  chusinge 
Governo™  Magistrates  and  other  officers  for  the  Administration  of 
justice ; our  Humble  request  is  that  this  Honnoured  Court  will  be 
pleased  to  graunt  unto  us  equall  priviledge  with  Kittery  and  Yorke, 
And  Likewise  that  you  will  give  power  to  those  Magistrates  that 


270 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


are  to  keepe  Court  amoungst  us  to  Nominate  & appoint  Com- 
issioners  for  the  endinge  of  differences  under  tenn  pounds  haveing 
great  need  of  such  ffor  maney  times  wee  loose  our  right,  by  reason 
wee  Cannot  summon  those  that  are  delinquents  to  any  other 
Courte  except  it  be  for  greater  summes  And  likewise  that  you  will 
be  pleased  to  Confirme  our  Millitarie  officers  that  they  may  be 
Established  by  power  from  your  selves  for  wee  have  betwixt  70  & 
80  men  able  to  beare  Armes,  within  our  presincts  although  wee 
Cannot  as  yett  Call  it  a Townshipp,  but  wee  hope  you  will  be 
mindfull  of  us,  in  all  ye  prmises,  which  if  you  bee  it  will  bee  a 
great  encouragement  for  your  poore  petitioners  to  goe  on  in  theire 
Imployments  & to  follow  it  with  more  Chearfullnesse  whereby  wee 
may  be  usefull  in  the  Common  wealth  & ready  att  all  times  to  sett 
our  selves  forward  for  ye  good  of  ye  Countrey  & the  benefitt  of 
those  amoungst  whome  wee  live  & your  petitioners  shall  humbly 
pray  &c 

John  Sherburn  Renald  Fernald 

Rich  : Cutt  Samuell  Gaines 

we  Conceive  the  Inhabitants  of  strawbery  Banke  should  be  satis- 
fyed  wlh  the  privilidges  granted  by  the  Court  at  their  Comming 
under  this  goverment 

2dly  That  the  Court  of  Dover  or  strawbery  Bancke  may  nomi- 
nate & confirme  Commissioners  for  the  ending  of  smal  Causes 
under  40s  as  in  other  Towns 

3 That  the  sd  Court  may  Confirme  such  ,millitary  officers  as 
they  shall  prsent 

Daniel  Denison 
Edw : Johnson 
Jos  : Hills 

The  magists  Approove  of  the  Retourne  of  the  Committee  as  An 
Ansr  to  ye  petic’on  wth  Reference  to  ye  Consent  of  their  bretheren 
the  Deputa  heereto 

Edw  Rawson  secy 

The  Deputyes  Consent  to  or  honrd  magists  in  Answer  to  this 
petition 


William  Torrey  Cleric 


RAYMOND. 


271 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  11,  1672.] 

Whereas  this  Court  granted  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Portsmouth 
land  for  a village  the  last  session  & having  now  brought  in  a platt 
of  a tract  of  land  above  Dover  bounds  the  said  land  so  laid  out  is 
hereby  confirmed  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Portsmouth  Provided  a 
farme  of  three  hundred  acres  of  upland  & meadow  be  laid  for  the 
use  of  the  Countey  by  Ensigne  Davis  of  Dover  & mr  wincoll  as 
also  that  the  said  plat  entrench  not  on  any  former  grants  laid  out 
and  that  the  said  land  be  improoved  for  a village  in  five  yeares  wth 
twenty  families  such  as  shall  mainteyne  an  able  & approoved  min- 
istry and  that  this  land  & village  be  liable  to  Countey  Rates  as 
other  Tounes  in  this  Colony  are  Ye  plat  is  on  file. 


RAYMOND. 

[This  territory  was  purchased  of  an  Indian,  in  1717,  by  Col.  Stephen  Dudley, 
and  was  called  Freetown.  It  was  included  in  the  incorporation  of  Chester,  Aug.  27, 
1826,  and  so  remained  until  set  off  and  incorporated  as  a parish  by  the  name  of 
Raymond,  May  9,  1764.  The  boundary  line  between  Raymond  and  Candia  was 
established  June  23,  1848. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  717  ; XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  307  ; Index 
to  Laws,  465;  History,  by  Joseph  Fullonton,  1875,  pp.  407;  historical  sketch, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  443,] 


[GRANT  TO  SAMUEL  SYMONDS.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  19,  1658.] 

June  3,  1657  : Mr  Symonds  land  Confirmd. 

Memorandum  that  upon  the  day  & yeare  abovewritten,  Samuell 
Symonds  of  Ipswich  in  the  shire  of  Essex  in  New  England  Gen4 
did  take  possession  of  sixe  hundred  & forty  acres  of  Ground 
Graunted  to  him  by  the  Honnored  Generali  Court  in  the  presence 
& wth  the  Consent  of  mohermite  Sagamore  of  those  parts  The 
place  & farme  is  now  Called  The  Island  ffalls.  there  is  a tree  close 
by  that  falls  marked  wth  two  SS,  and  a litle  Island  in  the  River 
by  the  falls,  there  douneward  conteyning  in  length  one  full  mile, 
from  the  lower  end  of  that  litle  Island  aforesaid  up  the  River  and 


272 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


halfe  a mile  in  breadth  on  each  side  of  the  said  River  wch  River  is 
Called  Lamper  eele  River.  That  place  or  part  of  Lamper  Ele 
River  is  betweene  the  Tounes  of  Dover  and  exetur  up  into  the 
Countrie  beyond  the  bounds  of  either  of  those  Tounes  in  that  place 
and  about  sixe  miles  Douneward  by  land  to  the  mouth  of  the  said 
Lamper  Ele  : River  which  emptieth  itself  there  into  the  Great  Bay  : 
And  to  this  wee  give  our  Testimony. 

The  mrke  of  John  J Gage 
Daniell  Epps 

Wee  also  were  present  when  the  land  above  mentioned  was  laid 
out  & possession  taken 

Edward  Hilton  senr 
Edward  Hilton  Junr 

This  Retourne  being  presented  to  the  Generali  Court  for  their 
Allowance  & Confirmation  by  mr  Samuell  Symonds  : 

The  Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Allow  & Continue  this  Retourne 
so  as  the  River  herein  mencioned  be  & Remaine  in  Comon  as  in 
times  past  & y*  the  land  be  free  from  former  Graunts  :/ 

In  Ansr  to  mr  Samuell  Symonds  further  Request  yt  this  Court 
would  explaine  theire  proviso  in  theire  Graunt  so  as  It  may 
not  extend  to  prjudice  his  right  & liberty  in  the  said  River 
for  the  Conveniency  of  his  mills  although  in  all  other  Respects  ye 
said  River  be  at  liberty  : The  Court  declares  in  Answer  thereto 
that  It  is  not  theire  Intent  to  prohibitt  the  setting  up  of  a mill  so  as 
the  River  be  free  in  other  Respects./ 


RICHMOND. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  June  20,  1735,  to  Capt.  Joseph  Sylvester’s  men, 
and  called  Sylvester-Canada.  Granted  Feb.  28,  1752,  to  Joseph  Blanchard  and 
others,  and  incorporated  as  Richmond.  The  charter  was  renewed  June  11,  1760. 
A triangular  tract  in  the  north  part  of  the  town  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Swan- 
zey,  Dec.  11,  1762.  Another  portion  was  taken  off  June  23,  1815,  and  combined 
with  portions  of  Marlborough,  Fitzwilliam,  and  Swanzey,  to  make  the  town  of 
Troy.  The  northwest  corner  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Winchester  July  2,  1850. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following : X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers, 
394,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; 
XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  312;  Index  to  Laws,  475;  History,  by  William 
Barrett,  1884,  pp.  578;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County* 
1886,  p.  322.] 


RICHMOND. 


273 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  and  House  Journal,  June  19, 

*735-] 

A Petition  of  Major  James  Warren,  for  himself  and  others,  that 
Served  in  the  Expedition  against  Canada  in  the  Year  1690,  Under 
Joseph  Sylvester,  or  are  the  Representatives  of  such  of  the  said 
Soldiers  as  are  deceased  ; Praying  for  a Tract  of  the  Province 
Lands  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  for  a Township  to  Set- 
tle on,  in  consideration  of  the  great  hardships  they  or  their  Ances- 
tors endured  in  the  said  Expedition — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Voted  That  a Tract  of  the 
Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  of  the  Contents  of  Six 
Miles  Square  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  the  Pet18  their  heirs  and 
Assignes  Respectivly  forever  for  a Township,  to  lye  in  some  Suit- 
able place  ; That  the  Grantees  be  and  hereby  are  obliged  to  bring 
forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township,  in  as  Regular  a man- 
ner as  the  Situation  and  Circumstances  of  the  said  Town  will 
Admit,  in  the  following  manner  viz1  That  each  Grantee  his  heirs 
or  assignes  build  an  house  on  his  Respective  Lott  or  share  of 
Eighteen  feet  Square  & Seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least,  and  plow  & 
bring  to  English  Grass  & fit  for  mowing  Six  Acres  of  land  : and 
that  they  Settle  a Learned  Orthodox  Minister,  & build  a Conven- 
ient Meeting  house  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God  ; that  one 
Sixty  third  part  of  the  said  Township  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to 
the  first  Settled  Minister,  the  like  quantity  for  the  use  of  the  Min- 
istry, & the  like  quantity  for  the  use  of  the  School,  in  all  the  Divi- 
sions of  the  said  Township;  that  the  Grantees  be  and  hereby  are 
obliged  to  give  a Bond  of  Twenty  pounds  for  the  Fulfilment  of  the 
Conditions  aforesaid ; the  Bonds  to  be  made  to  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Province,  and  in  Case  any  of  the  Grantees  shall  fail  of  the  per- 
formance of  his  Grant,  such  person  shall  forfeit  all  Right  Title  & 
pretence  thereto  in  the  Province,  to  be  disposed  of  as  this  Court 
shall  think  proper  In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  21,  and  House  Journal,  June  20, 

I73S-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent51  Voted  that  John  Cushing  junr  & 
James  Warren  Esqr  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall  Appoint 
be  a Comtee  to  lay  out  the  Township  lately  Granted  to  the  officers 
18 


274 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& soldiers  & the  Represent3  of  such  as  are  deceased,  who  were  in 
the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  Under  the  particular  Com- 
mand of  Cap4  Joseph  Silvester  late  deced,  and  that  the  Comtee  Re- 
turn a plat  of  the  Township  to  the  Court  within  twelve  months  for 
confirmation,  and  take  Effectual  Care  that  the  Grantees  comply 
with  the  Several  Conditions  of  the  Grant — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Samuel  Thaxter  Esqr  is 
Joined  in  the  Affair — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


\_Petition  of  Committee  for  Laying  Out  Richmond , i/j6.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  105,  p.  147.] 

To  His  Exceley  Jona  Belcher  Esqr  Govr  & Comandr  in  Chief  &c 
To  ye  Honle  Council — 

The  Memorial  & Petition  of  Sam11  Thaxter  In  the  Name  & by 
order  of  the  Comitte  for  Laying  out  a Canada  Township  so  Called 
Granted  to  the  officers  & Souldiars  belonging  to  the  Company 
under  ye  Comand  of  Cap4  Joseph  Silvester  Humbly  Sheweth 

That  By  order  of  the  Gen11  Court  passed  in  their  Sessions  May 
1 735 , Fifty  pounds  was  allowed  to  be  Drawn  out  of  the  Publick 
Treasury  & paid  to  the  Respective  Comittes  for  ye  Laying  out  &c 
the  Canady  Townships  so  Called — That  ye  Memorialists  have  Ex- 
pended a Considerable  sum  in  ye  Service  for  Laying  the  Town- 
ship Granted  to  sd  Silvester  & Company  & Desire  yor  Exceley  & 
Honrs  will  order  a warr4  to  ye  Treasurer  for  paym4  of  Fifty  pounds 
allow’d  as  aforesd  to  y®  sd  Comitte — & yor  Memorialist  shall  pray 
&c — 

June  30,  1736  Sam1  Thaxter 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  6,  1736.] 

A Plat  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square,  with  an  allowance  for 
swag  of  Chain  and  Ponds,  and  one  hundred  acres  of  Land  granted 
to  Col.  Josiah  Willard  surveyed  and  laid  out  by  Josiah  Willard 
Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this 
Court  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Company  late  under  the 
Command  of  Capt.  Joseph  Sylvester , deceased,  &c.  lying  East- 
erly of  the  Township  of  Earlington , so  called,  was  presented  for 


RICHMOND. 


275 


allowance.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the 
Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  con- 
firmed to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno 
1690,  in  the  Company  late  under  the  Command  of  Capt.  Joseph 
Sylvester,  deceased,  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns,  and  to  the 
Heirs,  legal  Representatives  ^nd  Descendants  of  such  of  them  as 
are  since  deceased,  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively 
for  ever,  they  complying  with  the  Conditions,  provided  the  Plat 
exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  six  miles  square  of  Land,  exclusive  of 
the  Grant  of  one  hundred  acres  to  Col.  Willard,  and  the  allow- 
ance for  swag  of  Chain  and  Ponds  as  within  mentioned,  and  does 
not  interfere  with  any  other  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  20.] 

June  the  12,  1736 — Then  Cap4  Josiah  Willard  Surveyr  & 
George  Macfarland  & James  Johnson  Chainmen  were  sworn  to 
Deal  faithfully  & Impartially  In  Surveying  & measuring  The 
Township  Granted  by  the  Gen11  Court  to  Cap1  Joseph  Silvester  & 
Company  &c — 

Before  me  Sam1  Thaxter  Js  peace 

June  ye  19th  1736. 

Then  finished  the  Laying  out  a Tract  of  Land  on  the  Easterly 
Side  of  Arlington  Granted  by  the  Great  and  General  Court  held 
at  Boston  In  June  1735 — for  a Plantation  or  Township  of  the 
Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  and  is  Granted  to  Capt  Joseph  Sil- 
vister  and  his  Company  and  is  bounded  thus  beginning  at  a piller 
of  Stones  Erected  for  the  South  Easterly  corner  of  Arlington  from 
thence  runing  East  Six  miles  partly  on  a Town  Ship  Lately  Laid 
out  and  partly  on  province  Land — to  a Hemlock  tree  marked 
with  J.  S.  from  thence  Running  North  Six  miles  & fifty  Six 
Perches  to  a maple  tree  marked  with  J.  S — from  thence  West  44 
degres  North  Seven  hundred  and  thirteen  Perch  to  an  heap  of 
Stones  on  the  Lower  ashewelot  line  and  from  thence  South  forty 
three  deg.  West  on  the  ashewelot  line  one  thousand  one  hundred 
and  ninety  three  perch  to  a piller  of  Stones  then  West  Eighteen 
deg.  North  Six  hundred  & fourty  Perch  to  a piller  of  stones  then 
Running  South  on  Arlington  line  five  miles  and  one  hundred  and 
fifty  one  Rods  to  a piller  of  Stones  the  first  mentioned  Bounds 


276 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


there’s  allowed  about  one  Rod  in  thirty  for  uneven  land  and  Swag 
of  Chain,  also  there  is  allowed  one  hundred  acres  for  a farm  all 
ready  Granted  to  Coll.  Josiah  Willard  with  five  hundred  acres  for 
ponds — 

^ Josiah  Willard  Surveyor 

a scale  of  310  perch  to  an  inch 


c 

TA 


Wee  the  subscribers  being  the  Majr  part  of  a Comitte  of  the  Great 
& Gen11  Court  of  the  sd  Province  appointed  to  Lay  out  the  Town- 
ship Lately  Granted  to  Cap4  Joseph  Silvester  & Company  & the 
representatives  of  Such  as  are  Decesd  Have  according  to  Orders 


RICHMOND. 


277 


Surveyd  & Lay’d  out  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  miles 
Square  as  Described  by  this  Platt  & have  also  agreed  to  notifie  the 
Proprs  to  meet  in  order  to  become  Bound  to  fulfill  the  Condition 
according  to  the  Direction  of  the  Gen11  Court — 

All  which  is  most  Humbly  Submitted  By 

Sam1  Thaxter 
Jn°  Cushing  Junr 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  July  6th  17 36-  Read  and  Or- 
dered that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated 
and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  officers  & 
Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690  in  the  Company 
late  under  the  Command  of  Capt  Joseph  Sylvester  deceased  and 
to  their  heirs  and  assigns  and  to  the  Heirs  legal  Representatives 
and  descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  since  deceased  and  to 
their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively  for  ever  they  complying  with 
the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  Six  Miles  square  of  Land  exclusive  of  the  Grant  of 
one  hundred  acres  to  Col°  Willard  & the  allowance,  for  swagg  of 
Chain  and  ponds  as  within  mentioned,  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  other  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  July  6,  1736 — 

Read  & Concur’d  Simon  Frost-  D.  Sec  : 

Consented  to  J.  Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  6,  1736.] 

A plat  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square,  with  the  Allowance 
of  One  Rod  in  thirty  for  Swag  of  Chain  & Uneven  lands  as 
also  for  one  hundred  Acres  of  Land,  Granted  to  Col0  Josiah  Wil- 
lard & five  hundred  Acres  for  ponds,  Surveyed  and  laid  out  by 
Josiah  Willard  Survey1,  and  Chainmen  on  Oath,  to  Satisfy  a Grant 
of  this  Court  made  to  the  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Company, 
late  Under  the  Command  of  Cap*  Joseph  Sylvester  dec’ed,  and  ly- 
ing Easterly  of  the  Towpship  of  Arlington  so  Called,  & bounded 
as  follows  viz*  Begining  at  a piller  of  Stones  erected  for  the  South 
Easterly  Corner  of  said  Arlington ; thence  Runing  East,  Six 
Miles  to  a hemlock  tree  Marked  with  J S from  thence  Runing 
North  Six  Miles  & fifty  Six  perch  to  a Maple  tree  Marked  J S ; 
thence  West  44  deg.  North  Seven  hundred  & thirteen  perch  to  a 


278 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


heap  of  Stones  on  the  lower  Ashuelet  line  from  thence  S°  13  Deg. 
West  on  the  Ashuelet  line  One  thousand  one  hundred  & Ninety 
three  perch  to  a piller  of  Stones ; then  West  18  deg.  North  Six 
hundred  forty  perch  to  a piller  of  Stones ; and  then  Runing 
South  on  Arlington  line,  five  Miles  & One  hundred  and  fifty  Rods, 
to  the  pillar  of  Stones  first  mentioned ; which  plat  Accompanied 
the  Report  of  the  Comtee  Appointed  to  lay  out  the  said  Town- 
ship— 


[Mass.  Court  Records  and  House  Journal,  Jan.  18,  1736-7.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Whereas  a Grant  of  a Township  of 
the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  was  made  by  this  Court  at  their 
Session  in  June  1735  to  the  officers  & Soldiers  in  the  Canada 
Expedition  Under  the  Command  of  Cap1  Joseph  Sylvester  and  to 
the  heirs  legal  Represent51  & descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are 
deceased,  But  for  as  much  as  a Sufficient  Number  of  said  Gran- 
tees do  not  Appear  to  give  Bonds  for  fulfilling  the  Conditions 
Agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  said  Grant 

Therefore  ordered  that  the  Comtee  Appointed  to  Admit  Settlers 
in  said  Township  be  Impowred  to  Admit  any  others  that  were 
Either  officers  & Soldiers  in  any  other  Company  in  the  said  Can- 
ada Expedition,  or  the  heirs  Legal  Represent51  or  Descendants  of 
any  of  them  who  are  Since  deceased,  who  have  not  been  Admitted 
Grantees  into  other  Towns ; So  as  to  make  the  Number  of  Sixty 
Settlers  in  all ; and  that  upon  their  giving  Bond  as  aforesaid,  they 
each  of  them  be  entitled  to  a Sixty  third  part  of  said  Township, 
provided  they  perform  the  Conditions  of  said  Grant,  Unless  a Suf- 
ficient Number  of  the  said  Company  so  as  to  make  up  in  the  whole 
of  the  said  officers  and  Soldiers  or  of  the  heirs  legal  Represent51  or 
Descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  since  dec’ed  Appear  to  make 
their  Claim  to  said  Grant  before  the  Comtee  Appointed  to  admit 
Grantees  at  or  before  the  Eighteenth  day  of  March  next  and  that 
the  said  Comtee  give  publick  Notice  Seasonably  of  this  Order — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


RICHMOND.  279 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  18,  and  House  Journal,  June  16, 

1 737-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Ordered  That  James  Warren  Esqr 
be  and  hereby  is  fully  Authorized  and  Impowred  to  Assemble  and 
for  the  first  Meeting  to  Convene  the  Grantees  of  a Township 
lately  Granted  by  this  Court  to  the  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the 
Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  Under  the  Command  of  Cap1 
Joseph  Silvester  dec’ed  their  heirs  legal  Represent  &c  in  some 
Convenient  place  in  the  Town  of  Plymouth  when  and  where  the 
Grantees  under  the  Direction  of  the  said  James  Warren  Esqr  are 
to  make  Choice  of  a proper  Clerk  and  to  pass  such  votes  and 
Rules  & orders  for  bringing  on  the  Settlement  as  may  be  Agree- 
able to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  and  also  to  Agree  Upon  some 
Regular  Methods  for  to  call  proprietors  Meetings  for  the  future — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Grant  to  Josiah  Willard.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  11,  1736.] 

A Plat  containing  one  hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Ben- 
jamin Prescot , Esq;  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  to 
satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  to  Col.  Josiah  Willard  on  his  Peti- 
tion as  entred  the  9 th.  of  January  last,  the  Land  lying  East  from 
Arlington  so  called,  on  both  sides  of  Roaring  Brook , (it  being 
for  raising  a Head  or  Pond  of  Water  for  his  Mill)  was  presented 
for  allowance.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted 
and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are 
confirmed  to  the  said  Col.  Josiah  Willard  his  Heirs  and  Assigns 
for  ever,  he  or  they  performing  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  pro- 
vided the  said  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  one  hundred  Acres, 
and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  13,  1736.] 

A plat  of  One  hundred  Acres  of  Land  Granted  by  this  Court  to 
Col0  Josiah  Willard  lying  East  of  Arlington  on  both  Sides  of 
Roaring  Brook  so  Called,  laid  out  by  Benjamin  Prescott  Esqr  Sur- 


28o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


veyr  and  Chainmen  Upon  Oath,  begining  at  a Stake  and  Stones 
for  the  Northerly  Corner,  thence  Runing  South  45  Deg.  East  one 
hundred  & thirty  two  poles  ; to  a Hemlock  tree  marked  ; thence 
South  45  Deg  West  one  hundred  & twenty  poles,  to  a Hemlock 
tree  ; thence  North  45  Deg.  West  one  hundred  & thirty  two  Rods 
to  a black  birch  ; thence  North  45  Deg.  East  one  hundred  and 
twenty  poles  to  the  bounds  first  mentioned 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  25.] 


Fort  Dummer  June  25th  1736 

Cap1  Josiah  Williard  being  Apointed  Surveyor,  and  Enoch  Hall, 
And  Joseph  Alaxander  Junr  Chainmen  For  the  Laying  out  of  a 
Grant  of  one  hundred  acres  of  Land  Granted  by  ye  General  Court 
or  assembley  to  Col1  Josiah  Williard  of  Leuningburg  Jan17  9, 
1735/6  On  A Brook  Called  Roaring  Brook  Eastward  of  Arlington, 
The  Abovesd  Josiah  Williard  Surveyor  & Joseph  Alaxander  & 
Enoch  Hall  Chainmen,  Appear’d  And  made  Solemen  Oath  that 
they  would  Trudy  And  faithfully  According  to  their  best  Skill  & 
Judgment  Survey  > >*) <ay  out  ye  abovmentioned  Tract  of  Land 

Corm  me  Joseph  Kellogg  Justice  piece 


RICHMOND. 


28l 


August  31th  1736. 

Layed  out  a Tract  of  Land  East  from  Arlington  So  called  on 
both  Sides  of  Roaring  Brook  (So  called)  Containing  One  Hun- 
dred Acres  Discribed  in  the  Above  Platt  To  Satisfye  a Grant 
Made  to  Col1  Josiah  Willard  by  the  Great  & Gen1  Court  in  Janu- 
ary Last,  which  is  Bounded  as  follows  viz1  At  the  Northerly 
Corner  On  a Stake  and  Stones  Thence  Runing  South  45  Degrees 
east  One  Hundred  & Thirty  Two  poles  To  a Hemlock  Tree 
Marked  for  a Corner  There  Turning  A Right  Angle  & Runing 
South  450  West  One  Hundred  & Twenty  Poles  To  a Hemlock 
Tree  There  Turning  A Right  Angle  and  Runing  North  450  West 
One  Hundred  & Thirty  Two  Poles  To  a Black  Burch  Thence 
Runing  North  450  East  One  Hundred  and  Twenty  Poles  To  ye 
Bound  first  mentioned  all  of  which  Corners  with  many  Trees  in 
the  Line  are  Sufficiently  marked  platted  by  a Scale  of  forty  pearch 
in  an  Inch  Enoch  Hall  & Joseph  Alexander  assisting  as  Chainmen 
having  been  Sworn  for  That  Purpose  before  Mr  Justice  Kellog 

Benja  Prescott  Surveyor 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 

Middlesex  ss  Woburn  Decr  8th  1736  Benjamin  Prescott  Esqr 
Personally  Appearing  made  oath  that  in  the  surveying  One  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  Granted  by  yc  Generali  Court  to  Josiah  Willard 
Esqr  as  described  by  ye  above  Plan  he  therein  Acted  faithfully  & 
Impartially  according  to  the  best  of  his  Skill  & Judgment 

Before  me  Joseph  Wilder  Justice  of  ye  Peace 


[Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  10,  p.  25,  and  Court  Records,  Dec.  13, 

1736.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  11th  1736 
Read  & ordered  that  the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the 
said  Col0  Josiah  Willard  his  heirs  & assigns  for  Ever  he  or  they 
performing  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided  the  plat  exceeds 
not  the  Contents  of  One  hundred  Acres,  and  does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Decemr  13,  1736 

Read  & Concurrd  Simon  Frost  Dep  Secry 

15  ; Consented  to  J Belcher 


282 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


RINDGE. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Feb.  3,  1736-7,  to  inhabitants  of  Rowley,  Mass., 
who  were  in  the  Canada  expedition.  Hence  called  Rowley- Canada.  Granted  by 
the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Feb.  14,  1749-50,  to  Solomon  Stewart  and  others,  and 
known  as  Monadnock  No.  1,  ox  South  Monadnock.  Incorporated  as  Rindge  Feb. 
11,  1768,  and  named  in  honor  of  Daniel  Rindge.  The  line  between  Rindge  and 
Fitzwilliam  was  established  June  17,  1847. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  720;  XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  320; 
Index  to  Laws,  476;  History,  by  Ezra  S.  Stearns,  1875,  PP-  788 ; historical 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  532.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  2,  1736.] 

A Petition  of  Joseph  Pike  for  himself  and  sundry  others, 
Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  shew- 
ing that  they  have  formerly  petitioned  this  Court  for  a Township, 
which  has  never  yet  had  the  favour  of  passing  thro’  the  whole 
Court,  praying  they  may  now  obtain  the  Grant  of  a Township  in 
some  suitable  place  in  consideration  of  their  services  and  sufferings 
in  that  Expedition,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  Ordered, 
That  this  Petition  be  taken  under  consideration  to  morrow  morn- 
ing. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  4,  1736.] 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Pike  for  himself  and  others,  Canada 
Officers  and  Soldiers,  as  also  the  Petition  of  John  Platts  and  John 
Stewart , Canada  Officers  and  Soldiers  Anno  1690,  praying  for 
Lands,  as  entred  the  second  currant.  Read  again,  and  Ordered , 
That  Capt.  Hobson , and  Capt.  Rolfe , be  desired  to  prepare  proper 
Votes  in  lavour  of  the  Petitions,  subjecting  the  Settlement  of  the 
Lands  to  the  Usual  Conditions  of  Settlement. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  9,  1736.] 

A Petition  of  John  Tyler  and  Joseph  Pike,  and  other  Canada 
Soldiers  Anno  1690,  as  entred  the  27 th.  of  June  1735  was  read, 
and  the  House  came  into  the  Grant  of  a Township  of  the  contents 


RINDGE. 


283 


of  six  miles  square,  in  some  suitable  place,  on  the  same  Conditions 
of  Settlement  with  the  former,  and  Capt.  Hobson , and  Major 
Charles  Pierce,  with  such  as  the  honourable  Board  shall  join  be  the 
Committee. 

Sent  up  for  concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  20,  1738-9.] 

A Plat  containing  six  Miles  square  of  Land,  with  an  Allowance 
of  ten  thousand  Acres  for  ten  large  Ponds  and  a large  shrub 
Swamp  about  four  Miles  in  length,  surveyed  and  laid  out  by 
Nathanael  Haywood , Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-Men  on  Oath,  to 
satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  made  to  John  Tyler , Joseph  Pike, 
and  others,  that  were  either  Officers  or  Soldiers  in  the  Canada 
Expedition  Anno  1690,  bounded  as  follows,  viz.  Beginning  at  a 
Maple  Tree  the  northerly  Corner  of  Dorchester  Canada  Town- 
ship, from  thence  running  North  32  gr.  East  two  Miles  and  100 
Poles  to  a heap  of  Stones,  Thence  North  22  gr.  East  four  Miles 
thence  North  one  Mile  till  it  meets  with  the  said  Township  granted 
to  Samuel  Heywood  &c.,  thence  West  four  Miles  by  the  said 
Township  to  the  southwesterly  Corner  thereof,  thence  North  by 
said  Township  three  Miles  and  220  Poles,  thence  West  30  gr. 
South  five  Miles  and  180  Perch  to  a wild  Cherry  Tree  on  the 
Southward  of  the  great  Monadnuck  aforesaid,  thence  South 
180  Perch,  thence  East  41  gr.  South  2500  Perch  to  a heap 
of  Stones,  then  North  12  gr.  East  one  Mile  to  the  northwardly 
Corner  of  Dorchester  Canada  Township,  being  the  Maple  Tree 
first  mentioned.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Plat  be  accepted, 
and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described,  be  and  hereby  are 
confirmed  to  the  Grantees,  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively 
forever,  they  effectually  complying  with  the  Conditions  of  the 
Grant,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  contents  of  six  Miles 
square,  with  the  Allowance  of  ten  thousand  Acres  for  ten  large 
Ponds  and  a large  shrub  Swamp  included  therein,  and  does  not 
interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  23,  1738-9.] 

John  Osborne,  Esq;  brought  down  the  Plat  of  a Township  laid 
out  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  made  to  John  Tyler,  Joseph 


284 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Pike , and  others,  as  enter’d  the  'loth  current.  Pass’d  in  Council, 
viz . In  Coucil,  January  23d  1738.  Read  and  non  concur’d,  and 
Ordered , That  five  thousand  Acres  only  be  allowed  for  Ponds,  &c. 
and  that  the  Committee  be  directed  to  reform  the  Plat  upon  the 
Spot  accordingly  at  the  Charge  of  the  Grantees,  and  report  to  this 
Court  at  the  next  May  Session. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  262.] 


RINDGE.  285 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  pp.  262-264  and  Court  Records,  Jan. 

23. 1738-9-] 

Massa  Sc.  Novr  i9t  1738 

Then  Nathan  Heywood  as  Surveyor  Ephraim  Wetherbee  and 
Abel  Platts  as  Chainmen  personally  Appearing  Made  Solemn 
Oath  that  in  Surveying  the  Township  Granted  to  John  Tyler 
Joseph  Pike  and  Others,  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Expedition  to 
Canada  Anno,  1690 — they  would  proceed  Accordingly  to  their 
Best  Skill  and  Judgement  therein. 

Before  Thomas  Berry,  Js  P3 

A Plat  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square 
laid  out  by  Nathan  Heywood  Surveyor  & Chainmen  on  Oath  to 
Satisfie  a Grant  made  by  the  Great  & General  Court  of  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  held  at  Boston  the  24th  of 
Novemr  1736.  to  John  Tyler,  Joseph  Pike  & others,  that  were 
either  Officers  or  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690, 
or  the  Descend13  of  Such  of  them  as  are  Decd,  which  Tract  lieth  to 
the  Southward  of  the  Grand  Monadnuck  so  called,  & adjoining  to 
the  Township  lately  granted  by  Sd  Court  to  Sam11  Haywood  &c. 
Beginning  at  a Maple  'Tree  the  North  Easterly  Corner  of  Dor- 
chester Canada  Township  from  thence  running  North  32  Degr 
East  two  Miles  & one  Plundred  poles  to  a Heap  of  Stones,  Thence 
North  22  Degr8  East  four  Miles,  Thence  North  One  Mile  till  it 
meets  with  the  Sd  Township  granted  to  Sam11  Haywood  &c ; 
thence  West  four  Miles  by  the  Said  Township  to  the  South  Westerly 
Corner  thereof,  thence  North  by  the  Said  Township,  Three  Miles 
& 220  poles,  thence  West  20  Degr*  South  five  Miles  & 180  perch 
to  a Wild  Cherry  Tree  on  the  Southward  of  the  Grand  Monad- 
nuck aforesd,  Thence  South  One  Thousand  & eighty  perch ; 
Thence  East  41  Degrs  South  Two  Thousand  five  Hundred  Perch, 
to  a Heap  of  Stones  Then  North  Twelve  Deg  ; East  one  Mile  to 
the  Northeasterly  Corner  of  Dorchester  Canada  Township  being 
the  Maple  Tree  first  mentioned — With  the  allowance  of  One  Rod 
in  Thirty  for  uneven  Land  & Swag  of  Chain  ; And  there  is  a fur- 
ther allowance  within  the  Said  Tract  for  Ten  large  ponds  and 
a large  Shrub  Swamp  about  four  Mile  in  Length  & a Mile  in 
Wedth— 

Nathan  Heywood  Surr 

Examd  & Approvd,  Ebenr  Burrill 

We  the  Subscribers  Appointed  a Committee  to  Lay  out  a Town- 


286 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ship  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  To  John  Tyler,  Joseph 
Pike  and  others,  Are  of  Opinion  that  the  Allowance  made  in  this 
Plat  Surveyed  by  Nathan  Haywood,  and  returned  to  this  Court, 
being  about  Ten  Thousand  Acres  is  but  a reasonable  and  Just 
Alowance. 


In  the  House  of  Reptives  Jan^  20th  1738 

Read  and  ordered  that  the  Plan  be  Accepted  and  the  lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  Confirmed  to 
the  Grantees  their  heirs  and  Assignes  Respectively  forever  they 
Effectually  Complying  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  provided 
ye  Platt  Exceeds  not  the  Contents  of  Six  mile  Square  with  ye  Allow- 
ance of  Ten  Thousand  Acres  for  Ten  large  ponds  & ye  Large 
shrub  Swamp  Included  therein  and  does  not  Interfere  with  any 
former  Grant  Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  Jan1?  23d  1738 

Read  & Nonconcured  and  Ordered  That  five  thousand  Acres 
only  be  allowed  for  Ponds  &ca  And  that  the  Committee  be  directed 
to  reform  the  Plat  upon  the  spot  accordingly,  at  the  Charge  of  the 
Grantees,  and  report  to  this  Court  at  the  next  May  session 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence 


To  His  Excellency  Francis  Bernard  Esqr  Governour  & Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  His  Majesties  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  in  New  England  &c — 

To  the  Honble  His  Majesties  Council  & House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled  the  Seventeenth  Day  of  Decr  A. 
D.  1760 — 


Read  and  Concurred 
24  : Consented  to, 


In  the  House  of  Reptives  Janr  23d  1738 


' J Willard  Sec’ry 

, J Quincy  Sp1^ 
J Belcher 


\_Petition  of  Proprietors  of  Pindge,  //do.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  117,  p.  611.] 


RINDGE. 


287 


The  Petition  of  Benjamin  Mullickin  Thomas  Perly  & Moody 
Bridges  Agents  for  the  Proprietors  of  a Township  Called  & known 
by  the  Name  of  Rowly  Cannada — Humbly  Sheweth — 

That  the  great  & General  Court  of  the  Province  Aforesd  Made 
a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square 
to  John  Tyler  Joseph  Pike  & others  officers  & Soldiers  in  the 
Cannada  Expedition  A D 1690  As  a Gratuity  for  their  Service  in 
sd  Expedition 

That  on  the  23d  Day  of  January  AD  1739  a Plot  of  sd  Town- 
ship was  Return’d  to  the  Court  by  the  Comtee  Appointed  to  Lay 
out.  the  Same,  which  was  made  Large  On  Account  of  Sundry 
Ponds  & a Large  Shrub  Swamp  Contain’d  in  the  Bounds  thereof 
Which  was  Accepted  with  this  Restriction  that  Five  Thousand 
Acres  Only  Should  be  Allow’d  for  ponds  &c  & the  Comtee  were 
Directed  to  Conform  the  Plot  Accordingly,  Which  Business  of 
sd  Comtee  in  Correcting  sd  Plot  was  postpon’d  ’till  A.  D.  1741 
When  the  Dividing  Line  between  sd  Province  & the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  was  Run  which  took  the  Greatest  Part  of  sd  Town- 
ship into  sd  province  of  New  Hapshire  Therefore  sd  Comttee  Never 
Conformed  sd  Plot  According  to  Court  order — 

But  may  it  Please  Your  Excellency  & Hon”  The  Proprietors  of 
sd  Township  Look’d  upon  themselves  as  Haveing  Good  Right  to  a 
Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  within  the  Limmits 
of  sd  Plot  Nothwithstanding  the  Neglect  of  sd  Comttee  in  Conform- 
ing sd  Plot  to  the  order  of  Court  & Notwithstanding  the  greatest 
part  of  it  Fell  into  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  by  the 
Settlement  of  sd  Line  For  Haveing  had  Recourse  to  the  Commission 
of  His  Majesty  For  Marking  out  the  Dividing  Line  of  sd  Provinces 
they  were  Inform’d  that  His  Majesty  was  Graciously  Pleased  to 
make  a Declaration  Against  private  Property  being  Affected 
thereby  And  they  were  Secure  that  Nothing  would  Impeach  or 
Affect  their  Right  to  that  part  of  sd  Township  that  Remain’d  in 
the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay — 

Wherefore  the  better  to  Extend  His  Majesties  Dominions  & 
to  promote  their  own  Interest  the  sd  prop”  took  Courage  & began 
to  make  Improvements  A D 1742  And  by  great  Labour  & Expence 
in  Clearing  Roads  Building  of  Mills  & Provideing  Materials  for  a 
Meeting  House  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God  the  Charges  of 
the  prop”  were  greatly  Augmented  But  the  Commencement  of  a 
War  with  the  Savages  greatly  Retarded  the  Settlement  of  sd  Town- 
ship But  as  Soon  as  the  war  was  over  they  Return’d  to  their 
Possessions  & made  good  progress  in  Bringing  Forward  Settle- 


288 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ments  till  A.  D.  1749  When  the  Honble  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqr  of 
Dunstable  Signified  to  sd  prop”  that  sd  Township  was  Claim’d  by 
Certain  Gentlemen  in  New  Hampshire  Aforesd  by  Virtue  of  an 
Ancient  Patent  Called  Masons  Patent  which  Moved  sd  prop13  to 
Send  a Comtee  to  Treat  with  the  sd  Joseph  Blanchard  Esqr  (Who 
Represented  sd  Gentlemen)  In  order  For  an  Accomodation  Whom 
when  they  had  Treated  upon  the  premises  were  in  Suspense 
whither  sd  Township  was  Included  in  sd  patent  and  So  they  let  the 
Matter  Subside  till  they  Could  Measure  from  the  Sea  Sixty  Miles 
west  to  find  the  Extent  of  it  which  Accordingly  was  Done  at  the 
Expence  of  sd  proprs  and  they  found  that  a Township  of  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  Square  Might  be  made  within  the  Limmits  of 
sd  plot  which  sd  patent  Could  Not  Affect  and  Accordingly  Return 
was  made  to  Col°  Blanchard  that  sd  Sixty  Mile  Line  took  so 
Inconsiderable  a part  of  What  was  Included  in  sd  Plot  that  they 
tho’t  it  Not  Convenient  to  Ask  for  it  Seeing  they  Had  Enough  for 
a Township  without  it 

And  Now  may  it  Please  your  Excellency  & Hon1”3  Notwithstand- 
ing the  Caution  of  sd  Proprs  in  Labouring  to  Secure  to  themselves  if 
possible  the  Benefit  of  their  Labour  Said  Township  was  Granted 
by  the  proprietors  of  sd  Patent  to  a Number  of  Men  who  were  not 
of  the  Prop™  of  Rowly-Cannada  Aforesd  Nor  had  sd  Proprietors 
Ever  after  sd  Treaty  with  Col°  Blanchard  An  offer  of  sd  Township 
But  were  Utterly  Excluded  by  the  Aforesd  Grant  and  on  the  5th  Day 
of  Septr  A D 1751  An  Action  was  Commenced  Against  One 
Joseph  Plats  of  the  proprietors  Holding  Under  the  Massacht?  Gov- 
ernment by  One  Sam11  Johnson  Holding  under  the  Proprietors  of 
sd  patent  which  after  Several  Years  Continuance  from  Term  to 
Term  Judgment  was  Finally  made  up  in  the  Superiour  Court  in 
Favour  of  sd  Johnson  & Execution  Issued  in  the  Imprisonment  of 
sd  Plats  & Terminated  in  great  Cost  & Expence  to  sd  prop™  & in 
the  Loss  of  sd  Township  For  Notwithstanding  sd  proprietors  Prov’d 
their  Right  to  sd  Township  as  Granted  by  the  province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  & that  it  Laye  without  sd  Patent  & prov’d  their 
Right  to  the  Soil  by  Virtue  of  the  Deed  of  the  Massachusetts 
province  from  the  Council  of  Plymouth  & his  Majesties  Direction 
Against  private  Property  being  affected  by  the  Settlement  of  the 
Line  as  Aforesd  Yet  it  was  Alledged  & strongly  Urg’d  that  the 
Massachusetts  Government  was  None  other  than  a Corporation 
and  that  therefore  they  had  No  Right  in  Fee  to  the  Soil  of  their 
own  Province  Much  less  to  Rowly  Cannada  which  Lay  in  New 
hampshire  So  that  the  proprietors  were  Discouraged  from  Make- 


RINDGE. 


289 


ing  any  Further  Trial  in  the  Courts  of  New  hampshire  And  were 
Obliged  to  Evacuate  their  Settlements  And  the  proprs  Holding 
Under  the  Lords  of  sd  Patent  Have  taken  Possession  of  the  Houses 
& Lands  of  the  prop18  of  sd  Rowly  Cannada  Nor  have  they  been 
Able  to  Obtain  Any  Redress  Haveing  Apply’d  to  the  Proprs  of 
sd  Patent  & to  the  prop13  Holding-  Under  them  but  all  to  No  purpose 
The  prop"8  Also  as  Individuals  have  Apply’d  to  those  who  Enjoy 
their  Houses  & the  Benefit  of  their  Labour  But  there  is  Not  a Single 
Instance  wherein  any  one  of  them  have  Recd  Any  Consideration — 

That  the  Great  & General  Court  of  the  province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  Through  Some  Miss  Information  (as  Your  Petition- 
ers Conceive)  Did  in  the  Year  1752  make  Sale  of  Several  Thous- 
and Acres  of  Land  Included  in  the  aforesd  Plot  which  Lay  in  the 
Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Aforesd  & was  Not  taken  oft' 
by  the  Dividing  Line  of  sd  Provinces  So  that  the  prop1'3  Have  Now 
No  Dependance  but  upon  the  Interposition  of  the  great  & General 
Court  aforesd  for  Relief  in  their  Unfortunate  & Distressing  Cir- 
cumstances— 

Therefore  Your  Petitioners  in  Behalf  of  the  prop”  of  Rowly 
Cannada  Aforesd  Humbly  Intreat  Your  Excellency  & Hon”  to  Take 
the  premises  into  your  Wise  Consideration  and  in  Your  great  Wis- 
dom & Justice  Grant  them  the  Relief  which  they  Humbly  Crave 
(viz)  That  the  Charges  Sd  prop”  have  been  at  in  Bringing  for- 
ward the  Settlement  of  sd  Township  may  be  Reimbursted  to  them 
By  An  Act  of  the  Great  & General  Court  Aforesd  To  Enable  them 
to  Raise  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Hundred  & Eighty  two  pounds  Six 
Shillings  & Nine  pence  by  a Lottery  which  they  have  Expended 
in  the  Concerns  of  sd  Township  (viz)  Six  Hundred  & Eighty  two 
pounds  Six  Shillings  & Nine  pence  thereof  in  Taxes  which  Have 
been  Levied  upon  sd  proprietors  & Six  Hundred  thereof  (at  the 
Lowest  Computation)  which  hath  been  Expended  in  Buildings  & 
Bringing  forward  Settlements  Also  That  the  Court  would  be  Gra- 
ciously pleased  to  Make  them  a Grant  of  2745  Acres  of  Land  to 
be  taken  up  in  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Government  in 
Lieu  of  So  much  Land  Included  in  the  Aforesd  Plot  Lying  in  sd 
Massachusetts  Province  Sold  by  the  Court  as  Aforesd  or  Some 
other  way  Relieve  sd  proprietors  as  to  your  Excellency  & Hon™ 
Shall  Seem  Meet  And  Your  Memorialists  as  in  Duty  Bound  Shall 
Ever  Pray — 

Benja  Mullicken  ^ Agents  for  the 

Thomas  Perley  > Propr™  of 

Moody  Bridges  ) Rowly  Cannada 

19 


290 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Sworne  to  by  Benjn  Mulliken  Esqr  Moody  Bridges  Esqr  about 
2700  Acres  Lying  on  this  Side  the  Line  Sold  by  this  Province  to 
Royalshier 


[. Amounts  Expended  by  Rindge  Proprietors .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  1 1 7 , p.  615.] 

Att  a Meeting  of  the  Grantees  of  a Township  Granted  to  John 
Tyler  Joseph  Pike  & others  officers  & Soldiers  in  the  Expedi- 
tion to  Canada  anno  1690 — at  Rowley  the  fourteenth  Day  of  Febr 

1738— 

Voted  £3  = 18=6  to  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  the  Charg 
of  Runing  the  Line  Round  the  Township  & marking  the  Same 
and  Viewing  for  the  first  Division  Lots  &c 

at  a meeting  of  sd  Prop18  January  26:  1742/3  Voted  £1=00 
old  Tenor  to  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  him  that  Shall  Build  a 
Sawmill  in  sd  Township — 

att  a meeting  of  sd  Proprietors  on  the  22  Day  of  June  1743 
Voted  that  £3=00  old  Tenor  Be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray 
the  Charge  of  Building  a meeting  House  In  Said  Township — 
at  a meeting  of  sd  Proprs  Novr  7 : 1749  Voted  £4/  old  Tenor  to 
be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges — 

At  a meeting  of  sd  Proprs  March  28  : 1750  Voted  one  Pound  old 
Tenor  to  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges — 

At  a meeting  of  sd  Prop™  Decr  25  : 1750  Voted  £1=4 s/  Lawful 
money  to  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges — 

At  a meeting  of  sd  Prop™  October  ye  22  : 1751  Voted  £4=0=8 
to  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges — 

At  a meeting  of  sd  Prop™  on  ye  11  Day  of  June  1754  Voted  that 
£4/  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges — 

At  a meeting  of  sd  Prop™  on  ye  16  Day  of  Dec1-  1758  Voted  that 
Six  Shillings  be  Paid  on  Each  Right  to  Defray  Charges 

Attest  Tho8  Perley  Prop  : Clerk 

The  Several  Sums  Voted  as  abovsd  amounts  to  £11=5  = 2 on 
Each  Right  There  being  61  Rights  in  sd  Township  the  Sum  total 
is  686=15  = 2 Lawful  mony 


RINDGE. 


29I 


[, Statement  of  Abel  LavjrenceJ\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  117,  p.  619.] 

In  Compliance  with  your  Desire  that  I would  Committ  to 
wrighting  the  Princaple  Facts  I recollect  relating  to  Abel  Platts 
Joseph  Platts,  and  Josiah  Ingalls,  SufFurings  and  losses  on  account 
of  their  lands  in  Rowley  Cannada  being  Taken  from  them  by  the 
Propriators  Claiming  under  Jn°  Tufton  Mason  Esqr  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire — I have  to  Inform  you  that  I am 
Knowing  that  Abel  Platts,  Joseph  Platts  & Josiah  Ingalls,  with 
their  famileys  were  Some  of,  if  not  ye  very  first  Settlers  in  that 
Township  under  the  Grant  of  this  Province  that  Each  of  them  have 
made  Considerable  Improvements  and  have  Considerable  Build- 
ings on  ye  Same — That  Since  the  Claimers  from  ye  Side  of  New 
Hampshire  Entered  on  the  Township  and  Possessed  themselves 
of  the  Greatest  Part  of  it  Abel  & Joseph  Platts  kept  the  Possession 
of  their  Farms  for  Sundry  Years,  after  and  Even  untill  the  Titles 
of  those  lands  were  Settled  by  a Judgment  of  the  Superiour  Court 
of  the  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  against  the  Said  Joseph 
Platts,  and  he  was  Ejected  out  of  the  Possession  of  Said  lands  and 
not  being  able  to  pay  the  Charges  was  Imprisoned  in  Portsmouth 
Goal,  if  I mistake  not  more  than  Six  months  when  he  was  releived 
by  the  help  of  his  friends — That  aboute  this  time  I Purchased  a 
Right  in  Said  Township,  from  those  who  held  under  Mr  Mason 
which  happned  to  be  a part  of  the  Same  lands  which  Mr  Ingalls, 
had  Improved  by  virtue  of  the  Grant  of  this  Goverment — which 
lands  I have  Since  Sold  sd  Ingalls — now  being  a Propriator  under 
Mason  was  Chosen  Clerk  for  ye  Propriators  of  Said  Township  & 
Served  for  them  Several  Years — and  am  Certain  that  nither  Abel 
Platts,  Joseph  Platts,  nor  Josiah  Ingalls,  nor  Either  of  them  were 
Ever  favoured  or  Ever  had  in  that  township  : (I  never  heard 

they  had  in  any  other)  any  allowance  or  Consideration  for  their 
losses  Either  from  New  Hampshire  or  this  Province,  I also  am 
knowing  to  the  Platt’s  Living  on  those  Lands  when  Fitchs  Gar- 
rison fifteen  miles  on  this  side  was  Taken  Two  Soldiers  killcl  & 
Fitch  & family  Captavatied  I have  heard  the  Petitions  red  think 
the  facts  are  true  & that  they  are  no  ways  Exaggerated  & that  the 
Petitioners  are  amoung  the  greatest  Sufferres  occation  by  the  Tun- 
ing of  the  line  &c  &c  &c — I am  Gentlemen  your  most  obedient 
Humble  Servant — 


Abel  Lawrence 


292 


charter  records. 


ROCHESTER. 

[This  town,  as  incorporated  May  10,  1722,  included  the  present  towns  of  Farm- 
ington and  Milton.  The  westerly  part  was  set  off  and  incorporated  as  Farming- 
ton,  Dec.  1,  1798.  Milton  was  set  off  and  incorporated,  June  n,  1802.  Apart 
of  Rufus  C.  Varney’s  farm  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Barrington,  July  10,  1846. 
A city  charter  was  granted  March  31,  1891. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  721  ; 
XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  332  ; Index  to  Laws,  479 ; Historical  Notices,  by 
Joseph  Haven,  2,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  p.  169;  historical 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Strafford  County,  1882,  p.  719;  History,  by  Franklin 
McDuffee,  in  two  volumes,  1892,  pp.  688.] 


[Grant  to  Thomas  Lake.] 

[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  2,  p.  15,  and  Court  Records,  Oct. 

11,  1672.] 

Laid  out  unto  Capt  Richard  Walderne  for  the  use  of  Capt 
Thomas  Lake  and  partners  (by  vertue  of  an  order  of  the  generall 
Court  held  at  Boston  the  31th  day  of  may  1671)  one  thousand  two 
hundred  and  eightie  acres  of  land  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  river 
of  Newichawanock  about  a mile  above  the  head  line  of  the  towne 
ship  of  Dover  as  followeth  viz  : Beginning  at  a certain  elboe  of 
the  said  river  Knowne  by  the  name  of  the  Create  Eddie  neare  to 
a point  of  land  Called  Goliahs  Neck  and  from  the  said  Great 
Eddie  six  hundred  and  fortie  rods  west  and  by  south  in  the  length 
of  the  said  lands  and  from  the  said  Great  Eddie  three  hundred 
and  twentie  rods  and  by  the  west  for  the  breadth  of  it. 

^ me  John  Wincoll 

April  26,  1672 

May  24th  The  Deputyes  allow  of  this  returne  1672  as  a pt  of  the 
400  acrrs  graunted  them  by  this  Court  or  Honord  magists  consent- 
ing hereto  William  Torrey  Cleric 

16.8.72  The  magists  Consent  hereto  Provided  ye  Grant  In- 
trench not  in  ye  least  [on]  ye  land  confirmed  by  this  Court  to  Dr 
Whitchcotte  or  his  sucessors  & that  this  land  be  liable  to  pay 
Country  rates  as  other  Townes  The  magists  hand  past  this  their 
brethren  the  Deputs  hereto 

Edw  Rawson  Secrety 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputyes  William  Torrey  Cleric  16th  (8)  72 


ROCHESTER. 


293 


Att  A General  Court  held  at  Boston  31th  may  1671  In  Ansr  to 
the  motion  & request  of  Capt  Thomas  Lake  & partners  It  is 
ordered  that  Capt  John  Wincoll  &John  Hall  shall  & hereby  are 
Impowerd  to  Lay  out  the  fouer  thousand  acres  one  hundred 
twenty  & ffive  acres  of  land  formrly  Granted  them  : making  there 
returne  to  this  Court — 

This  is  A true  Copie  of  the  Courts  Grant  taken  out  of  the  Courts 
booke  of  Reccords  as  Attest 

Edw  Rawson  Secret’y 


[Grant  to  Samuel  and  Mrs.  Parnell  Nowell.] 
[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  14,  1656.] 

The  Court  being  sencible  of  the  lowe  Condicion  of  the  late 
Honnored  mr  Nowells  family  & Remembring  his  long  service  to 
this  Commonwealth  in  the  place  not  only  of  a magistrate  but  Secre- 
tary also,  for  wch  he  had  but  litle  and  slender  Recompenc,  & the 
Countries  debts  being  such  as  out  of  the  Country  Rate  they  Can- 
not Comfortably  make  such  an  honnorable  recompenc  to  his  family 
as  otherwise  they  would  Judge  meete  therefore  do  Give  & Graunt 
to  mrs  Nowell  and  hir  sonne  Samuell  two  thousand  acres  of  land 
to  be  laid  out  by  mr  Thomas  Danforth  and  Robert  Hale  in  any 
part  of  the  Countrie  not  yet  Graunted  to  others  in  two  or  three 
farmes  that  may  not  hinder  any  plantacion  to  be  erected — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  18,  1656.] 

Wee,  whose  names  are  subscribed  according  to  An  order  and 
Graunt  made  by  the  Generali  Court  held  at  Boston  octob.  14, 
1656.  Have  laid  out  to  Mrs  Parnell  Nowell  one  thousand  acres  of 
Land  lying  beyond  Dover  bounds  on  the  Northwest  & lyeth  upon 
the  quochecho  River  on  both  sides  thereof  begining  on  the  North 
east  side  of  a brooke  that  runneth  into  the  said  River  on  the  north 
west  side  of  Scohomogomocks  Hill  lately  planted  by  Indians  and 
lying  two  miles  in  length  up  the  same  upon  the  said  River  and 
half  a mile  in  breadth  Also  on  the  southwest  side  of  the  said  River 
begining  at  a Pine  tree,  marked  standing  Anent  the  Aforesaid 
scohomogomocke  Hill  and  from  thence  Runing  Southwest  three 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


2 94 

quarters  of  a mile  and  in  length  up  the  same  one  mile  and  a halfe 
and  at  the  upper  end  of  the  said  line  lying  in  breadth  from  the 
River  halfe  a mile  being  parralell  to  the  lower  lyne./ 

Also  laid  out  unto  mr  Samuell  Nowell  one  thousand  acres  lying 
on  ye  south  and  east  side  of  the  aforesaid  schohomogomocke  Hill 
and  is  bounded  with  the  wildernes  land  Annent  the  great  Pine 
Swamp  on  the  North  east  side  thereof  and  continewed  betweene 
that  and  chochecho  River  towards  Dover  bounds,  the  which  south 
east  line  wee  could  not  cleerely  Determine  becawse  Dover  bounds 
is  as  yett  unlaid  out : 

Given  under  our  hands.  Thomas  Danforth 

Apr  28  : 1657.  Robert  Hale 

The  Court  Accepts  of  this  Returne  of  the  Commissioners : in 
Reference  to  the  lands  therein  mencioned 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  45,  p.  172.] 

In  observance  of  an  order  of  ye  Honrd  Councill  march  4th  167! 
The  farmes  of  M”  Parnell  Nowell  & of  mr  Samuel  Nowell  lying  on 
ye  North  of  Dover  bounds  were  surveyed  & well  bounded  as  fol- 
low eth 

mr8  Parnell  Nowell  her  farme  is  bounded  by  Dover  line  on  ye 
South  456  pole  by  cocheco  River  west  376  pole  perpendicular,  by 
the  wilderness  north  456  pole,  which  line  runes  North  54  degre  : 
eastward  being  a paralell  line  to  dover  line,  bounded  on  ye  east 
by  her  son  mr  Samuel  Nowell,  376  pole  which  dividing  line  from 
Dover  bounds  runes  North,  24  degres  westward,  the  most  norther- 
ly corner  is  a great  pine  marked  with  N : ye  most  southerly  bounds 
is  a pine  near  cocheco  River,  marked  N : D.  ye  west  corner  is  a 
pine  by  ye  River  Side  marked  N.  ye  east  corner  is  a great  claboord 
tree  marked  N : D : this  containes  one  thousand  acres  all  well 
bounded  by  markt  trees. 

Also  mr  Samuel  Nowell  his  farme  containing  one  thousand 
acres  is  bounded  by  Dover  line  Southward  two  miles  long,  the  line 
runing  South  54  degres  westward  and  by  Negewonnick  River 
on  ye  east  half  a mile,  by  his  mother  mrs  Parnell  Nowell  her  farme 
on  ye  west  side  376  pole,  the  dividing  line  between  them  runes,  N : 
twenty  four  degrees  west,  bounded  by  wilderness  land  northward 
186  pole,  and  by  mr  Rawson  his  farme  62  pole  on  ye  north  east. 


ROCHESTER. 


295 


wch  came  to  ye  most  Southerly  Corner  of  mr  Rawsons  farme,  to  a 
black  oake  marked  with  B and  from  this  black  oake,  it  runes  in  a 
direct  line  to  Negewonnick  river  as  aforesaid.  The  most  South- 
erly Corner  is  a great  claboard  tree  marked  : D : N : the  west  Cor- 
ner is  a great  pine  marked  N : which  pine  stands  about  20  pole 
westward  of  Schohomogocks  Hill  ye  most  northerly  bounds  is  a 
red  oak  marked  N : which  joyneth  it  to  mr  Rawsons  line  on  ye 
west  side  of  his  farme,  all  which  was  surveyed  and  well  bounded  : 
3.  2m.  1679:  By  us  Jonathan  Danforth  Survey1 

John  Evens 

A true  platforme  of  ye  same  is  affixed  to  this  Scadell 

The  magists  Doe  allow  & Approove  of  this  Returne  their  breth- 
ren the  Deputyes  hereto  Consenting  Edw  Rawson  Secret  30d  may 
1679; 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputyes  William  Torrey  Cleric 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Sewall.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  24,  1738.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Sewall , Esq;  and  others,  Administrators 
on  the  Estate  of  their  late  honourable  Father  Samuel  Sewall  of 
Boston , Esq  ; deceased,  and  of  Jacob  Sheafe  of  Boston,  aforesaid, 
Gent,  shewing  they  are  the  legal  Representatives  of  the  Assigns 
of  Benjamin  Whichcot  and  Rebecca  his  Wife,  deceased,  to  whom 
this  Court  on  the  nth  of  October , A.  D.  1670,  at  their  second 


296 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Session,  were  pleased  to  Grant  one  thousand  Acres  of  Land  in  any 
free  Place,  on  Condition  they  gave  the  late  Massachusetts  Colony 
a Release  and  full  Acquittance  from  all  after  Claims  and  Demands 
referring  to  the  Grounds  of  a Petition  delivered  the  said  Court, 
which  the  Petitioners  say  was  fulfilled  in  the  Year  1671  ; and  the 
said  Grantees  afterwards,  viz.  in  1672,  laid  out  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  is  part  of  a Town  there  known  by  the  Name 
of  Rochester , that  they  are  without  any  benefit  of  the  Grant  by 
reason  of  its  being  so  laid  out,  without  the  Aid  of  this  Court,  pray- 
ing for  Relief  by  a new  Tract  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  in  this 
Province  being  made  them,  to  hold  in  equal  Halves,  to  satisfy  the 
first  Grant,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned  Read  and  Ordered,  That 
this  Petition  be  considered  on  Tuesday  the  twenty  seventh  cur- 
rant. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  2,  1739.] 

A Petition  o {Samuel  Sewall,  Esq;  and  others,  Administrators 
on  the  Estate  of  the  late  honourable  Sainuel  Sewall , Esq ; de- 
ceased, and  of  Jacob  Sheaf e of  Boston , shewing  they  are  the 
Representatives  of  the  Assigns  of  Benjamin  Whitchcot  and  Re- 
becca his  Wife,  deceased,  who  in  the  Year  1670,  obtained  a Grant 
of  one  thousand  Acres  of  Lands  in  any  free  Place,  on  Condition  of 
releasing  to  the  late  Massachusetts  Colony  all  after  Claims  and 
Demands  referring  to  the  Grounds  of  a Petition  delivered  the  said 
Court,  which  the  Petitioners  say  was  fulfilled  Anno  1671,  and  the 
said  Grant  afterwards,  viz..  Anno  1672,  laid  out  in  New  Hamp- 
shire Province,  and  lays  in  a Town  now  called  Rochester , that 
they  shall  intirely  loose  the  Benefit  of  said  Grant,  without  the  Aid 
of  this  Court,  praying  for  Relief,  and  that  they  may  hold  the 
Grant  in  equal  Halves,  as  entred  the  24/^  of  June,  and  sixth  of 
December  last.  Read  and  comitted  to  Thomas  Greaves , John 
Alden , and  Ebenezer  Pomroy,  Esqrs ; to  inquire  into  the  Difficul- 
ties the  Petitioners  suggest,  and  report  what  may  be  proper  for  the 
Court  to  do  on  the  Petition. 


SALISBURY. 


297 


. SALISBURY. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Feb.  3,  1736-7,  and  called  Baker*  s-town.  Granted 
by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Oct.  25,  1749,  to  Ebenezer  Stevens  and  others,  and 
called  Steven* s-town.  Also  called  at  times,  Gerrish-town  and  New  Salisbury. 

Incorporated  as  Salisbury,  March  1,  1768.  A tract  of  land  from  the  east  part  of 
the  town,  with  portions  of  Andover,  Northfield,  and  Sanbornton,  was  erected  into 
the  town  of  Franklin  Dec.  24,  1828.  A part  of  Franklin  was  severed  and  an- 
nexed to  Salisbury,  July  7,  1869. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  753;  XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  381  ; In- 
dex to  Laws,  486;  Topographical  and  Historical  Sketch,  3,  Farmer  and  Moore’s 
Historical  Collections,  p.  296;  History,  collated  by  John  J.  Dearborn,  edited  by 
James  O.  Adams  and  Henry  P.  Rolfe,  1890,  pp.  888;  historical  sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  602.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1734-] 

A Petition  of  John  Tyler  and  Joseph  Pike , for  themselves  and 
sundry  others ; who  enlisted  themselves  into  the  publick  Service 
Anno  1690,  in  the  Expedition  against  Canada , under  the  command 
of  the  late  Sir  William  Phipps,  Knt.  deceased,  praying  that  in 
consideration  of  their  services  and  difficulties  they  then  underwent, 
they  may  obtain  a Grant  of  Land  of  the  contents  of  six  miles 
square  of  the  ungranted  Lands  of  the  Province  on  the  east  side  of 
Merrimack  River , southerly  on  Rumford  Township,  and  to  extend 
three  miles  east  from  the  River,  or  some  other  suitable  place  for  a 
Township  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read  and  Ordered , That 
Col.  Chandler,  Col.  Kent,  Mr  Hale  Capt.  Hobson  Col.  Wain- 
wright,  Col.  Church,  and  Capt.  Wells  be  a,  Committee  to  take  this 
Petition,  and  the  other  Petitions  for  Lands  now  before  the  Court 
under  consideration,  and  report  their  opinion  what  may  be  proper 
to  be  done  in  aswer  thereto. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  17,  1735.] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  for  Lands,  reported  on  the 
Petition  of  John  Tyler  and  Joseph  Pike  for  themselves  and  other 
Canada  Soldiers  Anno  1690,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
in  answer  to  this  Petition,  Voted,  That  a tract  of  Land  of  the  con- 


298 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


tents  of  six  miles  square  be  laid  out  for  a Township  on  the  further 
side  of  Merrimack  River  adjoining  to  the  north  side  of  Rumford , 
extending  three  miles  from  the  River,  the  whole  to  be  laid  out  into 
sixty  three  equal  shares,  one  of  which  to  be  for  the  first  settled 
Minister,  one  to  be  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the 
School,  that  on  the  other  sixty  shares  there  be  sixty  Settlers  ad- 
mitted, and  that  in  the  admission  thereof  preference  be  given  to 
such  Officers  and  Soldiers  as  were  in  the  Canada  Expedition 
Anno  1690,  or  to  the  Descendants  of  those  that  are  deceased  since  ; 
the  Settlers  to  be  admitted  on  the  same  terms  and  conditions  as 
were  made  for  settling  the  two  new  Towns  on  Ashuelot , and  that 
at  Paquoiag,  excepting  each  Settler’s  paying five  -pounds , and  that 
Col.  Richard  Kent  and  Capt.  John  Hobson , with  such  as  the  hon- 
ourable Board  shall  appoint,  be  a Committee  fully  authorized  and 
impowred  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  Plantation,  admit 
the  Settlers,  and  return  a Plat  of  the  Township  to  this  Court  within 
twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  the  Grantees  their  heirs  and 
assigns  respectively. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  27,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  John  Tyler  & Joseph  Pike,  for  themselves  and 
other  Canada  Soldiers  Anno  1690,  praying  as  entred  the  17^/2.  of 
A^rii  last  & referred.  Read  again,  and  the  House  resumed  the 
consideration  of  this  Petition,  and  in  answer  thereto,  Voted , That 
a Tract  of  Land  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square  be  laid  out  for 
a Township  on  the  further  side  Merrimack  River,  adjoyning  to 
the  north  side  of  Rumford,  extending  three  miles  from  the  River, 
the  whole  to  be  laid  out  into  sixty  three  equal  shares,  one  of  which 
to  be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  to  be  for  the  use  of  the  Min- 
istry, and  one  for  the  School,  that  on  the  other  sixty  shares  there 
be  sixty  Settlers  admitted,  and  that  in  the  admission  thereof  prefer- 
ence to  be  given  to  such  Officers  & Soldiers  as  were  in  the  Canada 
Expedition  Anno  1690,  or  to  the  Descendants  of  those  that  are 
since  deceased,  the  Settlers  to  be  admitted  on  the  same  terms  and 
conditions  as  were  made  for  the  two  new  Towns  on  Ashuelot  and 
that  at  Paquoiag,  excepting  each  Settlers  paying' Five  Pounds,  and 
that  Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq ; and  Capt.  John  Hobson,  with  such  as 
the  honourable  Board  shall  appoint  be  a Committee  fully  author- 
ized and  impowred  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  Planta- 


SALISBURY. 


299 


tion,  admit  the  Settlers,  and  return  a Plat  of  the  Township  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  the  Grantees  their 
heirs  and  assigns  respectively. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

A petition  of  John  Tyler  Joseph  Pike  and  many  others  that  were 
Either  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690, 
or  the  Descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  deceased,  praying  for  a 
Grant  of  some  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  for  a 
Township,  in  consideration  of  their  Services  aforesaid  as  well  as 
for  their  Service  in  the  late  Indian  Wars — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Ordered  that  the  petition  be 
Revived,  and  Voted  That  two  Tracts  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands 
of  this  Province,  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square,  Each  be 
and  hereby  are  Granted  to  the  petrs  of  the  Companys  under  the  late 
Cap*  John  March  Cap1  Steph11  Greenleaf  and  Cap4  Philip  Nelson 
dec’ed  Anno  1690,  their  heirs  & assignes  Respectivly  and  the  heirs 
Legal  Represent  and  Descendants  of  such  of  them  as  are  deceased 
and  their  heirs  and  Assignes  forever,  for  two  townships  to  lay  in 
Some  Suitable  place  ; That  the  Grantees  be  and  hereby  are  Obliged 
to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Townships,  in  as  Reg- 
ular a Manner,  as  the  Situation  and  Circumstances  of  said  Town- 
ship will  Admit  of  in  the  following  Manner,  viz4  That  each  Gran- 
tee, his  heirs  and  Assignes,  build  an  house  on  his  Respective  Lot 
or  Share  of  the  Contents  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  Seven  feet 
Stud  at  the  least,  and  plow  and  bring  to  Grass  fit  for  Mowing  Six 
Acres  of  Land,  and  that  they  Settle  in  each  Town  a Learned 
Orthodox  Minister,  and  build  a Convenient  Meeting  house  for  the 
publick  Worship  of  God , and  that  one  Sixty  third  part  of  each  of 
the  said  Townships  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  the  first  settled 
Minister,  the  like  Quantity  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry,  and  the  like 
quantity  for  the  use  of  the  School,  in  all  the  Divisions  of  the  said 
Townships  ; That  the  Grantees  be  and  hereby  are  obliged  to  give 
a Bond  of  Twenty  pounds  for  the  Fulfillment  of  the  Conditions 
aforesaid,  within  five  Years  after  the  Return  and  Confirmation  of 
the  plan  of  said  Townships ; And  that  Cap4  John  Hobson  and  Majr 
Charles  Pierce  be  a Comtee  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall 
join  to  lay  out  said  Townships  and  to  Return  plats  thereof  within 
one  Year  for  Confirmation  and  the  said  Committee  to  Observe 


300 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


such  Rules  and  directions  for  the  taking  of  Bond  and  Admission 
of  the  Grantees,  Agreeable  to  the  Order  of  the  Court  in  March 
last,  and  said  Committee  to  Receive  Thirty  three  pounds  Sixteen 
shillings  and  Eight  pence  of  the  New  projected  Bills  viz*  Sixteen 
pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence  for  Each  of  the  said 
Townships  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  to  enable  them  to  lay  out 
said  Townships 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Thomas  Berry  Esqr  is  Joined 
in  the  Affair — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

The  Petition  of  John  Tyler  Joseph  Pike , and  others,  Canada 
Officers  and  Soldiers  Anno  1690,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  9 th.  of  December  last  thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Coun- 
cil February  3d  17 36.  Read  and  concur’d  with  Amendments,  viz . 
at  C-dele-#  Tract-and  add  -two  Tracts,  at  D-  after  the  Word- 
square-add-each-for-is-before  the  W or d-gr anted  add  at  O-are- 
at  E.-for-<z  Township-inserX  two  Townships-aX  A-after  the  Word- 
settle-add-in  each  Town-at  H-after  the  Words-sf.v/'y  third  Part- 
add— of  each— at  I.  K.  L.— for  Township  insert- Townships— aX  N.— 
for-a  Plan-add  Plats- and  Thomas  Berry , Esq ; is  joined  in  the 
affair. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d  with  the  fur- 
ther Amendments,  viz . dele  the  Words  at  O -Fifty  Pounds-and 
add- Thirty  three  Pounds  six  shillings  and  eight  pence  of  the  new 
projected  Bills , viz.  SixteenPounds  thirteen  shillings  & four  pence 
for  each  of  the  said  Townships-dele  the  last  Word  in  the  Vote  at 
P- Township  and  insert  Townships. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence,  and  also, 

The  Petition  of  John  Platts,  John  Steward  and  others,  Canada 
Soldiers  Anno  1690,  with  the  Vote  of  the  9 th  of  December  last 
thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council  February  3d,  1736. 
Read  and  nonconcur’d.  Read. 


SALISBURY. 


301 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  10,  and  House  Journal,  Jan.  9, 

1737-8-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Ordered  that  Twelve  months  time 
more  for  returning  Plats  be  allowed  to  the  Grantees  of  the  two 
Canada  Townships  granted  by  this  Court  and  as  Entered  the  ninth 
of  December  1736  to  the  Companys  under  the  command  of  the 
late  Cpt.  Nelson,  Cpt  March,  and  Cpt.  Greenleaf  and  their  lawful 
representatives,  &c,  and  that  the  Committees  for  taking  the  Plats 
be  and  hereby  are  directed  and  required  to  take  Surveys  of  the 
same  by  a Survey1  or  Surveyr3  with  Chain  men  on  oath,  & return 
the  same  to  this  Court  respectively  within  twelve  months  for  con- 
firmation accordingly. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  5,  1738.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Whereas  this  Court  hath  received 
information  that  a Committee  of  theirs,  namely  Thomas  Berry 
Charles  Pierce  and  John  Hobson  Esqrs  appointed  to  lay  out  a 
Township  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square  granted  in  February 
1736  to  John  Tyler,  Joseph  Pike  and  others,  officers  and  soldiers 
in  the  Canada  Expedition,  anno  1690  in  the  Companies  late  under 
the  command  of  Cpt  John  March  decd  and  Cpt.  Stephen  Greenleaf 
and  the  Representatives  of  such  of  them  as  are  since  deceased 
have  fixed  a station  lately  in  order  to  the  laying  out  their  grant,  on 
Merrimack  River,  between  the  Northerly  Bounds  of  Contoocook 
Township  or  Plantation  (so  called)  and  Pemiggewasset  River,  and 
the  Winter  season  advancing  hath  made  it  difficult  for  the  Commit- 
tee to  finish  the  Survey ; and  for  as  much  as  the  Grantees  have 
been  exposed  to  charges  and  trouble  therein  : — 

Voted  that  they  be  allowed  twelve  months  from  this  time  to 
return  their  Plat,  preference  of  the  Land  in  order  to  satisty  the 
grant  being  hereby  allowed  the  Grantees  to  be  taken  from  the  said 
station,  and  that  it  be  an  instruction  to  the  aforesaid  Committee  in 
proceeding  to  take  a Plat  of  the  granted  Township  to  govern  them- 
selves accordingly. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


302  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  24,  and  House  Journal,  Jan.  23, 

1738-9-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^3  Ordered  that  Thomas  Berry  Esqr 
be  and  hereby  is  impowered  to  assemble  the  Grantees  of  the  Town- 
ship granted  to  John  Tyler,  Joseph  Pike  and  others  Officers  and 
Soldiers  under  the  command  of  Cpt.  Stephen  Greenleaf  and  Philip 
Nelson  in  the  Expedition  to  Canada  Anno  1690,  in  such  place  and 
at  such  time  as  he  shall  think  fit,  then  to  chuse  a Moderator  and 
Proprietors  Clerk,  to  agree  upon  Rules  Methods  and  Orders  for 
the  Division  and  disposal  in  the  most  proper  method  for  the  speedy 
fulfilment  of  the  Conditions  of  their  grant,  & agree  upon  Methods 
for  the  calling  of  future  Meetings. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[. Proprietors  of  Salisbury , /yjp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  178.] 

A list  of  the  Propriators  of  the  Township  Granted  to  Pike  and 
others  officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  expedition  to  Canada  Anno  1690 
under  the  Command  of  Cap1  John  March  Cap1  Stephen  Greenleaf 
and  Cap1  Philip  Nelson  and  was  laid  Westerly  of  merrimack  River 
and  Northerly  of  and  adjoyning  to  Contoocook  by  Richard  Haz- 
zen  Surveyer  at  the  Direction  of  the  Honourable  Thomas  Berry 
Esqr  Charles  Peirce  & John  Hobson  EsqTS  October  23d  1739  who 
were  allowed  and  approved  of  by  the  Honourable  Thomas  Berry 
Esqr  Charles  Peirce  & John  Hobson  Esqr  Novr  30,  1739  and  are 
as  followeth  Vizt — 


Cap1  Stephen  Greenleaf  Deacon  Joshua  Moody  Joseph  Gould 


Joseph  Sage  Jur 
Caleb  Moody 
Joseph  osgood 
Cap1  John  Scargeant 
Sam1  Smith  Jur 
Gideon  Lowel 
Thomas  Huse 
Joseph  Pike 
Stephen  Longfellow 


Elisha  Sweat 
Nath11  Clerk 
Samuel  George 
Benja  Hoeg 
Jonathan  Marsh 
Stephen  Chase 
John  Lunt 
James  Brown 
Samuel  Bartlet  3d 


John  Kent 
John  Thurlo 
Hannah  Bolton 
John  Badger 
Joseph  Ilsley 
Joseph  Short 
Abraham  Titcomb 
Stephen  Longfellow 
Nathaniel  Bernard 


* 

• * ’•  IT.  f«>  1 ,?IU. lfJ  [ill  : i ]/  , j 


\ 


/ 

4 "* 

/)  j 

M- 

I K 

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f w 


. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  34,  P-  I3-] 


iw»‘S?V' 


SALISBURY. 


303 


Cap1  Thomas  Hale 
John  March 
Joseph  Davis 
Sam1  Silver 
Eleazer  Hudson 
Jonathan  Blaisdall 
David  Bartlet 
Lazarus  Goodwin 
Edward  Emerson 
Percival  Clark 


Jeremiah  Gutteridge  Cap1  Thos  Wallingford 
Revd  William  Johnson  Wm  Huse 


Henry  Dow 
Robert  Savory 
Dr  Joseph  Hills 
James  Toppon 
Peter  Ayers 
James  Anderton 
Zechariah  Beal 
Ebenezer  Stuort 


Sam1  Scargeant 
Tristram  Greenleaf 
Thomas  Challis 
Dan11  Bradley 
Eleazer  Johnson 
John  Littlehale 
Cap1  John  Sergeant 
Joseph  Holland 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  34,  p.  13.] 

By  the  Direction  of  the  Honrble  Thomas  Berry  Esqr  Charles 
Pierce  and  John  Hobson  Esqrs  a Committee  &c  I have  Laid  out  a 
Township  on  the  Northerly  Side  of  Contookook  Township  & ad- 
joyning  on  the  Same  which  is  butted  & bounded  as  followeth  viz1  at 
the  Southeast  corner  with  a great  white  Oak  and  Two  white  pines 
marked  which  is  the  Northeast  Corner  bounds  of  Contookook 
Township  by  Merrimack  River,  thence  runing  up  Said  River  till 
it  comes  against  ye  River  coming  out  of  Winnipisseog  pond,  & 
further  up  by  the  Side  of  the  Westerly  branch  Commonly  called 
Pemitchewasit  in  the  whole  about  six  miles  & an  half  to  a Large 
Pitch  pine  marked  thence  turning  west  about  150  South  & runing 
Nine  Miles  to  a Large  Hemlock  marked,  thence  turning  at  Right 
Angles  & runing  about  four  Miles  and  three  quarters  to  a stake 
and  stones  by  Contoocook  Township,  exactly  One  Hundred  and 
fifty  Two  poles  from  the  Northwest  Corner  bounds  of  it  & thence 
to  the  first  bounds  which  Line  measures  about  Seven  Miles  all 
which  is  more  perfectly  described  in  the  plan  Above. — 

Laid  out  October  29th  1739. — 

Richard  Hazzen  Surveyor 

N B.  within  the  boundaries  described  in  this  Plann  is  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  Square,  with  the  allowance  of  about  five  Hun- 
dred & Seventy  one  Acres  for  ponds  &c. 

R Hazzen  Survey1' — 

In  the  House  of  Reptve3  Decr  18th  1739  Read  and  Ordered  that 
the  Plat  be  accepted  and  the  lands  therein  delineated  and  described 
be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Said  Officers  and  Soldiers 


304 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


under  the  Command  of  Cap1  John  March  Cap1  Stephen  Greenleaf 
and  Cap1  Philip  Nelson  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever.  Pro- 
vided the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  Quantity  of  the  Grant  and  does  not 
interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Jan  i.  1739 

Read  & Concur’ d J Willard  Sec’ry 

2 : Consented  to  J Belcher 

Examd  & Approvd  Ebenr  Burrill 


Essex  ss.  Rumford  Octr  27,  1739 

Then  Richard  Hazzen  Surveyor  Ebenezer  Virgin  Thomas 
Prince,  as  chainmen  Were  Severally  Sworn  That  in  Surveying  the 
Township,  Granted  To  Tyler,  Pike  and  others  officers  & Soldiers 
in  the  Expedition  To  Canada  Anno  1690  under  the  Command  of 
Cap1  John  March  Cap1  Stephen  Greenleaf  and  Cap1  Philip  Nelson, 
they  would  Severally  proceed,  according  to  their  Best  Skill  and 
Judgement  therein. 

Before  Tho3  Berry  J3  Peace 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  18,  1739.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  laid  out  by  Richard  Hazzen  Surveyor, 
and  two  Chain-Men  on  Oath  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  to 
Tyler  Pike  and  others,  Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Expedition  to 
Canada , Anno  1690,  under  the  Command  of  Capt.  John  March , 
Capt.  Stephen  Greenleaf,  and  Capt.  Philip  Nelson,  on  the  northerly 
Side  of  Contoocook  Township,  and  adjoining  on  the  same,  begin- 
ning at  the  South  East  Corner  with  a great  white  Oak,  and  two 
white  Pines  marked,  which  is  the  North  East  Corner  Bounds  of 
Contoocook  Township  by  Merimack  River,  thence  running  up  said 
River,  till  it  comes  against  the  River  coming  out  of  Winnipesiog 
Pond  and  further  up  by  the  side  of  the  westerly  Branch  commonly 
called  Pemitchiw  asset , in  the  whole  about  six  Miles  and  an  half  to 
a large  Pitch  Pine  marked,  thence  running  West  about  fifteen 
Degrees  South  and  running  nine  Miles  to  a large  Hemlock  marked, 
thence  running  at  right  Angles,  and  running  about  four  Miles  and 
three  Quarters,  to  a Stake  and  Stones  by  Contoocook  Town- 
ship exactly  one  hundred  and  fifty  two  Poles  from  the  Northwest 
Corner  Bounds  of  it,  and  thence  to  the  first  Bounds,  which  Line 
measures  about  seven  Miles ; all  which  is  more  perfectly  described 


SALISBURY. 


305 


in  the  said  Plan.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted, 
and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are 
confirmed  to  the  said  Officers  and  Soldiers  under  the  Command  of 
Capt.  John  March , Capt.  Stephen  Greenleaf,  and  Capt.  Philip 
Nelson , and  to  their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever,  provided  the  Plat 
exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  the  Grant,  and  does  not  interfere  with 
any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  1,  1739/40.] 

A Plat  of  a Township  laid  out  by  Richard  Hazzen  Surveyr  and 
Chain  men  upon  Oath,  to  satisfy  a grant  made  by  this  Court  to  the 
Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Cptjohn  March,  Cpt  Stephen  Greenleaf,  & Cpt.  Philip 
Nelson;  lying  on  the  Northerly  side  of  Contookook  Township  and 
adjoining  to  the  same,  being  bounded  as  follows  viz1  At  the  South 
East  Corner  with  a great  White  Oak  and  two  white  Pines  marked, 
which  is  the  North  East  Corner  of  said  Contookook  Township  by 
Merrimack  River ; thence  running  up  said  River  till  it  comes 
against  the  River  that  comes  out  of  Winnepesaket  Pond,  and  fur- 
ther up  by  the  side  of  the  Westerly  branch  commonly  called  Pem- 
itchawasset,  in  the  whole  about  six  miles  and  an  half  to  a large 
Pitch  Pine  marked;  thence  turning  West,  about  15  Deg.  South, 
and  running  nine  miles  to  a large  Hemlock  marked  ; thence  turn- 
ing at  right  Angles  and  running  about  four  miles  and  three  quar- 
ters to  a Stake  and  Stones  by  Contookook  Township,  exactly  one 
hundred  and  fifty  poles  from  the  North  West  Corner  bounds  of  it, 
and  thence  to  the  first  bounds ; which  Line  measures  about  seven 
miles. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  10,  1739/40.] 

Ordered , That  Thomas  Berry , Esq  ; be  and  hereby  is  impowred 
to  assemble  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  lying  on  Merrhnack 
River  granted  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Expedition  to 
Canada , Anno  1690,  under  the  Command  of  Capt.  John  March , 
Capt.  Stephen  Greenleafe,  and  Capt.  Philip  Nelson,  in  such  Place 
and  at  such  Time  as  he  shall  think  fit,  then  to  chuse  a Moderator 
and  Proprietors  Clerk,  to  agree  upon  Rules  Methods  and  Orders 
20 


30  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


for  the  division  and  disposal  of  the  said  Propriety  in  the  most  proper 
Methods  for  the  speedy  fulfilment  of  the  Conditions  of  their  Grant, 
and  to  agree  upon  Methods  for  the  calling  future  Meetings. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  179.] 


ordr  for  Col0  Tho9  Berry  to  Call  a meeting  of  Grantees  of  the 
Township  Laid  out  Westerly  of  Merrimack  River  and  Northerly 
of  and  adjoyning  to  Contoocook  January  10,  1739 — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  January  9th  1739 — 
Ordered  that  Thomas  Berry  Esqrbe  and  hereby  is  impoweredto 
assemble  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  Lying  on  Merrimack 
River  Granted  to  the  Officers  & Soldiers  in  the  Expedition 
to  Canada  Anno  : 1690 — under  the  Command  of  Cap4  John 
March  Cap4  Stephen  Greenleaf  and  Cap4  Philip  Nelson  in  Such 
Place  and  at  Such  time  as  he  Shall  think  fit  then  to  Chuse  a Mod- 
erator and  Proprietors  Clark  to  agree  uppon  Rules  Methods  & 
orders  for  the  Division  and  Disposal!  of  Said  Propriety  in  the  most 
proper  methods  for  the  Speedy  fullfillments  of  the  Conditions  of 
there  Grant  and  to  agree  uppon  methods  for  the  Calling  future 
meetings — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Ebenezer  Pumroy  Spkr  Pro  tempore 
In  Councill  January  10th  1739 

Read  and  Concurred  Simon  Frost  Dep4  Secy 

Consented  to  Jonathan  Belcher — 

A true  Copy  Examined  by  Simon  Frost  Dep4  Secy 


Essex  ss  Ipswich  January  26th  1739 

In  obedience  to  the  foregoing  ordr  I have  Caused  notifications 
to  be  Posted  in  the  towns  of  Newbury  Almsbury  and  Haverhill 
appointing  the  meeting  to  be  February  12th  1739  at  the  House  of 
mr  Tristram  Greenleaf  in  Newbury  at  ten  of  the  Clock  before 
noon. 

Thomas  Berry 

February  14th  1765  The  aforegoing  Copys  when  Compared  the 
with  Original  Book  of  the  Proprietors  Records  & Agreed  there 
with 

by  John  Winslow  one  of  the  Committee 
Samuel  Gerrish  Sworne 


SHARON. 


307 


SHARON. 

[Constituted  from  a part  of  Peterborough  Slip,  and  incorporated  June  24,  1791. 
Incorporation  was  petitioned  for,  May  27,  1777,  but  not  granted.  By  an  act 
passed  July  5,  1867,  the  entire  town  was  to  be  annexed  to  Peterborough, 
when  the  provisions  of  the  act  were  adopted  by  a majority  of  voters  in  both  towns. 
This  has  not  yet  been  done. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes : XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers, 
547;  Index  to  Laws,  500;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885, 
p.  670.] 


[ Grant  to  Jeremiah  Allen.'] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  3,  1736-7.] 

Ordered , That  five  hundred  Acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands 
of  the  Province,  adjoining  to  some  former  Grant  or  Township,  be 
and  hereby  is  given  and  granted  to  Jeremiah  Allen , Esq ; late 
Treasurer  and  Receiver  General  of  this  Province,  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns,  in  full  Consideration  of  his  long,  good,  and  faithful 
Services  in  the  Treasury,  and  that  he  be  allowed  and  impowred  by 
a Surveyor  and  Chain  Men  on  Oath,  to  survey  the  same,  and  re- 
turn a Plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confir- 
mation accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  19,  1738.] 

A Petition  of  Jeremiah  Allen,  Esq ; late  Treasurer  of  this 
Province,  praying  the  Justice  of  this  Court  in  Consideration  of  his 
Services,  and  that  a Grant  of  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of 
the  Province  may  be  made  him,  for  the  Reasons  therein  men- 
tioned. Read  and  referred  to  the  next  May  Session  for  further 
Consideration. 


[. Petition  of  Jeremiah  Allen  for  Grant  of  Land,  iyjy.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  101,  p.  622.] 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Governour  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  The  Honourable  His  Majesties  Council  and  The 


3°8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Honourable  House  of  Representatives  The  Memorial  of  Jeremiah 
Allen  Esqr  Sheweth 

That  Your  Memorialist  had  ye  Honour  of  being  Twenty  Three 
Years  successively,  Elected  Treasurer  of  this  Province.  And  that 
He  served  his  Country  in  that  Honble  Office  Twenty  Two  Years, 
as  he  humbly  hopes,  to  Their  general  Satisfaction,  in  which  Time, 
he  chearfully  performed  many  Publick  Services,  not  belonging  to 
ye  Duty  of  a Treasurer  ; Too  numerous  to  trouble  Your  ExcellCy  & 
Your  Honours  with  a Repetition  of  And  for  which,  he  has  as  yet 
received  no  Gratuity.  Your  Memorialist  would  beg  leave  to  men- 
tion one  perticular  Service,  among  ye  many,  he  did  his  Country, 
which  was ; The  advancing  several  Thousand  Pounds  without 
any  ye  least  View  of  Profitt  (althoo  Your  Memosts  Estate  was  sub- 
ject for  ye  Repayment  of  said  Money)  to  support  ye  Government, 
during  ye  Dispute  about  supplying  ye  Treasury  whereby,  not  only, 
His  Majtys  Garrisons  were  maintained  to  ye  great  Security  of  ye  Pub- 
lick  in  all  Regards  ; But  also  many  Oppressions  were  prevented, 
which,  otherwise,  ye  poor  Creditors  of  ye  Province  must  have  suf- 
ered,  had  Your  Mem0  denied  his  Assistance,  when  Asked. 

The  Honble  House  of  Representatives  Anno  1736  at  Their  Ses- 
sions in  Novr  were  pleased,  not  only  to  Grant  Your  Mem°  his 
Salary  for  Six  Months  after  he  was  Negatived  by  Your  Excellcy, 
all  which  Time,  he  was  Employed  in  ye  Publick  Service,  but  also 
as  a Mark  of  their  Approbation  of  his  past  Services,  to  make  him 
a Grant  of  some  of  ye  Unappropriated  Lands  of  ye  Province,  altho 
by  ye  Same  not  passing  through  ye  Whole  Court,  Your  Mem0  lost 
ye  Benefitt  of  that  Honble  Houses  Justice  & Generosity. 

Wherefore  Your  Memorialist  hopes  from  Your  Excellcy3  & Your 
Honours  known  Justice,  That  You  will  be  pleased,  to  allow  him 
his  Salary  for  ye  Six  Months,  he  was  Employed  in  ye  Publick  Ser- 
vice, as  also  to  make  him  a Grant  of  some  of  ye  Unappropriated 
Lands  of  ye  Province.  And  Your  Memorialists  shall  Ever  pray — 

Boston  Jan17  18th  1738/9  Jer.  Allen 

In  the  House  of  Reptives  Jan1?  19-1738 

Read  & Referred  to  ye  Next  May  sessions  for  further  Consider- 
ation Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  January  19,  1738. 

Read  & Concur’d  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Secry 

22  : Consented  to,  J Belcher 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  July  5th  1739.  Read  & in 


SHARON. 


309 


Answer  to  this  Memorial  Ordered  That  the  sum  of  seventy  pounds 
in  Bills  of  the  New  tenor  be  granted  & allowed  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  publick  treasury  to  Jeremiah  Allen  Esqr  late  Treasurer  of  this 
province  in  full  satisfaction  for  his  Services  therein 

And  as  a mark  of  the  approbation  of  this  Court,  and  as  a Gratuity 
to  him  for  his  faithfulness  therein  Voted  that  Five  Hundred  Acres 
of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  province  be  and  hereby  is 
given  & granted  to  the  said  Jeremiah  Allen  Esqr  his  Heirs  & As- 
signs, and  that  Accordingly  he  be  allowed  and  impowred  by  a sur- 
veyor & Chain  men  on  Oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  the  same  Ad- 
joining to  some  former  Grant,  and  that  he  return  a plat  thereof  to 
this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confirmation 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  July  5th  1739 

Read  & Concur’d  Simon  Frost  Dept  Sec17 

6 : Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  95.] 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  95,  and  Court  Records,  Vol.  17, 

Misc.  p.  121. 

September  1739  Then  Surveyd  And  Laid  out  Five  Hundred 
Acres  in  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province  to  satisfie  A 
Grant  of  the  Greait  And  General  Court  Made  to  Jeremiah  Allen 
Esqr  July  1739  And  is  Laid  Adjoining  to  A New  township 
Called  Peters  Burrer  And  Bounds  North  upon  it  and  it  begins 
att  two  small  Beaches  on  the  Road  that  Leads  to  sd  Peters  Burrer 
Att  the  Corner  of  A Lot  No:  1,  the  North  West  Corner  of  the 


3IG 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Farm  And  From  thence  itt  Runs  East  on  the  Town  line  Four  Hun- 
dred And  Thirty  six  Rods  to  A Line  Wood  tree  Marked  And 
Cornerd  the  North  East  Corner  And  from  thence  itt  Runs  South 
By  a Line  of  Marked  trees  on  unappropriated  Land  Two  hun- 
dred and  Fourteen  Rods  to  A White  Maple  stake  and  stones 
marked  and  Cornerd  the  South  East  Corner  And  From  thence  itt 
Runs  North  seventy  two  Degrees  West  by  a line  of  Marked  trees 
on  a pich  Maid  for  Mr  Reed  two  hundred  and  Forty  Rods  And 
two  hundred  and  Forty  Rods  on  A Pich  Maid  for  Robert  Auch- 
muty  Esqr  and  Ninety  seven  Rods  on  Cpfc  Bedgoods  Farm  to  A 
beach  Marked  And  Cornered  And  From  thence  itt  Runs  West 
one  Hundred  And  sixty  Eaight  Rods  to  the  South  West  Corner 
And  From  thence  i.tt  Runs  North  By  A line  of  Marked  Trees  One 
hundred  And  thirty  two  Rods  to  the  First  Mentioned  Corner  in  the 
Lines  Above  Discribed  thare  is  Twenty  Nine  Acres  A Lowed  for 
sag  of  Chain 

^ Joseph  Wilder  Junr  surveyor 

In  the  House  of  Reprves  Octr  4,  1739  Read  and  Ordered  that 
the  within  Platt  be  accepted  and  the  lands  therein  delineated  and 
described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  Said  Jeremiah  Allen 
His  Heirs  and  Assigns  Provided  the  Platt  exceeds  not  the  Quantity 
of  the  Grant  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  concurrence  J.  Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council;  October  5,  1739 

Read  & Concur’ d Simon  Frost  Dept  Secry 

9 : Consented  to  J Belcher 

Examd  & Aprovd  Eben*  Burrill 

Worcester  ss  Lunenburg  September  the  28th  1739 

Then  Joseph  Wilder  Jur  Survayer  and  David  Johnson  and  Wil- 
liam Sevens  Chainman  personally  appeared  and  made  oath  that  in 
the  Survaying  and  measuring  of  the  five  hundred  acres  of  Land 
Exhibited  by  the  above  plan  they  had  truly  and  faithfully  per- 
formed their  Respective  trust  Reposed  in  them 

Sworn  Before  me  Edward  Hartwell  Justice  of  the  peace 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Oct.  4,  1739.] 

A Plat  of  two  hundred  Acres  of  Land  surveyed  and  laid  out 
by  Joseph  Wilder , jun.  and  two  Chain  Men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a 
Grant  of  this  Court,  as  entred  the  5 th  of  July  last  to  Jeremiah 


SHARON. 


311 

Allen , Esq;  adjoining  to  a new  Township  called  Peterborough , 
and  bounds  North  upon  it,  beginning  at  two  small  Beaches  on  the 
Road  that  leads  to  Peterborough  at  the  Corner  of  a Lot  Numb. 
one , the  North  West  Corner  of  the  Farm,  and  from  thence  it  runs 
East  on  the  Town  Line  four  hundred  and  thirty  six  Rods  to  a Tree 
marked  and  corner’d  the  North  East  Corner,  and  from  thence  it 
runs  South  by  a Line  of  marked  Trees  on  unappropriated  Land 
two  hundred  and  fourteen  Rods  to  a White  Maple  Stake  and 
Stones  marked  and  corner’d  the  South  East  Corner,  and  from 
thence  it  runs  North  seventy  two  Degrees  West  by  a Line  of 
Marked  Trees  on  a Pitch  made  for  Mr.  Read  two  hundred  and 
forty  Rods,  and  two  hundred  and  forty  Rods  on  a Pitch  made  for 
Mr.  Auchmuty , and  ninety  seven  Rods  on  Capt.  Bedgood’s  Farm 
to  a Beach  marked  and  cornered,  and  from  thence  it  runs  West 
one  hundred  and  sixty  eight  Rods  to  the  South  West  Corner,  and 
from  thence  it  runs  North  by  a Line  of  marked  Trees  one  hundred 
and  thirty  two  Rods  to  the  first  mentioned  Corner  in  the  Lines 
above  described,  there  are  twenty  nine  Acres  allowed  for  swag  of 
Chain,  was  presented  for  Allowance,  Read  and  Ordered,  That 
the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  de- 
scribed be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Jeremiah  Allen , 
his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity 
of  the  Grant,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Grant  to  John  Read.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  102.] 


September  1739  Then  Surveid  And  Laid  out.  Two  hundred 
Acres  in  ye  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province  to  Satisfi  A 


312 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Grant  of  the  Grait  And  General  Court  Maid  to  John  Read  Esqr  of 
Boston  on  December  9th  1738  And  is  Laid  Adjoining  to  A Grant  of 
Land  Made  & Laid  out  to  Robert  Actmute  Esqr  of  Boston  Contain- 
ing Two  hundred  Acres  And  Bounds  West  on  itt  itt  began  att  a 
stake  And  stones  the  South  West  Corner  And  from  thence  itt  Runs 
North  by  a line  of  Marked  trees  Two  hundred  And  fourty  Rods  to 
A stake  and  stones  the  North  West  Corner  And  from  thence 
Itt  Runs  South  Seventy  two  Degrees  East  One  hundred  and 
Fourty  Rods  By  A line  of  Marked  trees  to  A stake  And  stones 
the  North  East  corner  and  from  thence  it  Runs  South  two  hun- 
dred And  fourty  rods  By  A line  of  Marked  trees  to  the  South  East 
Corner  and  from  thence  it  Runs  strait  to  the  fust  mentioned  Corner 
One  hundred  And  forty  six  Rods  in  the  Lines  A Bove  Discribed 
thare  is  ten  ACres  Allowed  for  Sag  of  Chaine. 

^ Joseph  Wilder  Junr  Surveyor 


In  the  House  of  Reptves  Decr  8th  1739.  Read  and  Ordered  that 
the  within  Plat  be  accepted  and  the  lands  therein  delineated  and 
described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  John  Read  Esqr 
His  Heirs  and  Assigns.  Provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  Quan- 
tity of  the  Grant  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  Decern1  12.  1739 

Read  & Concurrd  Simon  Frost  Dept  Sec*? 

Examd  & Approvd  Eben*  Burrill 

26  Consented  to  J Belcher 


Mr  Welders  Survey  of  200  acres  of  land  granted  to  John  Read 
in  1738. 

A Platt  of  200  Acres  of  land  to  John  Read  Esqr  Read  and  or- 
dered to  lie  on  the  Table  Decemb  26  1739 


Worcester  ss  Lunonburg  September  the  28th  1739 

Then  Joseph  Wilder  Jur  Survayer  David  Johnson  and  William 
Stvens  Chain  men  personally  appeared  and  made  oath  that  in  their 
survaying  and  measuring  two  hundred  acres  of  the  unappropriated 
Lands  in  this  province  to  Satisfy  a Grant  Lately  made  to  John  Reed 
Esqr  of  Boston  Esqr  that  they  had  faithfully  and  Impartially  per- 
formed their  Respective  trust  according  to  the  Best  of  their  Skill 
and  Judgement 

Before  me 


Edward  Hartwell  Justice  of  Peace 


SHARON. 


313 


[Grant  to  Robert  Auchmuty.] 
[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  32,  p.  3.] 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  97,  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  32,  p.  3, 
and  Court  Records,  Vol.  17,  Misc.  p.  122.] 

August  1739  Then  Laid  outt  Two  Hundred  Acres  In  the  Unap- 
propriated Land  of  this  Provence  to  Satisfie  a Grant  of  the  Great 
and  General  Court  Made  to  Robert  Auchmudy  Esqr  On  the 
Twenty  ninth  Day  of  November  1738  : It  is  Laid  Adjoyning  to 
New  Ipswich  North  Line  It  begins  att  a Red  ash  Tree.  The  North 
West  Corner  And  from  thence  It  Runs  North  Seventy  Eaght  De- 
grees East  By  a line  of  marked  trees  One  Hundred  and  forty 
Rods  on  unappropriated  Land  to  a Stake  and  Heap  of  Stones  the 
North  East  Corner  and  from  thence  It  Runs  South  By  a line  of 
Marked  trees  on  unappropriated  Land  Two  Hundred  And  Forty 
six  Rods  to  a White  Maple  Standing  in  New  ipswich  North  Line 
Marked  for  the  South  East  Corner  of  the  Farm  And  from  Thence 
it  Runs  South  Seventy  Eaght  Degrees  West  one  Hundred  and 
Forty  Rods  By  a line  of  Marked  trees  With  New  Ipswich  line  to  a 
White  Maple  the  South  West  Corner  and  from  thence  itt  Runs 
North  By  a line  of  Marked  trees  on  G Bedgoods  Farm  Two  Hun- 
dred And  forty  Six  Rods  to  the  ash  Where  itt  Began  in  the  lines 
A Bove  Describd,  there  is  ten  Acres  Alowed  for  sag  of  Chane 

Joseph  Wilder  Jur  Surveyor 


3H 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  97.] 

Worcester  ss  Sept  ye  3d  1739  Then  ye  afore  named  Joseph  Wil- 
der appearing  made  oath  that  in  ye  Sirveying  of  the  above  Track 
of  Land  Hee  faithfully  and  Impartially  performed  the  Service  of 
Surveyer  according  to  ye  Best  of  His  Skil  and  Judgment  David  John- 
son and  William  Scott  also  and  made  oath  that  they  faith  fuly 
performed  ye  Service  of  Chane  men  and  that  with  out  Either  favor 
or  affection 

Before  me  Joseph  Wilder  Justice  of  ye  Peace 

In  the  House  of  Reprves  September  27th  1739 

Read  and  ordered  that  the  within  Platt  be  accepted  and  the  lands 
therein  delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  unto 
the  Said  Robert  Auchmuty  his  Heirs  and  Assigns.  Provided  the 
Platt  exceeds  not  the  Quantity  of  the  Grant  and  does  not  interfere 
with  any  former  Grant 

Sent  up  for  concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1*1 

In  Council  October  3d  1739 

Read  & Concurd  Simon  Frost  Depr  Sec1? 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Grant  to  Jeffry  Bedgood.] 

/ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  46,  p.  93.] 


Order  on  the  petition  of  Jeffry  Bedgood  of  Boston  Marriner — 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  December  5th  1738  Read  and 
ordered  That  the  prayer  of  the  above  petition  be  Granted,  and  the 
first  petition  within  written  is  revived- & in  Answer  thereto  Voted 
That  Three  hundred  Acres  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the 
province  be  and  are  Given  and  Granted  to  the  petr  Capt  Jeffry 
Bedgood  his  heirs  & assigns  in  full  Satisfaction  of  his  Services 
Expence  & trouble  within  mentioned,  and  that  he  return  a plat 
thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation — 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  Deer  5th  1738 

Read  & Concurrd  J Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to  J Belcher 

A true  Copy  Examd^  Simon  Frost  Dep1  Sec17 


SHARON. 


3I5 


May  the  24th  1739  Then  Survayed  and  Laid  out  a peice  of  Land 
Containing  three  Hundred  Acres  in  the  Unapropriated  Lands  of 
this  Province  to  Sattisfie  a Grant  of  the  Great  and  General  Court 
made  to  Capt  Jeffery  Bedgood  of  Boston  Marrinor  December  ye  5th 
1738  which  lyeth  ajoyning  to  a Township  Called  New  Ipswich. 
It  begins  at  ye  north  Corner  of  Said  Township  ; and  is  the  South- 
west Corner  of  this  Farme,  at  a Great  Hemlock  tree  Marked  and 
Cornered  and  from  thence  it  Runs  North  by  a line  of  mark’d  trees 
one  Hundred  and  Seventy  Rods  to  a beach  tree  Marked  and  Cor- 
nered and  from  thence  it  Runs  South  Seventy  Eight  Degrees  East 
by  a line  of  mark  trees  one  Hundred  and  Seventy  Rods  to  a beach 
tree  Marked  and  Cornered,  and  from  thence  it  Runs  north  by  a 
line  of  Marked  trees  ninty  Rods  to  a beach  tree  Marked  and  Cor- 
nered, and  from  thence  it  Runs  South  Seventy  Eight  degrees  East 
by  a line  of  Marked  trees  Ninty  Seven  Rods  to  a Red  Ash  ye  north 
East  Corner  marked  and  Cornered  and  from  thence  it  Runs  South 
by  a line  of  marked  trees  two  Hundred  and  fifty  Eight  Rods  to  su 
White  Maple  Marked  and  Cornered  being  the  South  East  Corner 
and  from  thence  It  Runs  North  Seventy  Eight  degrees  west  by  a 
line  of  Mark  trees  on  said  Ipswich  line  to  the  Great  Hemlock 
where  it  began,  there  is  alowed  in  the  above  said  Plan  fifteen  acres, 
for  Sagg  of  Chane 

^Joseph  Wilder  Juner  Surveyer 

May  ye  30th  1739  Then  the  aforenamed  Joseph  Wilder  appear- 
ing before  me  the  Subscriber  made  oath  that  in  Surveying  the 
farme  above  Described  he  faithfully  performed  the  Service  of  a 
Surveyer  and  that  with  out  favor  or  affection  according  to  the  best 
of  His  Scil  & Judgment 

Joseph  Wilder  Justice  of  ye  Peace 

Worcester  ss  Lunenburg  may  the  25th  1739 

Then  personeelly  appeared  William  Scott  and  William  Carlyl 
and  made  oath  that  in  the  measuring  the  several  Lines  of  the 
above  Discribed  plat  of  Land  they  had  truly  and  faithfully  per- 
formed the  duty  of  Chainmen  according  to  the  best  of  their  skill 
and  understanding 

sworn  before  me  Edward  Hartwell  Justice  of  the  peace 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  20th  1739,  Read  and 
Ordered  That  the  plat  be  Accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  deline- 
ated and  described  be  & hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Jeffry 
Bedgood  his  heirs  & assigns  forever,  provided  that  the  plat  exceeds 


316 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


kr 


not  the  quantity  of  Three  hundred  Acres  of  Land  & does  not  inter- 
fere with  any  former  Grant  the  swag  of  Chain  within  mentioned 
allowed 

sent  up  for  Concurrence 
In  Council  June  2 6 1739 
Read  and  Concurred 
27  : Consented  to 
Examd  & Appro vd 


J Quincy  Sp 

J Willard  Sec’ry 
J Belcher 
Ebenr  Burrill 


SULLIVAN. 

[Constituted  from  portions  of  Keene,  Gilsum,  Stoddard,  and  Nelson,  and  incor- 
porated Sept.  27,  1787.  Named  in  honor  of  Gen.  John  Sullivan.  A portion  of 
Keene  was  annexed  to  Sullivan,  Jan.  10,  1794.  A few  acres  of  land  were  severed 
and  annexed  to  Gilsum  July  7,  1874. 

See  XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  490;  Index  to  Laws,  528;  sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  340.] 


[Grant  to  Aaron  Denio.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  28,  1735.] 

/ 

On  the  Petition  of  Aaron  Denio  of  Deerfield,  who  was  Capti- 
vated when  that  Town  was  taken  by  the  Indian  Enemy  Anno  1702, 
and  carried  to  Canada,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  in 
answer  to  the  Petition,  Voted,  That  two  hundred  acres  of  the  Un- 
appropriated Lands  of  the  Province  in  the  County  of  Hampshire, 
be  and  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Petitioner  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
in  consideration  of  the  misfortunes  and  sufferings  within  mentioned, 
certified  by  Joseph  Kellogg  and  Thomas  Wells,  Esqrs ; that  the 
Petitioner  or  his  Assigns  be  obliged  to  bring  forward  a Settlement 
on  the  Lands  within  three  years  by  building  an  House  thereon  of 
eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  and  plowing 
and  bringing  too  and  fit  for  mowing  or  planting  six  acres  at  least 
of  the  granted  Premisses,  and  have  a family  dwelling  on  said 
Land  in  said  House ; and  that  he  return  a Plat  thereof  to  this 
Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


SULLIVAN. 


317 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1736.] 

The  Petition  of  Aaron  Dcnio  of  Deerfield , Captivated  by  the 
Indian  Enemy  Anno  1702,  as  entred  the  2 8//z.  of  Novertiber  last. 
Read,  and  in  answer  to  the  Petition,  Voted , That  two  hundred 
acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  in  the  County 
of  Hampshire,  be  and  hereby  is  given  and  granted  to  the  Petitioner 
his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  in  consideration  of  the  Misfortunes  & Suf- 
ferings within  mentioned,  Certified  by  Joseph  Kellogg  & Thomas 
Wells , Esqrs  ; that  the  Petitioner  or  his  Assigns  be  obliged  to  bring 
forward  a Settlement  on  the  Lands  within  three  Years,  by  building 
an  House  thereon  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at 
the  least,  and  plowing  and  bringing  to  and  fit  for  mowing  or  plant- 
ing six  acres  at  least  of  the  granted  Premisses,  and  have  a Family 
dwelling  on  said  Land  in  said  House,  and  that  he  return  a Plat 
thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation  accord- 
ingly- 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  23,  and  House  Journal,  June  21, 1738.] 

A Plat  of  Two  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  Seth  Field 
Survey1  and  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  fulfill  a grant  of  this  Court  to 
Aaron  Denio  ; Beginning  at  a Hemlock  Tree  five  rods  to  the  West- 
ward of  the  North  East  corner  of  the  Upper  Ashuelet  Township, 
marked  S.F.  EF.  J N.  \ ; thence  running  North  20°. 00' East  two 
hundred  and  forty  rods  to  a Beach  Tree  mark’d  ^ S F.  J N.  then 
running  East  20°.oo/  South  one  hundred  and  thirty  four  rods 
to  a Beach  Tree  mark’d  as  the  last;  then  South  20°.oo'  West,  two 
hundred  and  forty  rods  to  a Poplar  Tree  mark’d  a J N.  then  West 
200. oo'  North,  to  the  first  Station. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  and  Ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
accepted,  and  the  lands  therein  delineated  and  described  be  and 
hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  said  Aaron  Denio  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  he  or  they  complying  with  and  fulfilling  the  conditions  of 
the  Grant  effectually  : Provided  the  Plat  exceeds  not  the  quantity 
of  Two  Hundred  Acres  of  land,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any 
former  Grant. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concur’d 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


3i8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


SWANZEY. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  April  20,  1 733,  to  Nathaniel  Hammond  and  others, 
and  known  as  Lower  Ashuelot.  Incorporated  as  Swanzey,  July  2,  1753.  Named 
from  Swanzey,  Mass.  A triangular  tract  of  land  was  severed  from  Richmond  and 
annexed  to  Swanzey,  Dec.  11,  1762.  A portion  of  the  northeast  section  was  sev- 
ered and  annexed  to  Marlborough,  Jan.  8,  1794.  Thomas  Thompson  and  Thomas 
Thompson,  Jr.,  with  their  estates,  were  set  off  and  annexed  to  Keene,  Dec.  10, 
1812.  A tract  was  taken  off  and  combined  with  portions  of  other  towns  to  make 
up  the  town  of  Troy,  June  23,  1815.  A small  tract  was  severed  and  annexed  to 
Marlborough,  Dec.  15,  1842. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following:  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  785;  XIII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  520 ; Index  to  Laws,  533  ; historical  sketch,  by  Benjamin 
Read,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  375;  History,  by  Benjamin 
Read,  1892,  pp.  586;  as  to  relations  of  the  town  to  the  Vermont  controversy,  see 
Read’s  history,  pp.  67,  68,  and  72.] 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  19.] 

A Plat  of  a Sartain  tract  of  Land  Called  the  loer  township  on 
ashowelet  in  the  countey  of  hampshire  in  the  province  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay  in  new  england  laid  out  by  order  of  the  Gen- 
eral Cort  to  gether  with  the  house  lots  in  number  63  y*  6 acres  a 
piece  in  Each  lot  Protrackted  by  a Scale  of  one  hundred  perch  to 
ane  inch.  Surveyed  by  the  neadle  of  the  instrument  hoase  lots 
laid  out 

May  the  16  1734  ^ Nathanael  Dwight  Survey er 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  15  1734  Read  and  ordered 
that  this  plat  with  the  House  lots  therein  protracted  & described 
be  accepted  Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

J Quincy  Spto 

In  Council  June  18  1734  Read  & concurred 

Thad  Mason  Dept  Sec 

22  Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  15,  1734*] 

The  Plat  of  the  lower  Township  at  Ashuelot  with  the  House 
Lotf  therein,  delineated,  described  and  protracted  by  Nathanael 
Dwight,  Surveyor.  Read  and  accepted.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


SWANZEY. 


319 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  259.] 

Feb1^  27  : 1737/8 

Seth  Field  Surveyor,  Hezekiah  Stratton  & Gains  Field  Chain- 
men  under  ye  Aforesd  Surveyor  Personally  Appearing  made  oath 
faithfully  & truly  according  to  their  best  Skill  & understanding  to 
run  and  measure  ye  Line  from  ye  Lower  end  of  merries  Medow  to 
Arlington  North  West  Corner  & from  thence  East  twelve  Degrees 
South  on  Arlington  North  Line 

befor  me  Joseph  Kellogg  Just  Peace 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  16,  1738.] 

A Plat  of  the  Town  of  Hatfield , and  a Plat  of  the  Town  of 
Deerfield , both  in  the  County  of  Hampshire , were  presented  for 
Confirmation.  And  also 

Another  Plat  of  the  Lower  Ashuelot  Township,  so  called,  accom- 
panying a Memorial  of  Capt.  Nathanael  Hammond  & Efhraim 
Jones,  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  of  said  Township,  shewing  that 
the  Township  of  Arlington,  so  called,  greatly  interferes  with  the 
Lands  set  forth  in  the  Memorialists  Plat,  praying  the  Consideration 
of  the  Court,  that  Equity  and  Justice  may  be  done  thereon  All 
read,  and  Ordered,  That  Col.  Prescot,  Col.  Chandler , and  Capt. 
Hobson,  be  a Committee  to  inquire  into  and  consider  of  the  Said 
Plats  and  Memorial,  and  Report  what  may  be  proper  for  the 
Court  to  do  thereon  respectively. 


\_Refort  of  Committee  on  Swanzey  Petition,  iyj8.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  259.] 

The  Comtee  On  The  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Hammond  & Ephraim 
Jones  In  behalf  of  ye  proprietors  of  ye  Township  Called  the  Lower 
Ashuelot,  having  considered  the  Same  And  heard  the  Petitioners 
thereon  find  that  part  of  ye  Land  included  in  the  Plat  of  Sd  Town- 
ship Taken  by  order  of  ye  Comtee  Appointed  for  that  purpose  and 
accepted  by  this  Court  is  within  the  Bounds  and  Plat  of  Arlington 
Township  Confirmed  Some  Time  before  but  it  not  being  Duly 


320 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Certifyed  that  ye  Surveyor  & Chain  men  Imployed  in  ye  measure 
and  Survey  thereof  were  under  Oath  Are  of  Opinion  That  a Comtee 
of  this  Court  be  appointed  at  ye  Charge  of  ye  Petitioners  (by  a 
Surveyor  and  Chain  men  on  oath)  to  take  a True  Survey  of  ye 
Land  included  within  ye  bounds  of  Arlington  as  aforesd  and  Lay 
out  in  A Reguler  form  an  equivalent  thereto  Adjoyning  to  said 
Township  if  ye  Land  will  allow  thereof  or  otherwise  in  Some  of  ye 
unappropriated  Land  of  ye  Province  Adjoyning  to  some  Township 
and  Return  a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  Twelve  months  for 
Confirmation  to  ye  Said  Proprietors,  which  is  humbly  Submitted 
In  the  name  And  by  order  of  ye  Comtee 
June  20th  1738  Benja  Prescott 

20th  Acceptd  & Col°  prescot  & Cap1  Hobson  with  such  be  a 
Comtee  for  the  purpose  &c  sent  up  &c 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  20,  1738.] 

Col.  Prescot  from  the  Committee  appointed  on  the  Petition  of 
Capt.  Nathanael  Hammond  and  Ephraim  Jones , in  behalf  of  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Lower  Ashuelot  Township,  praying  for  Relief 
on  Account  of  the  enterfering  of  Arlington  Township  so  called, 
with  the  said  Proprietors  Town,  which  was  read  and  accepted  ; 
and  for  as  much  as  Part  of  the  Land  included  in  the  Plat  of  the 
said  Ashuelot  Township  taken  by  Order  of  this  Court  is  within 
the  Bounds  and  Plat  of  Arlington  Township,  confirmed  some 
time  before,  but  it  not  being  duly  certified  that  the  Surveyor  and 
Chain  Men  employed  in  the  Measure  and  survey  thereof  were 
under  Oath,  Ordered , That  Benjamin  Prescot , and  John  Hobson 
Esqrs ; with  such  as  the  honourable  Board  shall  join,  be  a Com- 
mittee at  the  Petitioners  Charge,  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain  Men 
on  Oath,  to  take  a true  Survey  of  the  Land  included  within  Arling- 
ton Bounds  as  aforesaid,  and  lay  out  into  a regular  Farm  an 
equivalent  thereto  adjoining  to  said  Township,  if  the  Land  will 
allow  thereof,  or  otherwise  in  some  of  the  unappropriated  Land  of 
the  Province  adjoining  to  some  Township,  and  return  a Plat  there- 
of to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  the  said 
Proprietors. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrance. 


SWANZEY. 


321 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  21,  1738.] 

Jacob  Wendell , Esq;  brought  down  the  Petition  of  Capt. 
Nathanael  Hammond  and  Ephraim  Jones , in  behalf  of  the  Lower 
Ashuelot  Township,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  twentieth 
currant  thereon.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council  June  21  st 
1738.  Read  and  concur’d,  and  John  Stoddard , Esq;  is  joined  in 
the  Affair,  and  that  any  two  of  the  Committee  be  a Quorum. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concur’d. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  254,  and  Court  Records,  June  21, 

i738-] 

In  the  House  of  Repves  June  20th  1738 

Read  and  forasmuch  as  part  of  the  Land  included  in  the  plat  of 
the  said  Ashuelot  township  taken  by  order  of  the  Court  is  within 
the  bounds  and  plat  of  the  township,  confirmed  some  time  before 
to  Josiah  Willard  Esqr  & others,  but  it  not  being  duly  certified  that 
the  surveyor  & Chain  Men  employed  in  the  Measure  & survey 
thereof  were  under  Oath  Ordered  that  Benjamin  Prescot  and  John 
Hobson  with  such  as  the  honorable  board  shall  joine  be  a Com- 
mittee at  the  petitioners  Charge  by  a surveyor  & Chain  Men  on 
Oath  to  take  a true  survey  of  the  Land  included  within  the  bounds 
of  said  Township  last  mentioned  as  aforesaid ; and  lay  out  into  a 
regular  fform  an  Equivalent  thereto  Adjoining  to  said  township,  if 
the  Land  will  allow  thereof,  or  otherwise  in  some  of  the  unappro- 
priated land  of  the  province  adjoining  to  some  township,  and  re- 
turn a plat  thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  Months  for  Confir- 
mation to  the  said  proprietors. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence.  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council ; June  21,  1738  ; Read  & Concur’d,  And  John  Stod- 
dard Esqr  is  joined  in  the  Affair,  And  that  any  two  of  the  Com- 
mittee be  a Quorum. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  J Willard  Sec’ry. 

In  the  House  of  Repves  June  21*  1738 

Read  and  Concurd  J.  Quincy  Spkr 

28  : Consented  to,  J Belcher 

21 


322 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  i,  1738-9.] 

On  a Motion  made  and  seconded  by  divers  Members,  Ordered, 
That  Charles  Peirce , Esq ; be  added  to  the  Committee  on  the 
Petition  of  Messieurs  Hammond  and  "Jones , in  behalf  of  the  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Lower- Ashuelot  Township,  praying  for  relief  on 
Account  of  the  interfering  of  Arlington  Township  so  called,  with 
the  Petitioners,  appointed  the  last  Session  of  the  Court ; Benjamin 
Prescot , Esq  ; one  of  the  said  Committee  being  since  deceased. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  260,  and  Court  Records  Jan.  5, 

1738-9.] 

In  the  House  of  Repves  J anry  Ist  1738 

On  a Motion  made  and  seconded  by  divers  Members  Ordered 
that  Charles  peirce  Esqr  be  Added  to  the  Committee  on  the  petition 
of  Messrs  Hammond  and  Jones  in  behalf  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
lower  Ashuelot  township  praying  for  relief  on  Account  of  the  in- 
terfering of  Arlington  township  so  called  with  the  petitioners  town- 
ship, appointed  the  last  Session  of  the  Court,  Benjamin  prescot 
Esqr  one  of  the  said  Committee  being  Since  deceased. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J.  Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  January  5,  1738. 

Read  & Concur’d.  And  Thomas  Berry  Esqr  is  added  to  the 
Said  Committee  in  the  Room  of  John  Stoddard  Esqr  who  has  ex- 
cused himself  from  that  Service. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Simon  Frost  D.  Secry 

In  the  House  of  Repve  Jan?  5 1738 

Read  & Concurd.  J.  Quincy  Spkr 

8 : Consented  to  J Belcher 


[ ' Re  fort  of  Committee  on  Disputed  Territory , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  440.] 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  take  a Survey  of  the  Lands  in- 
cluded in  the  Bounds  of  the  Lower  Ashuelot,  that  Lyes  within  the 
Township  of  Earlington  so  Called  now  Winchester  and  Lay  out  an 
Equivalent  thereto,  Have  attended  the  said  Service  Carefully 


SWANZEY. 


323 


Viewed  the  Lands  and  Caused  the  same  to  be  Measured  and  find 
it  Contains  3141  Acres  and  as  an  Equivalent  therefor  have  caused 
to  be  Laid  out  9423  Acres  adjoyning  to  said  Ashuelot  Township  a 
plan  whereof  is  herewith  Exhibited, 
all  which  is  humbly  Submitted 
in  the  Name  and  by  order  of  the  Committee 

Boston  July  6th  1738  Thomas  Berry — 

In  Council  July  6,  1739 

Read  & Send  down  Simon  Frost  Dep4  Secry 

In  the  House  of  Repves  July  6th  1739  Read  & the  Question  was 
put  whither  the  plat  shall  be  Acceptd 
It  passed  in  the  Negative 

Mass : ss.  April  20  1739 

Then  John  Stevens  as  Surveyor,  Jeremiah  Hall  and  Seth  Heaton, 
as  Chainmen  made  Solemn  Oath  that  in  Surveying  the  Lands  in- 
cluded in  the  Plat  of  the  Lower  Ashuelot  that  Lyes  within  the 
Township  of  Earlington  so  Called,  and  in  Surveying  and  Laying 
Out  an  Equivalent  therefor  they  would  Severally  Act  according  to 
their  Best  Skill  and  Judgement  therein 

Before  Thomas  Berry  J Pacis 


[. Description  of  Equivalent  Land, 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  441.] 


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CHARTER  RECORDS. 


3H 

This  Plot  Contains  Nine  thousand  four  hundred  and  Twenty- 
three  acres  of  Land  and  was  Laid  out  by  the  order  of  Thomas 
Berry  Esqr  and  others  In  Considerration  of  Three  thousand  and 
one  hundred  and  forty'  one  acres  of  Land  Taken  out  of  the  Lower 
Ashuelet  by  Earlington  line  and  Bounded  as  folows — (viz) — Be- 
gining  at  A Beach  Tree  marked  In  the  line  of  Said  Lower 
Ashuelet  about  Three  miles  and  forty  Pole  from  the  North  East 
Corner  and  Run  East : 38  Degrees  South  : 5 miles  To  a Large 
white  Burch  and  from  thence  Run  North  38  East  Two  Miles  Three 
hundred  and  Two  pole  To  a White  Oake  Corner  from  thence  Run 
West  38,  Degrees  North  five  miles  To  the  line  of  ashuelet  afore 
Said  To  a Beach  Tree  a bout  Sixty  Pole  from  the  Corner  of  Said 
Town  Then  on  Said  Town  line  To  the  Corner  whear  it  first  Be- 
gun with  the  Common  Allowance  of  aboute  Twelve  Chains  To  a 
mile  for  Sagg  of  Chain — 

Surveyed  Aprile  1739  ^ John  Stevens  Surveyer 


TEMPLE. 

[Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  June  30,  1750,  as  Peterborough  Slip , 
also  known  as  Sliptown,  which  included  the  town  of  Sharon.  Incorporated  as 
Temple,  Aug.  26,  1768.  Named  in  honor  of  John  Temple.  A dispute  about  a strip 
of  land  between  this  town  and  New  Ipswich,  terminated  in  favor  of  Temple. 
“Borland’s  Farm”  was  annexed  Jan.  12,  1781.  A portion  of  Peterborough  was 
annexed  to  Temple,  Jan.  29,  1789.  A large  tract  was^severed  from  Lyndeborough 
and  annexed  to  Temple  June  11,  1796. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  volumes  ; 
XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  547  ; Index  to  Laws,  540 ; historical  sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  672.] 


[Grant  to  Tyng,  Nelson,  and  Alden.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  9,  1736.] 

The  Petition  of  Edward  Tyng  of  Boston , Merchant,  Temple 
Nelson , and  Nathanael  Alden  of  Boston , for  themselves  and 
others,  the  heirs  of  Col.  Edward  Tyng  deceased,  John  Nelson, 
Esq;  deceased,  and  Capt.  John  Alden , deceased,  praying  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Court  for  the  deceased’s  extraordinary  services 
and  sufferings,  they  having  suffered  a long  and  tedious  Captivity 
in  France , the  said  Col.  Tyng  dying  in  a Dungeon  there,  as  entred 


TEMPLE. 


325 


the  2 6th  of  March  last,  and  the  4 th,  currant.  Read  again,  and  the 
subject  matter  there  of  being  duly  considered,  Voted , that  twelve 
hundred  acres  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Province  be  and 
hereby  is  granted  to  the  Petitioners  their  heirs  and  assigns  respec- 
tively, that  is  to  say,  to  the  heirs  of  the  said  Col.  Tyng,  deceased, 
and  their  assigns  four  hundred  acres  part  thereof ; to  the  heirs  of 
the  said  John  Nelson , Esq;  deceased,  and  their  assigns,  four 
hundred  acres  part  thereof ; and  to  the  heirs  of  the  said  John  Alden 
deceased,  and  their  assigns,  the  residue  and  remainder  thereof; 
and  that  the  Petitioners  be  allowed  and  impowred  to  return  a Plat 
thereof  to  this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  accord- 
ingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  22,  1736.] 

The  Petition  oi  Edward  Tyng  of  Boston , Merchant,  and  others, 
praying  the  Consideration  of  the  Court  on  account  of  the  Services 
and  Sufferings  of  Edward  Tyng , Esq ; John  Nelson  Esq ; and 
Capt.  John  Alden , all  of  Boston , with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the 
ninth  of  June  last  thereon.  Read  again,  and  in  answer  to  the 
Petition,  Voted , That  two  thousand  one  hundred  Acres  of  the  un- 
appropriated Lands  of  the  Province  lying  West  of  Salem  Canada 
Town,  and  Northerly  of  Ifswich  new  Township,  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  to  the  Petitioners  the  Heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of 
the  within  named  Edward  Tyng  Esq;  John  Nelson , Esq;  and 
Capt.  John  Alden , deceased,  and  that  they  be  allowed  and  im- 
powred by  a Surveyor  and  two  Chain-men  under  Oath  to  take  a 
Plat  thereof,  and  return  the  same  to  this  Court  within  twelve 
months  for  confirmation  to  the  said  Petitioners,  to  be  held  in  three 
equal  Parts  by  them,  viz.  seven  hundred  Acres  to  the  Heirs  and 
legal  Representatives  of  the  said  Edward  Tyng , Esq ; and  the 
like  quantity  to  the  Heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of  the  said 
John  Nelson , Esq;  and  the  residue  of  the  Grant  to  the  Heirs  and 
legal  Representatives  of  the  said  John  Alden , deceased. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  12,  1736-7.] 

The  Petition  of  Edward  Tyng  of  Boston , and  others,  the  Heirs 
of  Col.  Edward  Tyng , John  Nelson,  Esq  ; and  Capt.  John  Alden , 


326 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


all  of  Boston , deceased,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  22 d ult. 
thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council  viz.  In  Council  "January  12 th  1736. 
Read  and  concur’d  with  the  Amendments,  viz . dele  at  K—two 
thousand  one  hundred— and  add-one  thousand  two  htmdred- dele  at 
B -seven  hundred-  and  add  -four  hundred.  Sent  down  for  Con- 
currence. Read  and  concur’d  with  the  further  Amendments,  viz. 
dele  the  Words  at  Y -and  northerly  of  Ipswich  new  Township. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


fMass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  12,  1736-7.] 

A petition  of  Edward  Tyng  Temple  Nelson  & Nathanael  Alden, 
praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  province  Land  for  themselves 
and  the  other  heirs  of  their  Respective  fathers,  in  consideration  of 
the  Great  Charge  & Sufferings  of  their  said  Fathers  in  a long 
Captivity  in  France  being  in  the  Service  of  the  province  when 
taken — 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  and  In  Answer  to  this  petition 

Ordered  that  twelve  hundred  Acres  of  the  Unappropriated 
Lands  of  the  province,  lying  West  of  Salem  Canada  Town,  be  & 
hereby  are  granted  to  the  petr3  the  heirs  & legal  Represent3  of  the 
within  named  Edward  Tyng  Esqr  John  Nelson  Esqr  & Cap1  John 
Alden  dec'ed  and  that  they  be  Allowed  by  a Survey1  and  two 
Chainmen  on  Oath  to  take  a plat  thereof  apd  Return  the  same  to 
this  Court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  to  the  said  pet1,3  to 
be  held  in  three  Equal  parts  viz1  four  hundred  Acres  to  the  heirs  & 
Legal  Represent3  of  the  said  Edward  Tyng  Esqr  the  like  quantity 
to  the  heirs  & legal  Represent3  of  the  said  John  Nelson  Esqr  and 
the  Residue  of  the  Grant  to  the  heirs  and  Legal  Represent3  of  the 
said  Cap1  John  Alden  dec’ed — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  29,  1737*] 

A Plat  of  twelve  hundred  Acres  of  Land  Surveyed  and  laid  out 
by  James  Chandler  Surveyor,  and  two  Chain-Men  on  Oath,  to 
satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court,  as  entred  the  12th.  of  January  last, 
made  to  the  Heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of  Edward  Tyngr 


TEMPLE. 


327 


Esq  ; John  Nelson , Esq  ; and  Capt.  John  Alden , deceased,  adjoin- 
ing to  Salem  Canada  Town,  &c.  Read  and  Ordered , That  the 
Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described 
be  and  hereby  are  accordingly  confirmed,  viz.  Four  hundred 
Acres  thereof  at  the  southerly  End  called  Number  One , to  the 
Heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of  the  said  John  Alden , deceased, 
and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively  for  ever;  Four  hun- 
dred Acres  thereof  adjoining  to  Number  One , called  Number  Two , 
to  the  Heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of  John  Nelson,  Esq;  de- 
ceased, and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively  for  ever ; and 
the  other  four  hundred  Acres  called  Number  Three , to  the  legal 
Heirs  and  Representatives  of  Edward  Tyng , Esq ; deceased,  and 
to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  respectively  for  ever ; provided  the  Plat 
exceeds  not  the  quantity  of  twelve  hundred  Acres  of  Land,  ex- 
clusive of  swag  of  Chain,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former 
Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  12,  1737-8.] 

A Plat  of  Twelve  Hundred  Acres  of  Land  laid  out  by  James 
Chandler  Survey1  and  Chainmen  on  Oath,  to  fulfill  a Grant  made 
by  this  Court  to  the  Heirs  of  Edward  Tyng  Esqr  John  Nelson  Esqr 
and  Cpt.  John  Alden ; Beginning  at  a Hemlock  Tree  twenty 
three  rods  South  of  Salem  Canada  Township  South  West  corner  ; 
thence  running  North  by  the  needle  Six  Hundred  rods  (577  rods 
on  the  West  Line  of  said  Town)  to  a Beach  Tree  mark’d  ; then 
West  Three  hundred  and  twenty  Rods  to  a Maple  Tree  marked ; 
then  South  six  hundred  rods  to  a Beach  Tree  mark’d ; then  East 
Three  hundred  and  twenty  rods  to  the  Hemlock  Tree  where  it 
first  began. 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  1.] 

The  within  Plats  Describeth  Twelve  hundred  Acres  of  Land 
Layed  out  the  seventh  Day  of  September  1737  to  satisfie  a Grant 
of  the  Great  and  General  Courte  the  twelth  Day  of  January  1736/7 
to  the  heirs  of  Cor11  Edward  Ting  John  Nelson  Esqr  and  Capt 
John  Aldin  all  of  Boston  Deceased  It  begneth  at  a hemlock  Tree 


328 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  1.] 


TEMPLE. 


329 


23  Rods  south  of  salam  Canada  Township  south  west  corner  then 
Runing  north  by  the  nedle  600  Rods  577  Rods  on  salam  Canada 
Town  west  Line  to  a Beach  Tree  marked  then  west  320  to  a maple 
Tree  marked  then  Runing  south  600  Rods  to  Beach  Tree  marked 
then  East  320  Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree  whare  it  first  began  it  is 
boundd  East  on  salam  Canada  Town  577  Rods  Every  other  way 
Bounded  on  Province  Land  thare  is  one  Chain  allowed  in  thirty 
for  swag  of  Chain  Protracked  by  a scale  of  forty  Rods  to  an  Inch 

by  James  Chandler  survayr 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  1,  and  Court  Records,  Jan. 

12, 1737-8.] 

In  the  House  of  Repves  Dec1’  29th  1737  Read  and  Ordered  that 
the  plat  be  Accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  de- 
scribed be  and  hereby  are  accordingly  Confirmed  viz*  flour  hundred 
Acres  thereof  at  the  southerly  End  called  Number  One  to  the  Heirs 
and  legal  Representatives  of  the  said  John  Alden  decd  and  to  their 
heirs  and  assigns  respectively  for  Ever ; Four  hundred  Acres 
thereof  Adjoining  to  Number  One  called  Number  Two,  to  the 
heirs  and  legal  Representatives  of  the  said  John  Nelson  Esqr  decd 
and  to  their  heirs  and  Assigns  Respectively  for  Ever;  and  the 
other  Four  hundred  Acres  called  Number  Three  to  the  legal  Heirs 
and  Representatives  of  said  Edward  Tyng  deceased  and  to  their 
heirs  and  Assigns  respectively  for  Ever ; provided  the  plat  exceeds 
not  the  quantity  of  twelve  hundred  Acres  of  Land  exclusive  of 
Swagg  of  Chain  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

In  Council  Janry  12.  1737 

Read  and  Concurr’d  J Willard  Sec’ry 

13  : Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  12,  p.  1.] 

middlesex  ss  : Concord  Sep*  io*h  1737 

The  above  named  James  Chandler  personaly  appeared  & maid 
oath  that  the  within  Survay  of  the  within  mentioned  Twelve 
hundred  acers  is  don  Justly  & truly  according  to  the  best  of  his 
Scill  and  Judgment 


330 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  that  James  Barrett  & daniell  Toms  personally  appeared  & 
maid  oath  that  in  Carying  the  Chain  in  the  within  Survay  that 
they  had  don  it  Justly  & truly  accord  to  the  Best  of  their  Scill  and 
Judgment 

Before  me  John  Flint  Justice  of  peace 


WALPOLE. 

[This  town  was  Number  3 in  the  line  of  towns  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut 
River.  Granted  by  Massachusetts,  Nov.,  1736,  to  John  Flint  and  others. 
Granted  by  New  Hampshire,  Feb.  13,  1752,  to  Benjamin  Bellows  and  others,  and 
incorporated  as  Walpole.  Named  from  an  English  town.  It  was  also  sometimes 
called  Great  Falls  and  Bellows-town.  The  charter  was  renewed  March  12,  1761. 
The  privilege  of  a ferry  across  the  Connecticut  at  this  place  was  granted  to  Ben- 
jamin Bellows,  Aug.  18,  1773.  Col.  Enoch  Hale,  of  Rindge,  was  authorized  to 
build  a toll-bridge  over  the  Connecticut  at  Bellows  Falls,  Dec.  31,  1783.  A tract  of 
land  from  the  north  part  of  the  town  was  combined  with  a part  of  Charlestown  to 
make  up  the  town  of  Langdon,  Jan.  11,  1787. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers, 
394,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XIII, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  592  ; Index  to  Laws,  566;  sketch,  by  M.  A.  Bellows,  4, 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society  Collections,  p.  124;  Walpole  As  It  Was  And  As 
It  Is,  1749  to  1879,  by  George  Aldrich,  1880,  pp.  404,  particularly  p.  20,  as  to 
grant  of  Walpole  territory  by  authority  of  New  York;  historical  sketch,  by  same 
author,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  405  ; History  and  Antiquities 
of  the  Name  and  Family  of  Kilbourn,  by  Payne  Kenyon  Kilbourne,  1856,  pp.  444 
and  44,  particularly  p.  81,  as  to  settlement  of  Walpole  by-John  Kilbourn  ; Narratives 
and  Traditions  of  the  Bellows  Family,  by  Emily  R.  Barnes,  1888,  pp.  384.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Oct.  14,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  John  Flint  Esq;  and  others,  Inhabitants  of  the 
Towns  of  Concord , Groton , Littleton , Lexington  and  West/or d , 
praying  for  a Tract  of  Land  of  six  Miles  square  on  the  West  of 
Monadnock , on  the  Easterly  Branch  of  Ashawelet  River,  or  in  any 
other  Place  as  shall  be  thought  fit,  for  the  Ends  and  Reasons  there- 
in mentioned. 

Read,  and  referred  to  the  next  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


WALPOLE. 


331 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  3,  1735.] 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Flint , Esq ; and  others  of  Concord , 
Groton , Littleton , &c.  praying  for  Lands,  as  entred  the  14/^.  of 
October  1730,  and  referred,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
the  House  came  into  the  Grant  of  a Township  of  the  contents 
aforesaid,  on  the  East  side  of  Connecticut  River  below  the  great 
Falls,  on  the  same  Conditions  of  Settlement  with  the  former  Grant* 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Sept.  27,  1739.] 

A Petition  of  Benjamin  Reed , Samuel  Whittemore , and  Nathan- 
ael Ball , a Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number 
Three,  lying  on  the  Eastward  side  of  Connecticut  River,  for  and 
in  behalf  of  said  Proprietors,  praying  the  Favour  of  this  Court  that 
they  may  be  allowed  three  Years  longer  to  fulfil  the  Conditions  of 
the  Grant  of  said  Township,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  referred  to  the  next  sitting  of  this  Court. 


\_Petition  of  Proprietors  of  Walpole  for  Equivalent  Grant , 2772.} 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  118,  p.  610.] 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts-Bay 

To  His  Excellency  Thos  Hutchinson  Esqr  Cap1  General  & Govr 
in  Cheife  in  and  over  his  Majesties  Province  aforesd  & to  the  Honle 
his  majesties  Council  & house  of  Representatives  in  Gen1  Court 
assembled  at  Cambridge  May  1772 — Humbly  shews — 

That  the  great  & general  Court  for  sd  Province  at  their  sessions 
in  Novr  1736,  did  grant  To  Jn°  Flynt  Esqr  & others  a Township  of 
Six  miles  Square  on  the  East  side  of  & adjoining  to  Connecticut 
River,  Called  by  the  name  of  N°  3. — That  Sd  Court  did  fully  Im- 
power  the  sd  Jn°  Flynt  Esqr  to  assemble  the  Grantees  of  sd  Town- 
ship N°  3. — in  order  to  Choose  a Comtee  to  allot  out  and  Divid  the 
Sd  Lands  & to  pass  such  Votes  & ordors  as  they  shd  think  most 
Conducive  for  the  Speedy  fullfillment  of  the  Conditions  of  sd  Grant 
— That  sd  Prop18  did  accordingly  proceed  & Choose  a Comtee  for 


332 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  purposes  aforesd  & with  great  Expence  of  Time  & mony  lay 
out  sd  Township,  & allot  out  the  same  agreeable  to  the  ordor  of 
the  sd  Cort — That  sd  Prop™  did  after  Wards  with  great  Expence 
of  Time  and  money  as  aforesd  proceed  & lay  out  Convenient 
Roads  Clear  Land  & Endeavour  the  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  sd  Township  untill  the  Indian  War  prevented  their  farther 
proceedings  & afterwards  your  Petitioners  were  intirely  Dispos- 
sessed of  the  same  by  the  Running  of  the  province  Line  to  their 
great  Detriment  & Loss — Wherefore  your  Petitioners  in  behalf  of 
themselves  & sd  proprs  of  sd  Township  humbly  pray  yr  Excellency 
& honr8  would  take  their  Case  into  vr  wise  Consideration  & make 
them  a grant  of  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  province 
adequate  to  their  Loss  and  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound 
shall  Ever  Pray 

Sam1  Whittemore  Amos  Lawrance  Willm  Munroe 

William  Cutler  Joseph  Adams  Tho3  Adams 


The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Walpole  viz* 


Benjamin  Bellows 
Joshua  Moor 
John  Stearns 
Benja  Gary 
Amos  Kimball 
William  Stearns 
Robert  Clerk 
Joseph  Goodridge 
Moses  Gould  Junr 
Benja  Taylor 
Benja  Bellows  Junr 
John  Averill 
Jerath1  Powers 
John  Taylor 
Jona  Bradstreet  Jun1' 
John  Darling  Junr 
Thomas  Brown 
Joseph  Win 
William  Nutting 
Society  Share 
Theodore  Atkinson 
John  Downing 


Ebenr  Harris 
Levi  Willard 
Thoms  Stearns 
Tim°  Bancroft 
Ephraim  Kimball 
John  Litch 
John  Spafford 
Nehemh  Gould 
Jona  Weatherby 
Samuel  Johnson  Junr 
Tim°  Harrington 
Stanton  Prentice 
Sam11  Moor 
Joseph  Bellows 
Moses  Gould 
Paul  Crocker 
William  Spear 
Joseph  Blodgit  Junr 
John  Darling 
Ministerial  Share 
Richd  Wibird 
Sampson  Sheaffe 

Copy 


Abijah  Willard 

Abel  Willard 

Sam11  Gibbs 

Samuel  Hunt 

Paul  Weatherby 

Jona  .Willard 

Barzilli  Willard 

Caleb  Willard 

Peter  Bellows 

William  Down 

Abijah  Stearns 

John  Bellows 

Jonah  Moor 

Joseph  Stearns 

Benja  Stearns 

John  Russell 

Sampson  French 

Josha  Willard 

Benns  Wentworth  500  ac9 

Glebe  Share 

Samuel  Smith 

Jn°  Wentworth  Junr 

Theodr  Atkinson  Sec^ 


WALPOLE. 


33  3 


In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  29,  1773 
on  the  Petition  of  Sam1  Whittemore  & others  In  behalf  of  them- 
selves & others  Propriators  of  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six 
Miles  Square,  Granted  to  John  Flint  Esqr  & others  on  the  East 
Side  of  Connecticut  river  known  by  the  name  of  N°  3 It  appearing" 
that  the  Propriators  of  Sd  Township  Expended  Much  Labour  & 
Money  in  Clearing  Roads  & bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of 
Sd  Township,  & that  the  whole  of  Sd  Township  fell  within  the  lim- 
mits  of  Newhampshier  on  Runing  the  line  between  this  Province 
& Newhampshier  for  which  the  Grantees  have  Receiv’d  no  Con- 
sideration from  this  Province  or  the  Province  of  Newhampshier 
Therefore  Resolved  in  lieu  thereof,  there  be  Granted  to  the 
Petitioners  & the  legal  Representatives  or  assigns  of  the  origanal 
Grantees,  a Township  of  Seven  Miles  Square  in  the  unapropri- 
ated  lands  belonging  to  this  Province  Provided  that  the  Grantees 
within  Six  years  Settle  thirty  families  in  Sd  Town 

And  lay  out  one  Sixty  fourth  part  of  Sd  Township  for  the  first 
Setled  Minister,  and  one  Sixtyfourth  part  for  the  Ministry  & one 
Sixtyfourth  part  for  the  Grammer  School  and  one  other  Sixty- 
fourth  part  for  the  use  of  Harvard  College 

Provided  also  that  the  Sd  Township  be  lay’d  out  on  Such  a part 
of  the  unapropriated  lands  belonging  to  this  Province  (excepting 
the  Tract  petitiond  for  by  the  proprietors  of  Suncook)  adjoyning 
to  Some  former  grant  to  the  Eastward  of  Saco  River,  & that  they 
return  a plan  thereof  into  the  Secretary’s  office,  by  a Surveyor 
and  Chainmen  under  oath  within  twelve  monts  for  Confirmation 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  T Cushing  Spkr 

In  Council  June  29th  1773  read  & ordered  that  the  Consideration 
of  this  Grant  be  referred  to  the  Next  Sitting  of  the  General  Court 
Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Tho3  Flucker  Secr 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  29,  1773 

Read  & Nonconcurred  & the  House  Adhere  to  their  own  Vote 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence  T Cushing  Spkr 

In  Council  June  29th  1773- 

Read  & Nonconcurred  Jn°  Cotton  D.  Secr’y 

[In  February  1774,  Samuel  Whittemore  and  Amos  Lawrence 
again  petitioned  the  General  Court,  and  were  granted  the  town- 
ship of  Baldwin  Me.,  under  the  same  conditions  as  above  ex- 
pressed.] 


334 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Jonathan  Belcher.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1735-6.] 

Two  Plats  containing  one  thousand  acres  of  Land  lying  on  each 
side  of  Connecticut  River , viz.  six  hundred  acres  thereof  lying  on 
the  East  side  of  the  River,  and  begins  at  two  Butter  nut  Trees 
marked  J.  B.  standing  on  the  Bank  of  said  Connecticut  River  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  third  Interval  Meadow  from  Cold  River , 
from  whence  it  runs  an  East  Line  one  hundred  thirty- four  perches, 
then  North  four  hundred  and  seventy  perches  to  a Corner, 
thence  West  ninety  five  perches  to  a Butter  nut  Tree  marked  J.  B. 
on  the  bank  of  the  River;  the  Plat  containing  four  hundred  acres 
being  opposite  to  the  former  tract  on  the  West  side  the  River  of 
Connecticut , beginning  at  two  white  Pines  marked  J.  B.  about  one 
hundred  and  thirty  perch  above  the  Brook  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
second  Interval  Meadow  below  the  Great  Falls,  from  thence  West 
two  hundred  and  twenty  perch,  thence  South  three  hundred  and 
five  perch,  thence  East  thirteen  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  North, 
two  hundred  and  seventy  perch  to  a Pitch  Pine  on  the  bank  of  the 
River,  formerly  surveyed  and  laid  out  by  Ebenezer  Hinsdale , 
Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men  on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  the 
Court  to  His  Excellency  the  Governour,  as  equivalent  for  what 
was  laid  out  at  a place  called  by  the  name  of  Merry  Meadow,  but 
not  confirmed,  was  now  presented  for  allowance  to  satisfy  a Grant 
of  one  thousand  acres  of  Land  made  to  His  Excellency  in  the 
present  sitting  of  the  Court,  for  the  reasons  therein  mentioned. 
Read  and  Ordered , That  these  Plats  be  and  hereby  are  accepted, 
and  the  Lands  therein  delineated  and  described,  and  lying  on 
each  side  of  Connecticut  River,  be  and  are  hereby  confirmed  to 
His  Excellency  JONATHAN  BELCHER,  Esq  ; Captain  General 
and  Governour  in  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty’s  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  in  satis- 
faction of  a Grant  of  this  Court  in  their  present  sitting  of  one 
thousand  acres  of  Land  made  to  His  Excellency,  for  the  Services 
of  His  Brother  Mr.  Andrew  Belcher,  deceas’d,  in  the  Canada 
Expedition  Anno  1690,  provided  the  Plats  exceed  not  the  quantity 
of  one  thousand  acres  of  Land,  as  it  lays  on  each  side  of  Connecti- 
cut River,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant,  anything 
contained  in  the  form  of  the  return  notwithstanding.  Sent  up  for 
Concurrence. 


WARNER. 


335 


WARNER. 

[This  town  was  Number  i in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut 
River,  and  was  granted  Jan.  16,  1735-6,  to  Thomas  Stevens  and  others,  many  of 
whom  were  from  Amesbury,  Mass.  The  town  was  called  New  Amesbury . 
Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  March  14,  1749-50,  to  Richard  Jenness  and 
others,  inhabitants  of  Rye,  and  called  Jenness-town  and  Rye-iown.  Regranted 
Dec.  24,  1767,  to  Jonathan  Barnard  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Warner,  Sept. 
3,  1774,  and  named  in  honor  of  Col.  Jonathan  Warner,  of  Portsmouth.  Kear- 
sarge  Gore  was  annexed  June  13,  1818. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  789;  XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  612; 
Index  to  Laws,  568;  historical  sketch,  by  Moses  Long,  3,  Collections  of  N.  H. 
Historical  Society,  179;  History,  by  Walter  Harriman,  1879,  PP-  581;  historical 
sketch,  by  Fred  Myron  Colby,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1886,  p.  653.] 


{List  of  Proprietors  of  No,  /, 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  571.] 

At  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  No  1 octbr  ye  7 : 
1736  at  ye  same  meeting  mr  Edmund  March  was  Chosen  mod- 
rator  for  sd  meeting — 

at  ye  same  meeting  voted  to  Chuse  five  men  to  Lay  out  63  Lots 
in  sd  Township 

at  ye  Same  meeting  David  Ring  & others  was  Chosen  a Com- 
mittee to  Lay  sd  Lots — 

at  ye  same  meeting  voted  to  Leave  it  to  ye  Commitee  to  Lay  out 
sd  Lots  in  Quantity  & Quality  as  ye  Land  will  best  allow  of — 
at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  N°  1 Novembr  ye 
25  : 1736  mr  pain  Winget  was  Chosen  modrator  for  sd  meeting — 
at  ye  Same  meeting  ye  Comtee  Brought  in  a Returne  that  they 
had  Laid  out  63  Lots  of  40  acres  to  Each  Lot  in  four  Ranges 
which  was  Recd  in  & voted  & ye  Lots  Drawn  as  followeth 


336 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  first  Range 
Cap1  Richard  Currier 
Tho3  Stevens 
Elezar  Wells 
Jacob  Currier 
Daniel  Ring 
Moses  Sargent 
Jeremah  Flanders 
Ichabod  Colby 
mr  pain  Winget 
Jonath  Barnard 
James  ordway 
Philip  Quimby 
John  Sargent 
Nemiah  ordway 
ye  scholl  Lot 
Joseph  Quimby 


the  third  Range 
Joseph  Jewell 
John  Hoyt 
John  Jewell 
Elihu  Gould 
Caleb  Clough 
ye  first  minestr 
Stephen  Merrel 
Nath11  Chandler 
John  Challis 
Aaron  Rowell 
Mr  Edumond  March 
Jonath  Currier 
Tho3  Meekins 
Orlando  Colby 
ye  second  minestry 
John  Stevens 
Francis  Davis 


acrs 

the  second  Range 

acrs 

ye 

jet 

40 

John  Pressey  ye 

1 

40 

ye 

2 

40 

Jonath  Pressey  ye 

2 

40 

ye 

3 

40 

Sam11  Colby  ye  3d  ye 

3 

40 

ye 

4 

40 

David  Rines  ye 

6 

4° 

ye 

5 

40 

Joseph  Currier  ye 

7 

40 

ye 

6 

40 

Sam11  Barnard  J ye 

8 

40 

ye 

7 

40 

Jonath  Blasdel  ye 

9 40 

ye 

8 

40 

Sam11  Parsons  ye 

10 

40 

ye 

9 

40 

John  Hoyt  J y« 

11 

4° 

ye 

10 

40 

Willim  Nickalls  ye 

121 

40 

ye 

11 

40 

Jarves  Ring  ye 

434° 

ye 

12 

40 

Sephen  Patten  ye 

T4  4° 

ye 

13 

40 

Willim  Straw  ye 

i5  Ho 

ye 

H 

40 

John  Jewell  J ye 

I 6 

4° 

ye 

i5 

40 

Daniel  Currier  ye 

J7  4° 

ye 

16 

40 

Joseph  Peaslea  ye 

18  40 

Sam11  Straw  ye 

x94° 

John  Allen  ye 

2040 

the  fourth  Range 

ye 

1 

40 

John  Nickalls  ye 

1 

40 

ye 

2 

40 

Isaac  Chandler  ye 

2 

40 

ye 

3 

40 

Benja  Tucker  ye 

3 

40 

ye 

4 

40 

Jacob  Fowller  y® 

4 

40 

ye 

5 

40 

Timo111  Cojby  ye 

5 

40 

ye 

6 

40 

Timoth  Sargent  ye 

6 

40 

ye 

7 

40 

Gideon  Rowell  ye 

7 

40 

ye 

8 

4° 

Tho3  Rowell  ye 

8 

40 

ye 

914° 

Stephen  Sargent  ye 

9 

40 

ye 

10 

40 

Jacob  Sargent  ye 

10 

40 

ye 

11 

40 

Joseph  Jones  ye 

11 

40 

ye 

12 

40 

Sam11  Flanders  ye 

1 2 

40 

ye 

16 

4° 

ye 

17:40 

ye 

18 

40 

ye 

19  40 

ye 

20 

4° 

At  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  N°  i March  ye 
15  •'  I737 — 

at  ye  Same  meeting  John  Hoyt  was  chosen  Modrator  for  sd 
meeting — 

at  ye  Same  meeting  it  was  proposed  whither  Joseph  Jewell 


WARNER. 


337 


Timoth  Colby  & Isaac  Chandler  shall  be  a Comtee  to  go  & view  sd 
Township  & acording  to  their  best  descression  Lay  out  Sixty  three 
Lots  in  order  for  setlment  & make  their  Return  within  three 
months  to  ye  propriators  of  sd  Township — 

Voted  on  ye  affermative — 

at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  N°  i June  ye  23  : 
1 738  John  Hoyt  was  Chsen  Modrator  for  sd  meeting  : at  ye  same 
meeting  ye  Comtee  Brought  in  their  Return  that  they  had  Laid  out 
63  Lot  in  sd  Township  of  about  five  acres  to  Each  & was  Recd  in 
& voted  & ye  Lots  Drawn  which  are  as  followeth  viz 
Cap*  Richard  Currier 
John  Allen 
John  Hoyt  J 
Jacob  Currier 
first  Minister 
Willim  Nickalls 
Joseph  Quimby 
Sam11  Barnard  J 
John  Challis  J 
Joseph  Parsons 
Edmund  March 
ye  school  Lot 
Elezer  Wells 
Stephen  Patten 
Neamah  ordway 
Jonath  Currier 
John  Jewell  J 
Daniel  Currier 
Daniel  Ring 
for  the  second  ministry 
francis  Davis 
mr  Sam11  Persons 
Jacob  fouller 
Tho3  Stevens 
Joseph  jewel 
Joseph  Currier  j 
Cap1  John  Sargant 
Moses  Sargant 
Jonathan  Barnerd 
John  jewell 
Timothy  Sargant — 

James  ordway 
22 


ye 

1 

Joseph  Jones 

ye 

20 

ye 

2 

Jonath  Blasdel 

ye 

21 

ye 

3 

Sam11  Flanders 

ye 

22 

ye 

4 

John  Nickalls 

ye 

23 

ye 

5 

David  Ring 

ye 

24 

ye 

6 

Orlando  Colby 

ye 

25 

ye 

7 

Elihu  Gould 

ye 

26 

ye 

8 

Stephen  Merriel 

ye 

27 

ye 

9 

John  Pressey 

yee 

28 

ye 

10 

John  Stevens 

y 

29 

ye 

11 

Caleb  Clough 

ye 

30 

ye 

12 

Stephen  Sargent 

ye 

3i 

ye 

13 

Willim  Straw 

ye 

32 

ye 

Benja  Tucker 

ye 

33 

ye 

15 

Aaron  Rowell 

ye 

34 

yc 

16 

Jonath  Pressey 

ye 

35 

ye 

*7 

Gideon  Rowell 

ye 

36 

ye 

18 

John  Hoyt 

ye 

37 

ye 

T9 

Jarves  Ring 

ye 

38 

39 

Sam11  Colby 

the 

52 

the 

40 

Mr  Pain  Wingeate 

the 

53 

the 

41 

Sam11  Straw 

the 

54 

the 

42 

Philip  Quenby 

the 

55 

the 

43 

Ichabod  Colby 

the 

56 

the 

44 

Nath  a11  Chandler 

the 

57 

the 

45 

Isaac  Chandler 

the 

58 

the 

46 

Jacob  Sargant 

the 

59 

the 

47 

Jeremiah  flanders 

the 

60 

the 

48 

Timothy  Colby 

the 

61 

the 

49 

Tho3  Meekings 

the 

62 

5o 

Tho3  Rowell  Esqr 

the 

63 

the 

5i 

1 


338 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[ Votes  of  Proprietors  of  No.  /,  //j#.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  115,  p.  568.] 

at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  N°  1 March  21, 
1738  at  ye  same  meeting  Tho3  Rowell  was  Chosen  Modrator  for  sd 
meeting  : at  ye  same  meeting  voted  to  pay  orlando  Colby  Joseph 
Jewell  & John  Challis  one  Hundred  pounds  in  province  Bills  of  ye 
old  tener  to  Build  a good  & serviseble  Saw  mill  on  ye  Township 
No  1 on  ye  falls  Called  Blackwater  River  by  ye  Last  day  of 
august  next 

at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  No  1 March  ye 
21,  1738  at  ye  same  meeting  Capt  Tho8  Rowell  was  Chosen  mod- 
rator for  1 meeting — 

at  ye  same  Jonath  Blasdel  & Jonath  Barnard  was  Chosen  to  goo 
to  ye  Township  No  1 & view  ye  saw  mill  now  in  Building  & ye 
high  way  now  Cleard  to  sd  township  & ye  place  for  ye  Dam 

at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  No  1 May  ye  12, 
1740  Joseph  Jewell  Chosen  Modrator  for  sd  meeting  at  ye  same 
meeting  voted  & Resolved  to  give  Ezekel  Morrel  Sixty  pounds 
Bills  of  Credit  for  Building  a Dam  & doom  at  ye  saw  mill  in  ye 
Township  N°  1 according  to  Bond. 

at  a meeting  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Township  N°  1 December  ye 
18  1749  Cap1  John  Hoyt  Chosen  modrator  for  sd  meeting — 

at  ye  same  meeting  voted  to  Build  five  houses  on  sd  Township 
at  ye  Corst  of  ye  propriators  of  ye  Dimentions  according  to  ye  Cort 
act — 

at  ye  same  meeting  voted  that  ye  five  houses  voted  to  be  Built  on 
ye  sd  Township  shall  be  compleated  on  or  Before  ye  Last  day  of 
January  next — 

January  26 : 1749  we  ye  subscribers  persuant  to  ye  above  sd  vote 
have  Built  four  houses  on  sd  Township  agreable  to  ye  order  of 
Court  & according  to  ye  above  sd  vote 

Tho3  Colby  Jarves  Ring 

Moses  Morriel  Gidon  Straw 

the  afore  going  is  a True  Copy  taken  out  of  ye  propriators  Book 
in  ye  Township  N°  1 attest  Jonath  Barnard  propriators  Clark — 

Essex  ss  March  ye  20 : 1750 

the  above  named  Jonathan  Barnard  was  Sworn  Before  me  Tho3 
Rowell  Justice  a peace 


WE  ARE. 


339 


WASHINGTON. 

[This  town  was  Ntimber  8 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Pro- 
prietors, Dec.  11,  1752,  to  Capt.  Peter  Prescott  and  others.  Regranted  March 
1 7,  1768,  to  Reuben  Kidder  and  others.  The  charter  was  renewed  Feb.  5,  1772. 
The  town  was  variously  known  as  Monadnock  No.  8,  New  Concord,  and  Camden, 
until  it  was  incorporated  as  Washington,  Dec.  13,  1776,  and  named  in  honor  of 
George  Washington.  A portion  was  combined  with  New  Bradford  and  Washing- 
ton Gore  to  make  up  the  town  of  Bradford,  Sept.  27,  1787.  The  line  between 
Washington  and  Lempster  was  established  Nov.  27,  1812. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  626  ; 
Index  to  Laws,  569  ; The  Late  Centenarian  of,  with  a Brief  History  of  the  Town, 
by  George  Bancroft  Griffith,  3,  Granite  Monthly,  p.  536;  History,  1768-1886, 
compiled  by  a committee  chosen  by  the  town,  1886,  pp.  696;  historical  sketch,  by 
George  M.  Gage,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan  County,  1886,  p.  391.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  27,  1738.] 

The  Petition  of  Caleb  Bloggett , in  Behalf  of  the  Proprietors  of 
the  Township  called  Number  Eight , in  the  Line  of  Towns  from 
Rumford  to  the  Great  Falls  on  Connecticut  River,  shewing  that 
the  Lands  in  said  Township  are  so  rocky  and  mountainous  on  a 
View  thereof,  that  renders  the  Settlement  impracticable,  praying 
they  may  be  allowed  to  take  up  a Tract  of  Land  in  lieu  of  the 
aforesaid  Township,  lying  southward  thereof,  &c . 

Read  and  Referred  to  the  next  sitting  of  the  Court  for  consider- 
ation. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  26,  1739.] 

A Petition  of  Caleb  Bloggett  for  himself  and  the  other  Propri- 
etors of  the  Township  Number  Eight,  in  the  Line  of  Towns, 
shewing  that  the  Land  there  is  so  rough  and  mountanous  that 
upon  a careful  View  thereof  it  has  been  found  impracticable  to 
make  a Settlement  agreeable  to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  as 
entred  the  27 th  of  December  last  and  referred. 


WEARE. 

[This  town  was  granted  by  Massachusetts,  June  19,  1735,  to  Robert  Hale,  peti- 
tioning for  Capt.  William  Raymond’s  men,  and  was  called  Beverly- Canada , and 
Hale's-town.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Sept.  20,  1749,  to  Ichabod 
Robie  and  others,  and  called  at  times  Robid s-iown  and  Wearers -town.  Incorpor- 


34° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ated  as  Weare,  Sept.  21,  1764,  and  named  in  honor  of  Meshech  Weare.  The 
line  between  Weare  and  Dunbarton  was  established  July  2,  1853. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  and  Masonian  Papers  in  this  and  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  791  ; XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  637;  Index 
to  Laws,  571  ; historical  sketch  by  William  Little,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough 
County,  1885,  p.  678  ; History,  1735  t0  1888,  by  town  committee,  1888,  pp.  1064.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  11,  1735.] 

A Petition  of  Robert  Hale  of  Beverly , Esq ; in  behalf  of  the 
Canada  Soldiers  under  the  more  immediate  command  of  Capt. 
William  Rayment  of  Beverly,  and  also  of  such  other  Soldiers,  In- 
habitants of  said  Town,  who  were  in  the  Canada  Expedition  at 
the  same  time,  viz . Anno  1690,  praying  that  in  consideration  of 
the  great  hardships  and  fatigues  they  then  underwent  in  and  for 
the  Service  of  their  Country,  they  may  obtain  a Grant  of  six  miles 
square  of  Land  under  such  restrictions  and  limitations  as  to  the 
Court  may  seem  meet.  Read  and  Ordered , That  John  Chandler , 
Samuel  Welles , and  Daniel  Ejpes,  Esqrs  ; and  Mr.  Webb,  are  de- 
sired to  prepare  a proper  Vote  for  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  premisses,  and  make  report  thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  16,  1735.] 

Col.  Chandler  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  nth.  currant, 
on  the  Petition  of  Robert  Hale,  Esq ; in  behalf  of  some  Canada 
Soldiers,  under  the  Command  of  the  late  Capt.  William  Rayment 
of  Beverly,  deceased,  and  others,  made  report,  which  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  Voted,  That  a tract  of  the  unappropriated 
Lands  of  the  Province  of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square  be  and 
hereby  is  granted  to  the  Petitioners  their  heirs  and  assigns  respec- 
tively, for  a Township,  to  lay  in  r>ome  suitable  place  so  as  not  to 
spoil  or  incommode  the  Settlement  of  another  Town,  and  that  the 
Grantees  be  and  hereby  are  obliged  to  bring  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  said  Township  in  as  regular  and  defensible  manner 
as  the  situation  and  circumstances  of  the  place  will  admit  of  in  the 
following  manner,  viz . That  each  Grantee  his  heirs  or  assigns 
build  an  House  on  his  respective  Lot  or  Share,  of  eighteen  feet 
square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  and  plow  and  bring  to 
english  Grass  and  fit  for  mowing  six  acres  of  Land,  and  that  they 
settle  a learned  and  orthodox  Minister,  and  build  a convenient 
Meeting  House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  GOD  and  lay  out  one 


WEARE. 


341 


sixty  third  part  of  the  Township  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one 
for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School,  and  that  they  comply 
with  all  these  Conditions  within  five  years. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  19,  and  House  Journal,  June  10, 

I735-] 

A Petition  of  Robert  Hale  Esqr  in  behalf  of  the  officers  & Sol- 
diers that  were  in  the  Expedition  Against  Canada  in  the  Year  1690 
Under  the  Command  of  Cap1  William  Raymond,  most  of  whom 
belonged  to  the  Town  of  Beverly,  which  Town  has  had  no  Grant 
of  land  from  the  Province  excepting,  some  few  Narragansett 
Soldiers,  and  the  heirs  of  the  Petrs  Grandfather,  that  the  said 
Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  endured  Great  hardship  ; And 
therefore  praying  for  a Grant  of  land  of  Six  miles  Square  for  a 
Township  for  the  said  Soldiers  & their  Represent 

In  the  House  of  Represent3,  Read  & in  Answer  to  this  petition 

Voted  That  a tract  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  be  & hereby  is  Granted 
to  the  petr8  their  heirs  and  assigns  Respectivly  for  a Township,  to 
lye  in  some  Suitable  place  so  as  not  to  Spoil  or  incommode  the 
Settlement  of  another  Town,  and  that  the  Grantees  be  & hereby 
are  obliged  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township 
in  as  Regular  and  Defensible  a manner  as  the  Situation  & Cir- 
cumstances of  the  place  will  Admit  of,  in  the  following  manner, 
viz4  that  each  Grantee  or  his  heirs  or  assignes  build  an  house  on 
his  Respective  Lot  or  share  of  Eighteen  feet  Square  and  Seven 
feet  Stud  at  the  Least,  and  plow  and  bring  to  English  Grass  & fit 
for  mowing,  Six  Acres  of  Land  ; and  that  they  Settle  a Learned 
Orthodox  Minister  and  Build  a Convenient  Meeting  house  for  the 
Publick  Worship  of  God,  That  one  Sixty  third  part  of  the  Town- 
ship be  and  hereby  is  Granted  to  the  first  Settled  Minister,  the  like 
quantity  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry,  and  the  like  quantity  also  for 
the  use  of  the  School ; in  all  the  divisions  of  the  said  Township  ; 
That  the  said  Grantees  be  and  hereby  are  obliged  to  Comply  with 
all  the  Conditions  within  five  Years;  and  that  Robert  Hale  and 
John  Wainwright  Esqrs  with  such  as  shall  be  Appointed  by  the 
Honble  Board,  be  a Comtee  to  lay  out  the  said  Township,  at  the 
Charge  of  the  Province ; and  the  committee  is  directed  to  take 
Bond  of  each  Grantee  of  Twenty  pounds  for  the  fulfillment  of  the 


342 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Conditions  aforesaid,  the  bonds  to  be  made  to  the  Province  Treas- 
urer and  in  Case  any  of  the  Grantees  fail  of  the  performance  of 
his  Grant,  such  person  shall  forfeit  all  Right  Title  or  pretence 
thereto  to  the  Province  to  be  disposed  of  as  this  Court  shall  think 
proper;  The  Comtee  to  Return  a Plat  of  the  said  Township  to  this 

Court  within  twelve  months  for  Confirmation 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Ebenezer  Burrill  Esqr  is 
Joined  wth  the  Comtee  of  the  House  for  the  above  Affair. — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  19,  1735.] 

John  Jeffries , Esqr  ; brought  down  the  Petition  of  Robert  Hale, 
Esq  ; in  behalf  of  sundry  Canada  Soldiers  and  Officers  of  Beverly , 
Anno  1690,  with  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  \oth.  currant 
thereon,  Pass’d  in  Council  viz.  In  Council  June  19^/z  1735.  Read 
and  concur’d  with  the  Amendment,  viz.  dele  the  words — with  the 
-first  Divis  on  or  Home-Lots — and  insert — at  the  Charge  of  the 
Province,  and  the  Committee  is  directed  to  take  Bond  of  each 
Grantee  of  Twenty  Pounds  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  Conditions 
aforesaid , the  Bonds  to  be  made  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Province 
and  in  case  any  of  the  Grantees  shall  fail  of  the  -performance  of 
his  Grant,  such  Person  shall  forfeit  all  his  Right  Title  and 
Pretence  thereto  to  the  Province,  to  be  disposed  of  as  this  Court 
shall  think  proper;  and  that  Ebenezer  Burrell,  Esq:  be  joined 
with  the  Committee  of  the  House  on  the  affair. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence 

Read  and  concur’d 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  9,  p.  14.] 

This  plan  is  the  Draught  of  a track  of  Land  laid  out  Laiying  on 
the  Wast  sid  of  Mereymak  River  adjoning  the  South  sid  to  a 
Township  Latly  Surveyd  by  Jerahmeel  Cummings  and  laid  out  to 
setesfy  a grant  made  by  the  General  Courtt  to  Cap4  William  Ray- 
ment  and  others  at  there  sessions  in  May  1735,  and  Contains  24682 
acres  being  of  Contants  of  six  miles  square  with  the  adition  of 
1642  acars  allowed  for  Swag  of  Chaine  and  Bad  Land. 

Sorveyed  by  me  William  Gregg — Sorveyer 

Londondery  febrwary  17th  1735 


WEARE. 


343 


Essex  ss  : ffebruary  17th  1735.  Then  William  Gregg  as  Sur- 
vey1 and  Isaac  Gray  and  Jeremiah  Butman  as  Chainmen  who  laid 
out  the  Land  above  described  made  Oath  that  in  performing  said 
Service  they  acted  faithfully  and  truly  according  to  the  Several 
Trusts  respectively  reposed  in  them. 

before  Richd  Saltonstall  Jus  Pac3 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  March  19th  1735.  Read  and 
Ordered  that  the  plat  be  accepted  and  the  Lands  therein  delin- 
eated and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the  officers 
and  soldiers  or  to  the  Heirs,  descendants,  or  lawfull  Representa- 
tives of  Such  as  are  deceased  in  the  Compa  of  the  said  Cap* 
William  Rayment  late  of  Beverly  deceased  and  the  other  Grantees 
mentioned  in  the  petition  of  Robert  Hale  Esqr  in  their  behalf 
passed  this  Court  in  their  late  Sitting,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
assigns  respectively  for  Ever,  provided  the  plat  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  Six  Miles  square,  and  sixteen  hundred  and  forty  two 
Acres  allowed  for  swag  of  Chain  and  bad  land  within  the  Tract, 


344 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant,  provided  also  the 
petitioners,  Grantees  their  heirs  or  assigns  comply  with  the  Condi- 
tions of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

Mar:  20,  1735 — In  Council  Read  & Concurd 

Simon  Frost  Dep*  Secry 

24  : Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  19,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  containing  six  miles  square  of  Land  and  one  thousand 
six  hundred  forty  two  acres  allowance  for  swag  of  Chain  and  bad 
Land,  laid  out  by  William  Gregg , Surveyor,  and  two  Chain  men 
on  Oath,  to  satisfy  a Grant  of  this  Court  of  the  19 th.  of  June  last 
to  Capt.  William  Rayment  and  others  of  Beverly , Canada  Officers 
and  Soldiers,  lying  on  the  West  side  of  Merrimack  River , adjoin- 
ing to  the  South  side  of  the  Township  lately  granted  to  John 
Simpson  and  others,  and  surveyed  by  Jerathmeel  Cummings  and 
others  Chain  men  on  Oath,  was  presented  for  allowance.  Read 
and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  accepted,  and  the  Lands  therein 
delineated  and  described  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed  to  the 
Heirs,  Descendants  or  lawful  Representatives  of  the  said  Capt. 

William  Rayment  late  of  Beverly  deceased,  and  the  other  Grantees 
mentioned  in  the  Petition  of  Robert  Hale , Esq ; in  their  behalf, 
passed  this  Court  at  their  late  sitting,  provided  the  Plat  exceeds 
not  the  quantity  of  six  miles  square  of  Land,  and  sixteen  hundred 
and  forty-two  acres  allowed  for  swag  of  Chain  and  bad  Land 
within  that  tract,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any  former  Grant, 
provided  also  the  Petitioners  and  Grantees  their  heirs  or  assigns 
comply  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Hale , Esq ; be  and  hereby  is  fully  au- 
thorized and  impowred  to  call  the  first  meeting  and  assemble  the 
Grantees  of  the  Town  lately  given  to  the  Heirs  and  lawful  Repre- 
sentatives of  Capt.  William  Rayment  deceased,  and  other  Canada 
Soldiers  &c,  in  some  convenient  time  and  place,  to  chuse  a Mod- 
erator and  Clerk,  and  pass  such  Votes  and  Orders  as  they  may 
judge  necessary  for  compliance  with  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant, 
and  how  future  meetings  shall  be  called. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


WINCHESTER. 


345 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  20,  1735-6.] 

A Plat  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  by  William  Gregg  Survey1 
and  Chainmen  Under  Oath,  of  Six  Miles  Square,  to  fulfill  a Grant 
of  a Township  made  by  this  Court  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  in 
the  Canada  Expedition  under  Cap*  William  Rayment  &c  lying  on 
the  West  Side  of  Merrimack  River  Adjoyning  to  the  South  side 
of  the  Township  Surveyed  by  Jer.  Cummins — 


WINCHESTER. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  April  6,  1733,  to  Josiah  Willard  and  others,  and 
called  Earlington,  afterwards  Arlington.  Incorporated  as  Winchester,  July  2, 
1 753 . Named  from  an  English  town.  The  line  between  Winchester  and  Hinsdale 
was  established  Sept.  26,  1753.  The  north-west  corner  of  Richmond  was  annexed 
to  Winchester,  July  2,  1850. 

See  New  Hampshire  charters  following;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  798;  X, 
Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  394,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union 
with  Vermont  towns;  XIII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  68 7;  Index  to  Laws,  585; 
historical  sketch,  by  George  W.  Pierce,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886, 
p.  541.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  9,  1732.] 

A Petition  sign’d  Josiah  Willard  for  himself  and  sundry  others, 
Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  the 
unappropriated  Lands  for  a Township  on  the  Eastern  side  of 
Connecticut  River,  and  adjoining  to  the  Northerly  or  Northeasterly 
part  of  Northjield,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Petition  lye  on  the  Table. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  3,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Col.  Josiah  Willard , for  himself  and  sundry 
others,  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  praying  they  may  obtain  a 
Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Connecticut 
River  above  Northjield , and  below  the  Truck-House,  of  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  square  for  a Township  for  the  Reasons  mentioned. 

Read  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Welles,  Mr.  Choate,  Mr.  Chand- 
ler, and  Capt.  Goddard,  be  a Committee  to  take  the  said  Petition 
into  Consideration,  and  report  what  they  may  think  proper  for  the 
Court  to  do  thereon. 


346 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  4,  1732.] 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referr’d  the  Petition  of  JosiaJi 
Willard  Esq : of  Lunenburg , in  behalf  of  himself  and  sundry 
others,  as  entered  yesterday,  Praying  for  a tract  of  Land,  whereon 
to  settle  a Town,  Reported,  Which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far  granted,  as 
that  the  Petitioners  be  allowed  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men 
under  Oath,  to  lay  out  a tract  of  Land  of  the  contents  of  six  Miles 
square,  on  the  East  side  of  Connecticut  River,  adjoyning  to  the 
Northern  Bounds  of  JVorthjield,  under  the  limitations  following, 
viz.  That  the  Tract  be  laid  out  and  a Plan  thereof  presented  to 
this  Court  for  Confirmation,  within  eight  Months  next  after  the 
date  of  the  Grant,  and  that  within  six  Months  after  Confirmation 
of  the  Grant,  there  be  sixty  seven  House  lots  laid  out,  to  draw 
equal  future  divisions ; and  that  there  be  within  two  Years  from 
the  Confirmation  aforesaid,  forty  Families  settled  on  forty  of  the 
aforesaid  Lots,  each  Family  having  an  House  of  eighteen  feet 
Square,  and  seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least,  and  four  Acres  of  Land 
fitted  for  Plowing  or  Mowing;  and  that  within  three  Years  from 
the  Confirmation  aforesaid,  they  build  a Convenient  House  for  the 
Publick  Worship  of  God,  and  settle  a Learned  and  Orthodox  Min- 
ister, and  that  twenty  four  Lots  more  be  settled  with  a suitable 
Family  on  each  Lot  within  ten  Years  from7  the  Grant,  and  that 
within  two  Years  from  the  Grant,  the  Petitioners  clear  and  make  a 
convenient  travelling  Road  of  eight  feet  wide,  from  Lunenburg 
to  Northjield,  and  build  a convenient  House  for  Receiving  and 
Entertaining  Travellers  on  said  Road,  about  midway  between 
Northjield  and  Lunenburg  aforesaid,  and  for  the  encouragement 
of  a suitable  Family  to  settle  in  said  House  ; It  is  Resolved , That 
there  be  granted  to  him  that  shall  dwell  in  said  House  for  the 
space  of  seven  Years  from  the  Grant,  one  hundred  and  fifty  Acres 
of  Land,  about  midway  on  the  road  aforesaid.  And  that  the 
aforesaid  Petitioner  be  allowed  within  six  Months  from  the  date  of 
this  Grant,  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain-men  under  Oath,  to  lay  out 
the  aforesaid  one  hundred  and  fifty  Acres,  and  a Plan  thereof  to 
be  presented  to  this  Court  for  Confirmation  within  two  Months 
after  the  Survey.  And  it  is  further  Order'd  That  three  of  the 
aforesaid  sixty  seven  Lots  be  for  public  Uses  with  all  future 
Divisions  belonging  to  each,  one  Lot  to  the  first  settled  Minister, 


WINCHESTER. 


347 


another  to  the  Ministry,  and  the  other  to  the  uses  of  the  School,  or 
otherwise  to  the  three  first  settled  Ministers  successively  each  a 
Lot,  to  be  disposed  of  either  the  one  way  or  the  other  as  the 
Petitioners  or  Inhabitants  shall  think  most  for  the  public  good  of 
the  Town.  And  it  is  further  Order’d,  That  the  Petitioners  be 
impowered  to  make  such  Orders  and  Rules  as  may  be  needful  and 
conducive  to  bring  forward  the  settlement,  according  to  the  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  this  Order.  And  it  is  further  Resolved , 
That  in  case  the  Petitioners  do  not  well  and  truly  comply  with  the 
Terms  and  Conditions  aforementioned,  the  Lands  hereby  granted, 
shall  revert  to  the  Province,  and  be  and  belong  to  it  as  if  this 
Grant  had  never  been. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  9,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Coll : Josiah  Willard  & Sixty  two  others,  Praying 
for  a Grant  of  Land  of  six  miles  square  lying  on  the  East  side  of 
Connecticut  River,  between  Northfeild  & the  Truckhouse  to  be  by 
them  settled  into  a Township  under  such  Regulations  as  the  Court 
shall  Order. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Ordered  that  the  prayer 
of  the  petition  be  so  far  granted  as  yl  the  petitioners  be  allowed  by 
a Survey1  and  Chainmen  under  Oath  to  lay  out  a Tract  of  Land 
of  the  Contents  of  six  miles  square  on  ye  East  side  of  Connecticut 
River,  adjoining  to  the  Northern  Bounds  of  Northfeild  under  the 
Limitations  following,  Viz.  that  the  Tract  be  laid  out  & a Plan 
thereof  presented  to  this  Court  for  Confirmation  within  eighteen 
Months  next  after  the  date  of  the  Grant,  & that  within  six  months 
after  the  Confirmation  of  the  Grant  there  be  sixty  seven  house 
Lots  laid  out  to  draw  equal  future  Divisions,  & that  there  be  within 
two  Years  from  the  Confirmation  aforesd  forty  Families  settled  on 
ye  aforesd  Lots,  Each  Family  having  an  house  of  Eighteen  feet 
square,  & seven  feet  Stud  at  ye  least  & four  Acres  of  Land  fitted 
for  plowing  & mowing,  & that  within  three  Years  from  ye  Con- 
firmation aforesd  they  build  a Convenient  House  for  ye  publick 
Worship  of  God,  & settle  a learned  & orthodox  Minister  And 
that  twenty  four  Lots  more  be  settled  with  a Sutable  Family  on 
each  Lot  Within  ten  Years  from  the  Grant  & that  within  two 
Years  from  the  Grant  the  petition1"8  clear  and  make  a convenient 
travelling  Road  of  Eight  feet  wide  from  Lunenburg  to  Northfeild 


348 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& build  a Convenient  House  for  receiving  & entertaining  Trav- 
ellers on  sd  Road  ab*  Midway  between  Northfeild  & Lunenburg 
aforesd  & for  the  Encouragem1  of  a sutable  Family  to  settle  in  sd 
House,  It  is  Resolved  that  there  be  granted  to  him  that  shall 
dwell  in  sd  House  for  the  Space  of  seven  Years  from  the  Grant, 
One  Hundred  & fifty  Acres  of  Land  abl  midway  on  the  Road 
aforesd  And  that  the  aforesd  Petition1,8  be  allowed  within  Six 
months  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant  by  a Survey1  & chainmen 
under  Oath  to  lay  out  the  aforesd  One  Hundred  & Fifty  Acres  & a 
plan  thereof  to  be  presented  to  this  Court  for  Confirmation  within 
two  Months  after  the  Survey,  And  it  is  further  Ordered  that 
three  of  the  aforesd  Sixty  seven  Lots  be  for  publick  Uses  with  all 
future  Divisions  belonging  to  Each  One  Lot  for  the  first  Settled 
Minister,  another  to  the  Ministry  & the  other  to  the  Use  of 
the  School,  or  otherwise  to  the  three  first  Settled  Ministers  succes- 
sively Each  a Lot,  to  be  disposed  of,  either  the  one  Way  or  the 
other  as  the  petition18  or  Inhabitants  shall  think  most  for  ye  pub- 
lick  good  of  the  Town,  And  it  is  further  Ordered  y1  the  peti- 
tion1-8 be  impowered  to  make  such  Orders  & Rules  as  may  be 
needful  and  conducive  to  bring  forward  the  Settlem*  according  to 
the  true  Intent  & Meaning  of  this  Order  & it  is  further  Resolved 
y*  in  Case  the  petition1,8  do  not  well  & truly  comply  with  ye  Terms 
and  Conditions  before  mentioned  the  Lands  hereby  granted  shall 
revert  to  ye  province  & be  & belong  to  it  as  if  this  Grant  had 
never  been  made — 

In  Council  Read  & Nonconcured 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  6,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  Col.  Josiah  Willard , for  himself  & sundry 
others,  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  praying  they  may  obtain  a 
Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Connecticut 
River  above  Northfield,  for  the  reasons  mentioned.  Read, 
and  in  Answer  to  this  Petition  Ordered , That  the  prayer  of  the 
Petition  be  so  far  granted,  as  that  the  Petitioners  be  allowed  by  a 
Surveyor  and  Chain-men  under  Oath,  to  lay  out  a Tract  of  Land 
of  the  contents  of  six  Miles  square,  on  the  East  side  of  Connecti- 
cut River,  adjoyning  to  the  Northern  Bounds  of  Northfield , under 
the  Limitations  following,  viz . That  the  Tract  be  laid  out  and  a 
Plan  thereof  presented  to  this  Court  for  confirmation  within 


WINCHESTER. 


349 


eighteen  Months  next  after  the  date  of  the  Grant,  and  that  within 
six  Months  next  after  the  confirmation  of  the  Grant  there  be  sixty- 
seven  House  Lots  laid  out  to  draw  equal  future  divisions  ; and 
that  there  be  within  two  Years  from  the  confirmation  aforesaid, 
forty  Families  settled  on  forty  of  the  aforesaid  Lots,  each  Family 
having  an  House  of  eighteen  feet  Square  and  seven  Feet  stud  at 
the  least,  and  four  Acres  of  Land  fitted  for  Plowing  or  Mowing ; 
and  that  within  three  years  from  the  confirmation  aforesaid,  they 
build  a convenient  House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  God,  and 
settle  a learned  and  orthodox  Minister,  and  that  twenty  four  Lots 
more  be  settled  with  a suitable  Family  on  each  Lot  within  ten 
years  from  the  Grant,  and  that  within  two  years  from  the  Grant 
the  Petitioners  clear  and  make  a convenient  travelling  Road  of 
twelve  Feet  wide,  from  Lunenburg  to  Northfield , and  build  an 
House  for  receiving  and  entertaining  Travellers  on  said  Road, 
about  midway  between  Northfield  and  Lunenburg , aforesaid  ; and 
for  the  encouragement  of  a suitable  Family  to  settle  in  said  House, 
it  is  Resolved , That  there  be  granted  to  him  that  shall  dwell  in 
said  House  for  the  space  of  seven  years  from  the  Grant,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  Acres  of  Land,  about  midway  on  the  road 
aforesaid.  And  that  the  aforesaid  Petitioners  be  allowed  within  six 
Months  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  by  a Surveyor  and  Chain- 
men  under  Oath,  to  lay  out  the  aforesaid  one  hundred  and  fifty 
acres,  and  a Plan  thereof  to  be  presented  to  this  Court  for  con- 
firmation within  two  Months  after  the  Survey.  And  it  is  further 
Ordered , That  three  of  the  aforesaid  sixty-seven  Lots  be  for  pub- 
lick  Uses  with  all  future  Divisions  belonging  to  each,  one  Lot 
for  the  first  settled  Minister,  another  to  the  Ministry,  and  the  other 
to  the  use  of  the  School,  or  otherwise  to  the  three  first  settled 
Ministers  successively,  each  Lot  to  be  disposed  of  either  the  one 
way  or  the  other  as  the  Petitioners  or  Inhabitants  shall  think  most 
for  the  publick  good  of  the  Town.  And  it  is  further  Ordered , 
That  the  Petitioners  be  impowred  to  make  such  orders  and  rules 
as  may  be  needful  and  conducive  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement 
according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  Order.  And  it  is 
further  Resolved,  That  in  case  the  Petitioners  do  not  well  and 
truly  comply  with  the  terms  and  conditions  aforementioned,  the 
Lands  hereby  granted  shall  revert  to  the  Province,  and  be  and 
belong  to  it  as  if  this  Grant  had  never  been. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


350 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  6,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  Josiah  Willard  Esqr  & Sixty  three  others,  praying 
for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  of  six  miles  square  lying  on  the 
East  Side  of  Connecticut  River,  between  Northfeild  & the  Truck- 
house  to  be  by  them  settled  into  a Township  under  such  Regula- 
tions & upon  such  Conditions  as  this  Court  in  yr  wisdom  shall 
judge  most  fit. 

[In  answer  to  this  petition,  the  House  again  passed  the  fore- 
going vote,  which  was  this  time  concurred  by  the  Council,  and 
consented  to  by  the  Governor.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  25,  1733.] 

Voted  That  Col.  Josiah  Willard  be  and  is  fully  authorized  and 
impowred  to  assemble  and  convene  the  Proprietors  or  Grantees 
of  the  Plantation  lately  made  by  this  Court  of  a Tract  of  Land  on 
the  Easterly  side  of  Cunnecticut  River  above  Northfield,  at  such 
time  and  place  as  he  shall  appoint,  to  chuse  a Moderator  and 
Clerk,  and  to  make  such  orders  and  rules  as  may  be  proper  and 
needful  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Plantation  ac- 
cording to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  25,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  voted  that  Coll : Josiah  Willard  be 
& hereby  is  fully  authorized  & impowered  to  Assemble  & Con- 
vence  the  Propriety  or  Grantees  of  the  Plantation  lately  made  by 
this  Court  of  a Tract  of  Land  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Connecticut 
River  above  Northfeild  at  such  Time  & Place  as  he  shall  appoint 
to  choose  a Moderator  & Clerk  & to  make  such  Orders  & Rules  as 
may  be  proper  & needful  to  bring  forward  the  settlenfi  of  the 
Plantation  according  to  the  Conditions  of  ye  Grant. — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’ d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  21,  1733.] 

A Plat  containing  the  contents  of  six  Miles  square  laid  out  by 
order  of  this  Court  for  a Township  in  Afril  last,  in  answer  to  a 
Petition  of  Col.  Josiah  Willard  for  himself  and  others,  lying  on 


WINCHESTER. 


351 


the  East  side  of  Connecticut  River  adjoining  on  the  Northern 
bounds  of  Northfield  Surveyed  and  laid  out  by  Joseph  Blanchard 
Surveyor  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  was  presented  for  allow- 
ance. Read  and  accepted,  and  Voted , That  the  Lands  within  de- 
lineated and  described  be  and  are  hereby  confirmed  unto  the  said 
Josiah  Willard,  Esq ; and  the  other  Petitioners  their  Heirs 
and  Assigns  respectively  for  ever,  provided  it  exceeds  not  the 
quantity  of  six  Miles  square,  and  does  not  interfere  with  any 
former  Grant,  and  that  the  Petitioners  comply  with  the  Conditions 
of  the  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 


[Mass.  Maps  and  Plans,  Vol.  8,  p.  5.] 
f 


352 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


May  ye  10th  1733  Then  finished  the  Laying  out  a tract  of  Land 
at  Connecticut  River  Above  Northfield  Granted  By  the  Great  & 
General  Court  held  at  Boston  April  ye  4th — 1733 — of  the  contents 
of  six  miles  squair  for  a Plantation  or  Township  in  answer  to  the 
Petition  of  Col°  Josiah  Willard  & others  and  is  Bounded  thus — Be- 
ginning at  ye  River  att  a Maple  tree  the  Southwesterly  corner  of 
His  Excellency’s  Governour  Belchers  Farm — Said  to  be  the 
Northern  Bounds  of  Northfield  from  thence  runing  up  the  said 
Connecticut  River  fours  miles  and  an  half  and  twenty  perches — 
taking  in  two  Small  Hands  at  the  uper  end  from  thence  East 
twelve  degrees  to  the  south  eight  miles  and  a half  and  twenty 
perches  to  an  heap  of  stones  then  south  six  miles  one  Quarter  and 
fifty-two  rods  to  an  heap  of  stones — Then  west  two  miles  and  an 
half  to  a white  pine  tree  marked — from  thence  North  eighteen  and 
an  half  degrees  west  three  miles  one  quarter  and  sixty  perches,  to 
a black  oake  tree  marked — then  north  one  mile  and  an  half  and 
forty  perches  to  an  heap  of  stones  then  west  three  miles  and  three 
Quarters  to  the  maple  tree  the  first  mentioned  bound — there’s  al- 
lowed about  one  rod  in  twenty  for  uneven  land  and  swag  of  chain, 
also  ther’s  allowed  739  acres  for  Farmes  aready  layd  out  with  two 
hundred  acres  allowed  for  ponds  & rivers — 

^ Joseph  Blanchard  Surveyor — 

Scale  213I  in  an  Inch — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  21,  1733.] 

A Plat  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  by  this  Court  at  their  last 
Session  to  Col°  Josiah  Willard  & others  for  a Township  Surveyed 
by  Joseph  Blanchard  Survey1  & two  Chain  men  on  Oath  lying  on 
the  East  Side  of  Connecticut  River  above  Northfeild  being  bound- 
ed as  follows  viz.  Beginning  at  the  River  at  a Maple  Tree,  the 
Southwesterly  Corner  of  Govern1-  Belcher’s  Farm,  said  to  be  the 
Northern  bounds  of  Northfeild,  from  thence  running  up  Connecti- 
cut River  four  Miles  & an  half  & Twenty  Perches  taking  in  two 
small  Islands  at  the  upper  End  from  thence  East  twelve  Degrees 
to  the  South  eight  Miles  & an  half  & twenty  Perches,  to  an  heap 
of  Stones,  the  South  Six  miles,  one  quarter  & fifty  two  rods  to  an 
heap  of  Stones,  the  West  two  Miles  & an  half  to  a White  Pine 
Tree  marked,  from  thence  North  Eighteen  & an  half  Degrees 
West,  three  miles  one  quarter  & Sixty  Perches  to  a black  Oak 
Tree  mark’d,  Then  North  one  Mile  & an  half  & forty  Perches  to 


WINCHESTER. 


353 


a Heap  of  Stones,  then  West  three  Miles  & three  Quarters  to  the 
Maple  Tree  first  mentioned 


[ Vote  of  Proprietors  of  Winchester , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  432.] 

August  ye  26  : 1735 

At  a Legal  meeting  of  ye  Proprietors  of  ye  New  : Township 
called  Arlington  Held  at  ye  meeting  House  in  Arlington  being 
Duely  warned  met  & formed  & then  voted  & Chose  Colonel  Josiah 
Willard  Esqr  to  preferr  a petition  to  ye  General  assembly  of  this 
Province  for  an  Equivalent  in  Lands  for  w*  ye  bounds  of  Northfield 
takes  off  fromy®  Sd  Township  of  Arlington  ; on  yr  behalf  & to  pitch 
upon  ye  place  where  in  case  such  grant  be  made 

Voted  also  That  Colonel  Josiah  Willard  be  ye  person  to  make  a 
Return  of  ye  doing  of  ye  Proprietors  of  Sd  Township  to  ye  General 
Court  for  Acceptance  ; with  a Petition  to  be  incorporated  with  ye 
previledges  of  other  Towns  : as  also  to  preferr  a Petition  to  ye  sd 
Court  to  have  ye  Unimproved  Lands  subjected  to  bear  publick 
Charges. 

A true  Copy  from  ye  files  of  ye  votes  of  ye  Proprietors  Compard 
& Examd  as  attest 

Benjamin  Doolittle  Proprtrs  Clerk 


[ Vote  of  Prop rietors  of  Winchester , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  390.] 

At  a meeting  of  ye  Proprietors  of  ye  New  Town  above  North- 
field  Granted  To  Colonel  Josiah  Willard  & others  Now  Called 
Arlington  August  26,  AD  : 1735.  Then  voted 

To  Desire  Colonel  Josiah  Willard  Esqr  To  preferr  a petition  to 
ye  General  assembly  of  this  Province  in  behalf  of  ye  proprietors ; 
Requesting  An  Equivalent  in  lands  in  Some  suitable  & Conven- 
ient place  near  or  adjoyning  to  this  New  Township  as  Shall  be 
tho’t  most  Convenient  & proper  in  Consideration  of  ye  lands  wc 
the  bounds  of  Northfield  has  taken  off  from  ye  Sd  New  : Township 
as  ye  bounds  of  y®  Sd  New  : Township  was  first  thro  mistake  Laid 
out 

A true  Copy  of  y®  proprtora  vote 

Examin’d  ^ Benjn  Doolittle  Proprtr9  Clerk 


23 


354 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[. Petition  of  Jo  si  ah  Willard , //jp*] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  390.] 

To  His  Excellency  Jona  Belcher  EsqrCap*  Gen1  & Govr  in  Chief 
in  & over  His  Majty3  prov.  of  the  Massa  Bay  the  Honble  His  Majtys 
Council,  & ye  Honble  H°  of  Repves  Assembled  in  Gen1  Court  May 
30  1739 

Josiah  Willard  Agent  for  & in  behalf  of  the  Grantees  & Inhabi- 
tants of  the  New  plantation  or  Township  sometimes  called  Arling- 
ton in  the  County  of  Hampshire 

Humbly  shews  that  Notwithstanding  they  are  a very  young  and 
infant  Settlement  of  but  few  years  standing,  yet  by  the  Blessing 
of  God  on  their  very  hard  Labour  & honest  Industry  they  have 
tho’  with  great  fatigue  effected  the  Conditions  of  settlement,  hav- 
ing a good  & Convenient  Meeting  house,  as  well  as  an  Orthodox 
Minister  among  them  ; and  this  at  great  charge  considering  the 
shortness  of  the  time  wherein  it  was  done  ; & forasmuch  as  by  the 
Labour  & Industry  of  the  Inhabitants  there,  the  Nonresident  pro- 
prietors unimproved  Lands  as  well  as  the  residents  much  increases 
in  value  but  not  subject  to  tax,  yr  Mem0  in  behalf  of  said  Inhabi- 
tants & for  their  Ease  & relief  in  support  of  the  Gospell  Ministry 
as  well  as  town  Charges  among  them  prays  they  may  be  enabled 
to  Assess  a tax  of  one  penny  ^ Acre  on  all  the  unimproved  Lands 
in  said  plantatn  or  township  for  the  space  of  three  years  next  & 
that  said  Lands  may  be  subjected  to  said  tax  ' 

& forasmuch  as  by  a mistake  & for  want  of  a true  knowledge 
of  Northfield  Bounds  in  taking  a plat  of  sd  plantation  the  surveyor 
interfered  with  Northfield  Grant  so  as  to  Include  in  sd  plat  the 
quantity  of  two  or  three  thousand  Acres  of  Land,  for  which  Yr 
Mem0  prays  an  Equivalent  in  other  land  as  to  the  Justice  of  the 
Court  shall  seem  meet,  & shall  Ever  pray  &c 

Josiah  Willard 

In  the  House  of  Repretves  June  20th  1739.  Voted  that  in  Consid- 
eration of  the  Infant  state  of  the  said  plantation  there  be  & hereby 
is  granted  a tax  of  one  chalf  penny  in  Bills  of  the  d New  Tenour  or 
three  half  fence  in  Bills  of  the  old  tenour  on  each  acre  of  the  un- 
improved Lands  within  the  said  plantation  or  township  to  be  paid 
by  each  proprietor  yearly  for  the  space  of  three  years  next  comieng 
for,  and  towards  the  support  of  the  Gospel  Ministry  there  and  the 
said  Lands  are  subjected  to  the  payment  of  said  tax  and  forasmuch 


WINCHESTER. 


355 


as  it  is  probable  that  the  plat  of  said  plantation  or  township  re- 
turned to  & confirmed  by  this  Court  infringes  upon  the  township  of 
Northfield  Ordered  that  Eleazer  porter  Esqr  and  Mr  Eleazer 
partridge  be  & hereby  are  Appointed  a Committee  & impowred 
at  the  Charge  of  the  Grantees  to  repair  to  the  spot  & survey  the 
Lands  belonging  to  the  said  township  of  Northfield  and  taken  into 
the  plat  of  the  said  plantation,  & make  return  to  this  Court  at  their 
next  Session  of  the  Contents  of  the  Land  so  platted  & of  their 
Opinion  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  thereon 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Spkr 

C.  dele 

D.  dele 

In  Council  June  20  1739 

Read  and  Concurr’d  with  the  Amendment 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  Simon  Frost  Dep*  Sec17 

In  the  House  of  Repves  June  22d  1739 

Read  and  Nonconcurd,  & the  House  insist  on  their  own  vote 

sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  June  22,  1739 

Read  and  Nonconcured  and  the  Board  adhere  to  their 
own  vote 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence  J Willard  Sec17 

In  the  House  of  Repves  June  22d  1739 

Read  & Concurd  J Quincy  Spkr 

26  : Consented  to  J Belcher 


[. Petition  of  fosiah  Willard , //jp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  431.] 

To  His  Ex°y  Jona  Belcher  Esqr  Cap*  Gen1  & Govr  in  Chief  of  ye 
prov  of  the  Massa  Bay,  the  Honble  the  Council  & honble  H°  of 
Repves  in  General  Court  assembled  May  30,  1739 
The  Mem0  of  the  subscriber  in  behalf  & by  order  of  the  pro- 
prietors or  Grantees  of  a New  township  or  plantation  above  Northfd 
in  the  C°  of  Hampshire  sometimes  Called  Arlington  Humbly 
Shews 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


356 

That  forasmuch  as  they  have  complied  with  the  Conditions  of 
settling  the  said  plantation  Which  they  are  ready  to  make  Appear 
to  yor  Excy  & this  honble  Court,  they  pray  they  may  be  allowed  to 
prepare  & bring  in  a Bill  for  incorporating  the  plantation  into  a 
seperate  & distinct  township,  that  so  the  Inhabitants  thereof  may 
hold  & enjoy  equal  powers  & privileges  with  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
other  towns  of  the  province  & as  in  duty  bound  shall  pray  &c 

Josiah  Willard 

In  the  H°  of  Repve3  June  8,  1739.  Read  & ordered  that  the 
prayer  of  ye  petn  be  granted  & ye  petr  is  allowed  & impowred  to 
prepare  & bring  in  a Bill  Accordly 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp13, 

In  Council  June  9 1739  Read  and  Concurr’d, 

Simon  Frost  Dept  Sec7 

15  : Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  8,  1739.] 

A Memorial  of  Col.  Josiah  Willard,  in  behalf  and  by  order  of 
the  Proprietors  or  Grantees  of  a new  Township  or  Plantation 
above  North-field , in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  sometimes  called 
Arlington , shewing  they  have  complied  with  the  Conditions  of 
Settlement,  and  praying  Leave  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a Bill  for 
incorporating  the  said  Plantation  into  a distinct  Township.  Read 
and  Ordered , That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted,  and  the 
Petitioner  is  allowed  and  impowred  to  bring  a Bill  accordingly. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  9,  1739.] 

A Petition  of  Coll.  Josiah  Willard  in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  Plantation  commonly  called  Arlington,  Setting  forth  that 
they  have  performed  the  conditions  of  their  Grant,  and  therefore 
Praying  that  they  may  be  constituted  a Township,  and  have  the 
Powers  and  Privileges  of  other  Towns  within  this  Province. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  and  Ordered  that  the  Prayer 
of  the  petition  be  granted,  And  the  Petitioner  is  allowed  and 
impowered  to  bring  in  a Bill  accordingly. 

In  Council ; Read  and  Concurd 

Consented  to 


J : Belcher 


WINCHESTER. 


357 


[ Winchester  Incorporated  as  a Town,  //jp.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  429.] 

Anno  Regni  Regis  Georgii  Secundi  Decimo  Tertio 
An  Act  for  Erecting  a Plantation  In  ye  County  of  Hampshire 
called  Arlington  into  a Township  by  ye  Name  of 

Whereas  the  New  Plantation  of  Arlington  So  Called  in  the 
County  of  Hampshire  is  Competently  filled  with  Inhabitants  have 
built  a Convenient  Meeting  house  & settled  an  Orthodox  Minis- 
ter & yett  Labour  Under  Divers  Inconveniencys  and  Difficultys 
for  want  of  powrer  to  Exercise  Town  Privileges  among  them  and 
have  Adres’d  this  Court  Seting  forth  the  Same  and  praying  for 
Relief  therein. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  His  Exc]y  the  Govr  Councill  and  Representa- 
tives in  Generali  Court  Assembled  And  by  the  Authority  of  the 
Same 

That  the  Said  Plantation  of  Arlington  as  the  Same  is  hereafter 
bounded  and  Discribed  be  and  hereby  is  Constituted  and  Erected 
into  a distinct  and  Seperate  Township  by  ye  name  of 
viz4  begining  at  a Certain  heap  of  Stones  on  the  East  bank  of 
Connecticutt  River  at  the  Uper  end  of  Two  Small  Islands  being 
the  North  West  Corner  and  is  now  the  South  West  Corner  of  the 
Township  N°  1 on  ye  East  Side  of  said  River  & from  thence  the 
line  to  Extend  E 120  00'  S Eight  Miles  & an  half  & Twenty  perch 
to  a heap  of  Stones  then  South  Six  miles  one  Quarter  and  fifty 
Two  Rods  to  an  heap  of  Stones  Then  West  Two  miles  and  an  half 
To  a white  Pine  Tree  Marked  from  thence  North  Eighteen  and  an 
half  Degrees  West  Three  miles  one  Quarter  and  Sixty  perches  to 
a black  oak  Tree  Marked  then  North  one  Mile  and  an  half  & 
fourty  perch  To  a heap  of  Stones  Then  West  Three  miles  & Three 
Quarters  to  the  Connecticutt  River  & from  thence  To  the  Corner 
first  mentioned  bounding  Westerly  on  Said  River  & to  Include 
Said  Two  Islands,  and  that  the  Inhabitants  thereof  be  and  hereby 
are  Vested  and  endowed  with  Equall  Powers  previledges  and 
Imunitys  as  Generally  Other  Towns  in  this  province  have  and  do 
enjoy— 

In  the  House  of  Reptives  June- 12-1739  Read  a first  time 
13th  Reac|  a second  time,  14th  Read  a third  time  and  passed 
to  be  Engrossed 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence 


J Quincy  Sp*1 


358 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


In  Council  June  14  A.  M.  1739  Read  a first  time  P.  M.  a second 
time  and  passed  a Concurrence  J Willard 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  12,  1739.] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in  the  County 
of  Hampshire  called  Arlington  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of — 
Read  a first  time. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  13,  1739*] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in  the  County 
of  Hampshire,  called  Arlington,  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of — 
Read  a second  time. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1739*] 

A Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in  the  County 
0/ Hampshire,  called  Arlington,  into  a Townshif  by  the  Name  of — 
Read  a third  time,  and  pass’d  a Concurrence. 

An  Engross’d  Bill  Entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in 
the  County  of  Hampshire,  called  Arlington,  into  a Tozvnshif  by 
the  Name  of  • 

Read  and  Resolved  That  the  Bill  pass  to  be  Enacted. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  14,  1739.] 

A Bill  entitled  an  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire  called  Arlington  into  a Township  by  the  name  of 
Having  been  read  Three  several  times  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  & there  Pass’d  to  be  Engross’d  : 

In  Council : Read  a First  and  Second  time,  and  pass’d  a Con- 
currence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  16,  1739.] 

An  Engross’d  Bill  entitled  An  Act  for  erecting  a Plantation  in 
the  County  of  Hampshire,  called  Arlington,  into  a Township  by 


WINCHESTER.  359 

the  name  of  - - — - - ; Having  been  read  Three  several  times 
in  the  House  of  Represent™3  and  in  Council 
Pass’d  to  be  Enacted  by  both  Houses. 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  p.  433. J 
In  the  House  of  Repves  June  18th  1739 

Ordered  That  Col0  Josiah  Willard  one  of  the  principal  Inhab- 
itants of  the  New  plantation  or  township  called  Arlington  be,  and 
hereby  is  allowed  & impowred  to  Notifie  & warn  the  Inhabitants 
of  Said  plantation  to  assemble  & convene  in  some  convenient  pub- 
lick  place  in  said  plantation  to  make  choice  of  a town  Clerk  & 
other  town  officers  to  stand  until  the  Anniversary  Meeting  in 
March  next 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  J Quincy  Sp1^ 

In  Council  June  18  1739 

Read  and  Concurr’d  J Willard  Sec’ry 

Consented  to  : [no  signature] 

Examd  & Approvd  ^ Ebenr  Burrill 

[June  22,  this  order  was  repeated  and  signed  by  Gov.  Belcher.] 


UNLOCATED  GRANTS 


OF 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  TERRITORY 


BY  THE 

GOVERNMENT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS, 


OR 


Grants  Which  Cannot  be  Located  within  the  Limits  of  Any 
Particular  Town. 


. . 


, 


UNLOCATED  GRANTS. 


[Grant  to  Valentine  Hill.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  49.] 

To  ye  Honred  Govr  Deputy  Govr  wth  ye  generall  Courte  now 
Assembled 

The  humble  petetion  of  Valentine  Hill  sheweth,  y4  whereas  yor 
petetioner  hath  bought  a parsill  of  land  granted  to  Major  generall 
gibons  (inye  time  of  his  Captanshippe)  by  ye  generall  Courte  as  by 
his  sayle  yrofwill  appeare,  w4  land  I have  made  Choyse  of  as  ffoll : 

By  ye  upper  & lower  falls  of  lampreele  River  containeinge  three 
hundred  acres  off  land  in  ye  pine  swampe  above  ye  upper  ffall  of 
ye  sayd  River  uppon  ye  south  side  from  ye  begininge  off  ye  east- 
ermost  end  of  the  swampe  alonge  ye  River  side  in  breadth  one 
hundred  & sixty  rodd,  & three  hundred  rodd  in  length  by  ve  sayd 
River  side  w4  makes  three  hundred  Acres  : Now  my  request  is  to 
this  Honrd  Courte  y4  accordinge  to  my  Choyse  yr  sd  [torn]  will  be 
pleased  to  favour  me  soe  ffar  as  by  ye  power  to  confirme  ye  same 
to  me  & mine  for  ever,  for  w4  I shall  bee  ingaged  & shall  be  ready 
to  my  power  to  serve  you  resting  Yor  humble  petetioner  to  comm 

17.8.49:  Val:  Hill 

The  Magistrates  grant  this  petition  w4h  reference  to  the  consent 
of  or  brethren  the  Deputies  provided  it  be  not  w4hin  any  former 
grant.  And  that  the  Deputies  will  appoint  some  sufficient  & indif- 
ferent men  for  the  Laying  of  it  out  according  to  the  petitio11 

Jo  : Endecott  Govr 

The  depu43  Consent  heereto  : so  as  the  land  menc’oned  be  not 
Controvrsall  wth  Respect  to  dover : & desier  y4  Hate  Evill  Nutter 
John  Damme  be  Appointed  to  lay  it  out  acordingly  w4h  Referenc 
to  the  Consent  of  our  honoured  magis43  hereto. 

Edward  Rawson  cler 


364 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  William  Hubbard.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  14,  1656.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  mr  william  Hubbard  of  Ipswich  senr. 
The  Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Graunt  him  a thowsand  acres  of 
land  in  any  place  or  places  that  he  Cann  finde  lying  out  of  any 
former  Graunts  or  Touneships  beyond  Exitur  River  toward  the 
East  or  North  East  to  be  laid  out  to  him  by  mr  wm  Bartholmew  mr 
Thomas  Bradbury  & mr  Samuell  Hall  or  any  two  of  them  this 
being  in  Satisfaction  of  fivety  pounds  disbursed  by  him  in  Eng- 
land and  also  the  land  Graunted  to  him  by  this  Court  in  the  yeare 
1652,  wch  he  hath  Resigned  up  to  the  Courts  hands  Againe  / 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  6,  1657.] 

wee  whose  names  are  heere  under  written  being  Appointed  by 
the  Generali  Court  held  at  Boston  the  15th  of  October  1656,  to  lay 
out  to  mr  wm  Hubbard  of  Ipswich,  senior  one  thousand  acres  of 
land  in  any  place  or  places  beyond  exiter  River  East  or  North 
East,  have  Accordingly  laid  out  the  said  land  as  ffolloweth  viz 
upon  the  North  side  of  Quochecha  : River  about  eight  or  nine 
miles  from  the  mills  as  wee  Judg  the  noumber  of  eight  hundred 
& ninety  acres  in  a Pine  swampe,  begining  at  the  westermost  end 
of  the  said  swampe  at  a great  Red  oake,  marked  on  fower  sides  & 
from  thence  eighty  Rods  East  & by  South  to  a great  white  pine 
tree  upon  the  westermost  end  of  a great  old  Indian  feild  and  from 
thence  along  the  same  line  through  the  said  feild  three  hundred 
and  twenty  Rod  to  a great  Pine  tree  marked  on  fower  Sides  and 
from  thence  upon  a North  East  line,  two  hundred  and  forty  Rods 
to  a great  Pine  tree  upon  the  top  of  a hill  marked  on  fowler  sides 
and  from  thence  west  and  by  North  three  hundred  and  twenty 
Rod  to  a Red  oake  marked  on  fower  sides  and  from  thence  three 
hundred  and  twenty  Rod  to  the  first  marked  Red  oake  and  upon 
the  Eastmost  end  of  the  Aforesaid  divicion  two  hundred  Rod 
square  upon  each  Corner  bounded  wth  a great  Pine  tree  marked 
on  fower  sides  And  the  Remainder  of  the  thousand  acres  laid  out 
in  two  smale  parcells  of  land  on  both  sides  the  River  that  on  the 
north  side  Conteyning  about  seventy  Acres  bounded  wth  the  River 
& a great  Hemlocke  tree  markt  upon  fower  sides  wth  a T & a W & 


UNLOCATED  GRANTS. 


365 


three  pine  trees  and  a litle  white  oake  all  the  trees  markt  on 
fower  sides  that  parcell  of  land  on  the  south  side  about  forty  acres 
bounded  wth  the  River  and  two  Pine  trees  a hemlock  & a beech 
all  the  trees  markt  on  fower  sides  these  two  latter  parcells  lying 
about  three  or  fower  miles  from  the  mills,  upon  Quochecho 
River  as  wee  suppose  all  the  said  parcells  Conteyning  as  Ap- 
pears a thousand  acres,  Dated  ye  28th  of  Aprill  16^7 

Samuell  Hall 
Thomas  Bradbury 

The  whole  Court  mett  together  15  may  1657.  By  theire  vote 
they  Allowed  & Approoved  of  the  eight  hundred  & ninety  acres  in 
a Pine  Swampe  as  above  is  exprest  laid  out  to  mr  wm  Hubbard  and 
to  his  heires  forever  and  for  the  hundred  & tenn  Acres,  exprest  in 
the  Retourne  It  was  Voted  to  belong  to  yr  Secretary  Edward 
Rawson  & therefore  he  is  at  his  liberty  to  lay  so  much  as  Corn- 
pleats  that  Graunt  according  to  the  said  Graunt  / 


[Decision  of  Court  on  Claim  of  Ann  Mason.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  30,  1653.] 

The  Courte  Uppon  examination  of  the  case  Respecting  mr3 
Ann  Mason  and  mr  Richard  Leader  on  A hearing  of  mr  Joseph 
Mason  and  mr  Thaddeus  Riddan  Agents  and  Attorneys  for  either 
partie  Considering  also  the  late  Retourne  of  the  committee  touch- 
ing the  extent  of  the  northerly  line  of  theire  Pattent  Doe  fynd  that 
the  lands  Claimed  in  the  right  of  Cap4  Jn°  mason  and  now  pos- 
sessed by  mr  Richard  Leader  or  others  for  or  under  him  together 
with  other  the  lands  pretended  unto,  by  mrs  Ann  Mason  are  wthin 
this  Patent,  And  that  mr  Joseph  Mason  as  Attourney  for  and  on 
the  behalfe  of  mr3  Ann  Mason  as  also  most  of  the  people  there 
inhabitting  have  voluntarily  submitted  to  the  Jurisdiction  of  Gov- 
ernment to  this  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts.  And  that  some 
lands  at  newitchawonnickewith  the  Rivers  there  was  by  agree- 
ment of  sr  fferdinando  Gorges  and  others  Apportioned  unto  Cap4 
Jn°  Mason  and  that  he  also  hath  right  by  purchase  of  the  Indians 
to  some  lands  there  as  also  by  possession  and  Improovement  by 
building  and  otherwise.  And  that  Capt  John  Mason  did  bequeath 
unto  his  wife  mrs  Ann  Mason  During  her  life  all  lands  & heredit- 


3 66 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


taments  not  otherwise  ^ticculerly  disposed  of  by  his  will  And 
that  the  lands  in  Question  betwixt  m13  Ann  Mason  and  mr  Leader 
are  not  peticularly  disposed  of  by  Capt  Jn°  Mason  or  otherwise 
then  they  are  in  the  gennerall  bequeath  : in  the  will  given  to  hir 
during  hir  life  and  that  the  sd  lands  possessed  by  mr  Leader  as 
aforesaid  are  pte  of  the  lands  disposed  to  the  said  mrs  Ann  Mason 
for  terme  of  hir  life.  And  doe  therefore  Judge,  that  mr  Leader 
hath  unjustly  entred  uppon  and  dispossessed  mrs  Anne  Mason  of 
that  'fit  of  the  River  and  of  some  lands  where  he  hath  erected  A 
sawemill  in  his  oune  wrong  And  orders  that  a quantitie  of  land 
with  priviledge  of  the  River  at  newitchawannicke  flportionable  to 
Capt  Jn°  Masons  disbursments  be  laid  out  by  order  of  this  Court 
to  the  use  of  mrs  Ann  Mason  and  other  the  heires  of  Capt  Jn° 
Mason. 

And  the  Court  Graunts  the  bill  of  Costs  presented  by  mr  Joseph 
Mason  of  sixe  pounds  tenn  shillings  and  fower  pence  a g1  mr 
Richard  Leader. 


[Grant  to  Passaconoway.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  30,  p.  no.] 

To  the  honred  John  Endecot  esqr  Govnr  together  with  the  rest  of 
the  honred  Generali  Court  Now  Assembled  in  Boston  the  petition 
of  papisseconewa  in  the  behalfe  of  him  Selfe  as  also  of  many 
other  Indians  whoe  were  for  a longe  time  or  Selves  and  or  progen- 
ators  Seated  Upon  a tract  of  Land  Called  Naticot  and  is  Now  in 
the  possetion  of  mr  William  Brenton  of  Rhode  Island  marshaule ; 
and  is  confirmed  to  the  saide  mr  Brenton  to  him’  his  heires  and 
assignes  ac’ordinge  to  the  Lawes  of  this  Jurisdiction  (by  reason 
of  which  tracte  of  Land  beinge  taken  up  as  aforesaide)  and 
thereby  yr  pore  petition1  with  many  others  in  an  Unsetled  Condi- 
tion and  must  be  forced  in  a short  time  to  remove  to  sum’  other 
place : 

The  Humble  request  of  yr  pore  petition1,  is  that  this  honrd  Courte 
wolde  please  to  grante  Unto  Us  a parsell  of  Land  for  or  com’fort- 
able  cituation ; to  be  stated  for  or  Injoyment : as  also  for  the  com- 
fort of  ors  after  Us ; as  also  that  this  honrd  Court  wolde  please  to 
take  into  yr  Serious  and  pious  considration  the  condition  and  also 
the  requeste  of  yr  pore  Supliante  and  to  apoynte  two  or  three 


UNLOCATED  GRANTS.  367 

persons  as  a comitte  to  Assiste  sum’e  one  or  two  indians  to  Vew 
and  determ’in  of  sum’  place  and  to  Lay  out  the  sam’e. 

Not  furder  to  trouble  this  honrd  Assem’bly  hm'bly  Craveinge 
an  expected  Answer  this  present  Setions  I shall  Still  remain  yr 
Humble  Servante  Wherein  yu  Shall  comande. 

Boston  : 9 : 3mo  1662  : Papisseconewa  : 

In  Ansr  to  this  peticon  the  magists  Judge  meete  to  Graunt  Unto 
papisseconeway  & his  men  or  Associates  about  Natticott  above 
mr  Brentons  lands  where  it  is  free  a mile  & a halfe  on  either  side 
merremack  River  in  breadth  a 3 miles  on  either  side  in  length 
provided  he  nor  they  doe  not  Alienate  any  part  of  this  Graunt 
wthout  leave  & licence  from  this  Court  first  obtained  if  theire 
brethren  the  deputs  Consent  heereto 

9 may  1662  Edward  Rawson  secre* 

Consented  to  by  the  deputyes 

William  Torrey  Cleric 


[Grant  to  Bryan  Pendleton.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  26,  1658.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  Peticion  of  Capt  Byran  Pendleton.  The  Court  In 
Refferenc  to  his  service  ^formed  wth  other  Gentn  in  taking  in  the 
Easterne  parts  &c  The  Court  doth  Graunt  him  two  hundred  acres 
of  land  on  chochecha  River  above  Dover  bounds  as  neere  to  the 
land  layd  out  to  mr  Edward  Rawson  as  may  be  to  be  laid  out 
by  mr  Edw  Starbuck  & Peter  Coffyn. 


[Grant  to  Edward  Rawson.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  1,  1654.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  Edward  Rawson.  The  Court  in  Refer- 
ence to  his  service  wth  other  Gentm11  Imploied  by  this  Court  to 
wells  &c.  doth  Graunt  him  the  sd  Edward  Rawson  two  hundred 
ackers  of  upland  and  meadow  out  of  all  Toune  bounds  on  Quo- 
checho  River  above  Dover  Bounds  and  orders  Capt  Brian  Pendle- 
ton & Peter  Coffyn  to  lay  it  out. 


368 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  15,  1657.] 

wee  whose  names  are  under  written  being  Appointed  by  the 
Generali  Court  to  lay  out  two  hundred  acres  of  land  for  mr 
Edward  Rawson  Secretary,  have  Donne  accordingly  as  followeth. 
on  the  East  side  of  Quochecho  River  wee  have  Ordered  one 
hundred  acres,  begining  at  a beech  tree  neere  the  River  marked 
as  in  the  margent  and  from  thence  to  Runne  North  ward  fower 
score  Rod  and  from  the  marked  tree  eastward  two  hundred  Rods, 
and  one  hundred  acres  on  the  west  side  the  River  a litle  below  the 
Indian  Path  begining  at  a white  Pyne  marked  as  aforesaid  and 
from  thence  to  Runne  Southward  but  Could  not  further  Determine 
untill  Dover  hath  layd  out  theire  bounds,  the  afore  path  lyeth 
about  three  miles  above  Peter  Coffyns  house  Dated  this  4th  of 
may.  ^ us 

Bryan  Pendleton 
Peter  Coffyn  : 

The  whole  Court  mett  together  15th  of  may  1657  : by  theire 
Generali  vote  Allowed  and  Approoved  of  the  two  hundred  acres  so 
laid  out  as  abovesaid  to  ye  said  Edward  Rawson  and  his  heires 
forever/ 


GRANTS 


OF 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  TERRITORY 


BY  THE 


GOVERNMENT  OF  NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 


ACWORTH. 


371 


ACWORTH. 

[This  town  was  probably  Number  3 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecti- 
cut River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  1 6,  1 735-6.  Granted  by  New  Hampshire 
as  Burnet  to  Col.  Sampson  Stoddard  and  others,  Dec.  28,  1752,  and  named  in 
honor  of  Gov.  William  Burnet.  Regranted  as  New  Burnet,  Nov.  17,  1761,  to 
Stoddard  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Acworth  (sometimes  spelled  Ackworth ) 
Sept.  19,  1 766,  and  named  in  honor  of  Lord  Acworth.  The  charter  was  renewed 
May  30,  1772. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  1 ; X,  Bouton 
Province  and  State  Papers,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union 
with  Vermont  towns;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  1 ; Index  to  Laws,  9;  History, 
by  J.  L.  Merrill,  1869,  pp.  306;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan  County,  1886, 
p.  19;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  419;  History  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  by  Charles  H.  Eveleth,  pp.  5 ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cum- 
mings, 1836,  p.  15.] 


[Burnet  Charter,  1752.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampr  *1-123 

Burnet  George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brit- 
tain France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith  &ca — 
To  all  Persons  to  whome  these  Presents  Shall  Come 
Greeting 

Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  Especial  Grace  Certain 
knowledge  & Mere  Motion  for  the  Due  Encouragement  of  Set- 
tling a New  Plantation  within  our  said  Province  by  & with  the 
Advice  of  our  Trusty  & wellbeloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our 
Governour  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  of  our  Said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  America  and  of  our  Council  of  the  Said  Province 
have  upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations  hereafter  made  Given 
& Granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  do 
give  & Grant  in  Equal  Shares  unto  our  Loveing  Subjects  Inhabi- 
tants of  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & his  Majtys  other 
Governments  and  to  their  heirs  & Assignes  for  ever  whose  names 
Are  Entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  Divided  to  and  Amongst  them 
into  Seventy  Seven  Equal  Shares  All  That  Tract  or  Parcel  of 
Land  Scituate  Lying  & being  within  our  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Containing  by  admeasurement  Twenty  Three  thousend  & 
forty  Acres  which  Tract  is  to  Contain  Six  Miles  Square  & no 
more  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  highways  and 
Unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Mountains  Ponds  & Rivers  One 


372 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


thousand  & forty  Acres  free  According  to  A Plan  thereof  made  & 
Presented  by  our  Said  Governours  orders  and  hereunto  Annexed 
Butted  and  Bounded  as  follows  (Viz)  begining  at  A Stake  & 
Stones  & runs  North  two  degrees  West  Six  Miles  & an  half  to  A 
Stake  & Stones  the  South  West  Corner  of  Buckingham  from 
thence  run’ing  East  by  the  Needle  five  miles  & Three  quarters  to 
a Stake  & Stones  from  thence  South  by  the  Needle  Six  Miles  & 
an  half  to  A Stake  & Stones,  from  thence  West  by  the  Needle  five 
Miles  & three  quarters  to  the  bounds  first  mentioned  And  that  the 
Same  be  & is  incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Bur- 
net and  that  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  Shall  hereafter  Inhabit  Said 
Township  Are  hereby  Declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  En- 
tituled  to  all  & Every  the  Previledges  & Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  our  Said  Province  by  Law  Exercise  & Enjoy  and 
further  that  the  Said  Town  as  Soon  as  there  Shall  be  fifty  families 
Settled  & resident  thereon  Shall  have  the  Liberty  of  Holding  two 
fairs  one  of  which  Shall  be  held  on  the 
*1-124  And  the  other  On  the  Annually  *which 

fairs  are  not  to  Continue  & be  held  Longer  than  the 
Respective  following  the  Said  Respective 

Days  and  as  Soon  as  the  Said  Town  Shall  Consist  of  fifty  families 
A Market  Shall  be  opened  & kept  one  or  more  Days  in  Each 
Week  as  may  be  tho*  most  Advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants  also 
that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers  Agreable  to 
the  Laws  of  our  Said  Province  Shall  be  held  on  the  first  Tuesdays 
in  march  next  which  meeting  Shall  be  Notifyed  by  Sampson  Stod- 
dard Esq  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  Said 
first  Meeting  which  he  is  to  Notify  And  Govern  Agreable  to  the 
Laws  & Customs  of  our  Said  Province  and  that  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  Such  Officers  of  said  Town 
Shall  be  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  March  Annually  To  have  & to 
hold  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  Expressed  Togeather  with 
all  the  Previledges  & appurtenances  to  them  & thier  Respective 
Heirs  and  assignes  for  ever  upon  the  following  Conditions  (Viz) 
that  every  Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assigns  Shall  Plant  or  Cultivate 
five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  ever}^  fifty 
Acres  Contained  in  his  or  thier  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land  in 
the  Said  Township  And  Continue  to  Improve  & Settle  the  Same 
by  Additional  Cultivations  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  Said  Township  And  its  Reverting  to  his 
Majesty  his  heirs  And  Successors  to  be  by  him  or  them  Regranted 
to  Such  of  his  Subjects  as  Shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the 


AC  WORTH. 


373 


Same  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship fit  for  masting  Our  Royal  Navy  be  Carefully  Preserved  for 
that  Use  & none  to  be  Cutt  or  felld  without  his  Majestys  especial 
Lycence  for  So  Doing  first  had  & obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of 
the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  Such  Grantee  his  heirs  Or  assignes 
to  us  our  hiers  & Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Pen- 
alty of  Any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  Are  or  hereafter 
Shall  be  Enacted  That  before  Any  Division  of  the  Said  Land  be 
made  to  And  Amoungst  the  Grantees  A Tract  of  Land  as  near  the 
Center  of  the  Township  as  the  Land  will  Admit  of  Shall  be  re- 
served & marked  out  for  Town  Lotts  one  of  which  Shall  be  allot- 
ted to  Each  Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre  Yield8  and  Pay- 
ing there  for  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for  the  Space  of  Ten 
years  to  be  Computed  from  the  Date  hereof  the  rent  of 
one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  on  the  first  Day  *of  January  *1—125 
Annually  if  Lawfully  Demanded  the  first  payment  to  be 
made  on  the  first  Day  of  January  1754  And  every  Proprietor  Set- 
tler or  Inhabitant  shall  Yield  & Pay  unto  us  our  heirs  & Success- 
ors Yearly  & every  Year  for  ever  from  & after  the  Expiration  of 
the  Ten  Years  from  the  Date  hereof  Namely  on  the  first  Day  of 
January  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  Christ  one  thou- 
sand Seven  hundred  & Sixty  four  One  Shilling  Proclamation 
Mone}r  for  every  hundred  Acres  he  So  owns  Settles  or  Possesses 
and  so  in  Proportion  for  A Greater  or  A Lesser  Tract  of  the  Said 
Lands  which  money  Shall  be  paid  by  the  Respective  Persons 
above  Said  their  heirs  or  Assigns  in  Our  Council  Chamber  in 
Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed 
to  Recieve  the  Same  And  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & 
Services  whatsoever  In  Testimony  hereof  We  have  Caused  the 
Seal  of  our  Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Wittness 
Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’ander  in  Chieff 
of  our  Said  Province  the  Twenty  Eighth  of  December  in  the  Year 
of  our  Lord  Christ  1752  and  the  26th  Year  of  our  Reign 

Province  of  New  Hampshire 

Entered  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  under 
the  Province  Seal  the  30th  Day  of  December  1752 

IP  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Burnet  (Viz) 

Sampson  Stoddard,  Daniel  Emerson,  James  Stewart, 

Francis  Worster,  David  Nevins,  Jonathan  Taylor, 

Amos  Phillips,  Peter  Wheeler,  Jonah  Brown, 


374 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


David  Willson 
Robert  Colburn, 
John  Boyenton  junr, 
Thomas  Nevins 
Steven  Harris, 
Joseph  French, 
Samuel  Brown, 
Stephen  Powers, 
James  McDoniel, 
Willm  Adams 
William  Cummings, 


Joshua  Boyonton, 
James  Whiting 
John  Martin, 
Zedekiah  Drury, 
Willm  Spaulding, 


Randal  McDoniel, 
Peter  Powers, 
Benja  Parker, 
Amasa  Parker, 


Isaac  Farwell, 

William  Nevins, 

John  Martin  junr, 
William  Tipney, 
Jonathan  Lovejoy, 
Moses  Thurston,  Nathaniel Townshend  junr 
Benjamin  Farley,  Samuel  Farley, 
Thomas  Patch, 
Jeremiah  Lawrence, 
Peter  Powers  junr 
David  Hubbard, 


Elnathan  Blood,  John  Lovewell  junr,  Jonathan  Cumings, 


*1-126  Thomas  Read,  *John  Usher, 
Robert  Usher,  Jona  French 
James  Whitney,  William  Lawrence, 

Jonathan  Cumingsjun1,  Ephraim  Adams, 


Benjamin  French, 
Zepheniah  Harte, 
Samuel  French, 
Theodore  Atkinson, 
Samuel  Smith, 


Samuel  Greele, 
John  Combs, 
Samuel  Searls, 
John  Troth, 
Samuel  Cumings 
Henry  Sherburne, 
Ellis  Huske, 
Samuel  Solley, 


Allexander  Black, 

Roland  Cotton, 

Richard  Wibird, 

John  Downing, 

Sampson  Sheaffe, 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  five  hundred  Acres  which  is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the 
within  Mentioned  Shares,  one  whole  Share  for  the  Incorporated 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  forreign  Parts  One 
whole  Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Said 
Town,  One  whole  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Ministry  of  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established 

Entered  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Under  the  Prov- 
ince Seal  the  30th  Day  of  December  1752 

19  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


ACWORTH. 


375 


Taken  from  the  Back  of  the  Originall  Charter  the  30th  Day 
of  December  1752 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[New  Burnet  Charter,  1761.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *2-337 

New  Burnet  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  GOD,  of  Great-Britain,  France 
and  Ireland,  KING,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting 

Know  Ye,  that  We,  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain 
Knowledge,  and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  set- 
tling a New  Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the 


376 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince of  New-Hampshire,  in  New-En gland,  and  of  Our  Council 
of  the  said  Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reserva- 
tions herein  after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Pres- 
ents, for  Us,  Our  Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in 
equal  Shares,  unto  Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said 
Province  o i New-Ham^shire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to 
their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  whose  names  are  entred  on  this 
Grant,  to  be  divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Eight  equal 
Shares,  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being 
within  our  said  Province  of  New-Hampshire , containing  by  Ad- 
measurement Twenty  Three  Thousand  & Forty  Acres , which 
Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which 
an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable 
Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand 
and  Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof 
made  by  Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secre- 
tary’s Office,  and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  fol- 
lows, Viz.  Begining  at  a Stake  & Stones,  & Runs  North  two 
Deg3  West,  Six  Miles  & a half  to  a Stake  & Stones  the  south 
West  Corner  of  Buckingham  a Town  formerly  Granted,  from 
thence  Runing  East  by  the  Needle,  Five  Miles  & Three  Quarters 
to  a Stake  & Stones,  From  thence  south  by  the  Needle  Six  Miles 
& a half  to  a Stake  & stones,  From  thence  West  by  the  Needle 
five  Miles  & Three  Quarters  to  the  Bounds  first  Mention’d 

And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Town- 
ship by  the  Name  of  New  Burnett  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or 
shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to 
be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges 
and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 

following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
*2-338  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or 

more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  ad- 
vantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for 
the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said 


ACWORTH. 


377 


Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  Decemr  next 
which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Sampson  Stoddard  Esqr 
who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meet- 
ing, which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have 
and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together 
with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respect- 
ive Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  Two  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of 
his  Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to 
Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted 
to  such  of  Our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefore  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors for  the  Space  of  four  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , 1762. 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  four  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1766  One 


378 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Coun- 
cil Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; apd  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  17th  Day  of  Novemr  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  One  And  in  the  Second 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council. 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampsr  Novr  17,  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  Origional  Charter  under  the  Prov- 
ince seal — 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


*2-339  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  New  Burnett  (Viz) 


Sampson  Stoddard 
David  Nevins 
Benja  Abbot 
Robert  Fletcher 
John  Boynton  Junr 
Zedekiah  Drury 
Jona  Fowler 
Nath1  Townshend 
Sam1  Farley 
Nath1  Parker 
David  Hubbard 
Jona  Cumings 
Sam1  Greele 
Willm  Lawrence  Esq 
John  Searls 
Sam1  Cumings 


Dan1  Emerson 
Jona  Butterfield 
Josiah  Brown 
William  Nutting 
James  Blood 
Willm  Wright 
Sam1  Brown 
Steph11  Powers 
Nath1  Merriel 
Jona  Blanchard 
Tho3  Cowan 
Robert  Usher 
John  Combs 
Benja  French 
John  Harvell 
Sam1  Caldwell 


Theodore  Atkinson  EsqRichard  Wibird  Esq 
Sampson  Sheafe  Esq  Willm  Sims 


Francis  Worster 
Amos  Phillips 
Joshua  Boynton 
Thomas  Nevin 
Samuel  Bowers 
Willm  Spaulding 
Mattw  Thornton  Esq 
Oliver  Fletcher  Junr 
Benja  Parker 
Amasa  Parker 
John  Lovewell  Junr 
John  Usher 
Jona  Cumings  Junr 
Ephm  Adams 
Abel  Lawrence 
Roland  Cotton 
John  Downing  Esq 
George  Jaffery  Esq 


ACWORTH. 


379 


Lieu4  John  Parker  Joseph  Blanchard  Esq  Benning  Wentworth 
Majr  John  Wentworth  Esq  Sam1  Wentworth  Majr  Jona  Greeley 
Tho3  Smith  Sam1  Wentworth  Esq,  Boston 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B-  W-  in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares,  One  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospell  in 
Foreign  Parts,  One  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England 
as  by  Law  Established,  One  Share  for  the  First  Settled  Minister 
of  the  Gospel  & One  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  a School  in  said 
Town — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Novemr  17.  1761 
Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Origional  Charter  of  New  Bur- 
nett under  the  Province  Seal — 

Attested  ^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


380 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampsr  Novem'  17.  1761 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Origional  Charter  of  New 
Burnett  under  the  Province  Seal — 

^ Theodore  i\tkinson  Sec'7 


[Acworth  Charter,  1766.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

GEORGE,  THE  THIRD, 

By  the  Grace  of  GOD,  of  Great  Britain  France  and 
Ireland,  KING,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain 
Knowledge,  and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  set- 
tling a New  Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with 
the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Went- 
worth, Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said 
Province  of  New -Hampshire , in  New-England , and  of  Our  Coun- 
cil of  the  said  Province  ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reserva- 
tions herein  after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents, 
for  Us,  Our  Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal 
Shares,  unto  Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince of  New- Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their 
Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  whose  names  are  entred  on  this 
Grant,  to  be  divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  One  equal 
Shares,  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being 
within  our  said  Province  of  New- Ham -pshire,  containing  by  Ad- 
measurement 23040  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles 
square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made 
for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Moun- 
tains and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  according 
to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Governor’s  Or- 
der, and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  an- 
nexed, butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  beginning  at  a stake 
& Stones  & runs  North  two  Degrees  West  Six  miles  and  an  half 
to  a Stake  & stones  the  South  West  Corner  of  Unity,  from  thence 
running  East  by  the  Needle  five  miles  & three  Quarters  to  a stake 
& stones  from  thence  S°  by  the  Needle  six  miles  & an  half  to  a 
Stake  & Stones  from  thence  West  by  the  Needle  five  miles  & f to 
the  bounds  first  mention’d. 


*3-i42 

Acworth 


ACWORTH. 


381 


And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Town- 
ship by  the  Name  of  Ackworth  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or 
shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to 
be  Enfranchised  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges 
and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  second  Tuesday  in  October  And  the  other  on  the  second 
Tuesday  in  May  annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer 
than  the  respective  Days  following  the  said  Tuesday  and  that  as 
soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a 
Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  *3-143 
each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious  to  the 
Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town 
Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held 
on  the  second  Tuesday  in  October  next  which  said  Meeting  shall 
be  Notified  by  Col°  Sampson  Stoddard  who  is  hereby  also  ap- 
pointed the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to 
Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said 
Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the 
Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and 
Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  for- 
ever, upon  the  following  conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land  in 
said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant 
or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Succesors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  License 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to 
Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Pen- 
alty of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter 
shall  be  Enacted. 


382 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and  among 
the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Success- 
ors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  17 66. 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  177 6 One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  19th  Day  of  Septr  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Six  And  in  the  Sixth  Year 
of  Our  Reign.  1766. — 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

T.  Atkinson  Junr  Sec’ry. — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Septr  19th  17 66 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Pattent  under  the  province 
seal 

T Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 

*3-144  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Acworth. — 

Col0  Sampson  Stoddard  William  Stacey  John  Byam 
Reuben  Goold  Oliver  Peirce  Samuel  King 

Jacob  Farmer  Ebenezer  Goold  David  Brown 


ACWORTH. 


383 


Moses  EasterbrooksSampn  Stoddard  Junr 
Jonathan  Blanchard  William  Thompson 


Oliver  Farwell 
John  Hardy 
Tho3  Davis 
James  Rodgers 
Tho3  Craige 
Ja3  Miltimber 
Daniel  McFee 
Stephen  Powers 
Tho8  Blancherd  J 
Benjn  Byam 
Benja  Butterfield 
Robfc  Fletcher 
Nath1  Butterfield 


Oliver  Farwell  Junr 
James  Blancherd 
Reuben  Killecutt 
David  McGregore 
Robert  Adams 
Alexander  Clark 
Edwd  Gold  : Lutwyche 
Willm  Robey 
David  Burge 
Willm  Peirce 
Benj11  French 


Vryling  Stoddard 
Timothy  Dustin 
Nath1  Gearfield 
Ephraim  Adams 
Augustus  Blanchard 
Ja3  McGregore 
Ja3  McGregore  Junr 
John  Gilmore 
Samuel  French 
Jona  Hardy 
Sam1  Barron 
Jos’h  Peirce 
Matthew  Thornton 
Moses  Parker 


Sam1  Cumings 

Wyseman  Claggett  Esqr  Major  Jn°  Wentworth 
Sam1  Wentworth  Esqr  Honble  Ja3Nevin  ^ Willm  Parker  Esqr 

Revd  Ebenezer  Bridge  Theodr  Atkinson  > EsqrsBenning  Wentworth 
Col0  Jona  Greely  Peter  Livius  } Lieufc  Jn°  Parker 

George  Jaffrey  Esqr  Col°  Willm  Simms  Esqr 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  five  hundred  Acres  as  marked  B Win  the  Plan  which  is 
to  be  accounted  two  of  the  within  shares  One  whole  share  for  the 
Incorporated  Society  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign 
parts  One  share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  law 
established.  One  share  for  the  first  settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel. 
& one  share  for  the  benefit  of  a school  in  sd  Town  for  Ever. 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Septr  19th  1766. 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Acworth. 
under  the  province  Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


384 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Septr  19th  1766 


Province  of 
New  Hampr 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Prov- 
ince Seal — 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Acworth  Charter  Renewed,  1772.] 


^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the 
Faith  &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  Greet- 
ing. 

Whereas  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  plan- 
tation within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  our  Letters 
Patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  our  said  province,  Dated  the 


*i-435 


Acworth 


AC  WORTH. 


385 


Nineteenth  day  of  Septr  1766,  in  the  sixth  year  of  our  Reign,  did 
grant  a Tract  of  Land  of  Six  Miles  Square,  bounded  as  therein 
expressed  to  a Number  of  our  Loyal  Subjects,  whose  Names  are 
enter’d  on  the  same,  to  hold  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  on 
the  Conditions  therein  declared  to  be  a Town  Corporate  by  the 
Name  of  Acworth  as  by  referrence  to  the  said  Charter  may 
more  fully  appear  And  whereas  the  said  Grantees  have  pre- 
ferred a Petition  to  our  Governor  of  our  said  Province  in  Council 
specifying  sundry  difficulties  which  prevented  their  full  compliance 
with  the  Terms  of  the  Grant  aforesaid;  and  it  having  been  made 
to  appear  to  our  said  Governor  & Council  (by  an  actual  Inspection 
made  and  Returned,  of  the  Settlements  in  said  Acworth)  that  the 
said  Township  is  in  considerable  forwardness  towards  a com- 
plete fulfillment  of  the  Terms  aforesaid  ; the  said  Grantees  therefore 
Pray’d  some  further  Time  to  accomplish  the  same  : all  which  being 
duly  Considered. 

Know  Ye,  that  we  being  willing  to  encourage  and  promote  the 
Cultivation  & Settlement  of  the  said  Township,  Have  of  our 
further  Grace  and  favour  suspended  our  claim  of  the  forfeiture 
which  the  said  Grantees  may  have  Incurred,  & by  these  Presents 
for  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  (by  and  with  the  advice  of  our 
Trusty  and  well-beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  & 
Commander  in  chief  of  our  said  Province,  & of  our  Coun- 
cil of  the  same)  do  grant  *unto  the  said  Grantees,  their  *1-436 
Heirs  and  Assigns  the  further  Term  of  Two  Years  from 
the  date  of  this  Grant  for  performing  and  fulfilling  the  Conditions 
Matters  and  things  by  them  to  be  done  as  aforesaid ; Except  the 
Quit  Rents  which  are  to  remain  due  and  payable  as  expressed  and 
reserved  in  the  Original  Grant  or  Charter  of  said  Acworth. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our  Governor  & Com- 
mander in  Chief  aforesaid,  the  Thirtieth  day  of  May — in  the 
Twelfth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command 
With  advice  of  Council — 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  the  30th  day  of  May  1772. 

Attest1 


25 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


386 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Fitch,  1772.] 

*4-108  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

C Sam1  Fitch  George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 

< Esqr  his  > Great  Britian  France  & Ireland  King  Defender 
( Grant.  ) of  the  Faith,  &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  Come  Greet- 
ing. 

Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace,  cer- 
tain Knowledge  and  mere  Motion  for  the  due  en- 
couragement of  settling  and  cultivating  our  Lands 
within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid  by  & with  the 
Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
Our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province,  and 
of  our  Council  of  the  same  Have  (upon  the  Conditions  & Reser- 
vations herein  particularly  recited  & express’d)  given  and  granted 
& by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  and 
grant  unto  our  leige  & loving  Subject  Sam1  Fitch  Esqr  our  Advo- 
cate General  for  our  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  to  his 
Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  contain- 
ing  by  Admeasurement  Five  hundred  Acres,  Situate,  lying  and 
being  within  the  Township  of  Acworth  in  our  said  Province  of 
New  Hampshire,  as  by  a plan  or  Survey  thereof,  (exhibited  by 
our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province,  by  our  said 
Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our 
said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  Annexed)  may  more 
fully  and  at  large  appear,  butted  & bounded  as  follows,  Viz1 
Beginning  at  a hemlock  Tree  standing  in  the  Easterly  Line  of 
Charlestown,  from  thence  running  East  Two  hundred  & Eighty 
one  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  South  Two  hundred  & Ninety 
four  Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones,  thence  West  Two  hundd  & Sixty 
Seven  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  standing  on  the  Easterly  Line  of 
Charlestown,  from  thence  North  Two  Degrees  west  on  said  Line 
Two  hundred  & Ninety  five  Rods  to  the  Bound  first  mentioned. 
To  Have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed 
to  him  the  said  Samuel  Fitch  & to  his  Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever, 
upon  the  following  Terms,  Conditions  & Reservations  Viz1 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  & make  Passable  for 
Carriages,  &c.  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said 
*4-109  Tract,  *as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed  or 
Order’d  by  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid,  which  Road 
shall  be  completed  in  One  Year  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or 


ACWORTH.  387 

Direction,  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  its 
reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors. 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  Settled 
Two  Familes  in  Four  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant;  in  fail- 
ure whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  to 
be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regrdnted  to  any  of  our  loving 
Subjects  who  shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  same. 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  & none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  License  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained,  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee 
in  the  Premises,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any 
present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth  That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be  well 
adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee  shall 
sow  & continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the  said 
Land  not  less  than  Five  Acres,  in  every  hundred  Acres  with  that 
beneficial  Article  of  Produce. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  Yield 
& Pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every  Year 
for  Ever  from  & After  the  expiration  of  One  Year  from  the  Twenty 
fifth  day  of  December  1775,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money 
for  every  hundd  Acres  he  so  own  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  ; which 
money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler 
in  our  Council  Chamr  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or 
Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  And  these  to  be 
in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commr  in  Chief  the  Twentieth  day  of 
August  in  the  Twelfth  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoq : Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellcys  Command  ^ 
with  advice  of  Council.  $ 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

^Province  of  New  ) August  25th  1772. 

Hampshire  5 Recorded  according  to  the  Original  *4-110 
Grant  under  the  Province  Seal. 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


388 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsm0  10th  August  1772. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  a hemlock  Tree  stand- 
ing on  the  Westerly  line  of  Charlestown,  from  thence  running 
E.  281  Rods  to  a beech  Tree,  thence  South  294  Rods  to  a Stake 
and  Stones,  thence  W.  267  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  standing  on  the 
Easty  Line  of  Charlestown,  from  thence  North  2°  W.  on  said 
Line  295  Rods  to  the  bound  first  mentioned,  Contains  500  Acres 
of  Land  & is  a True  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said 
Tract  as  taken  & returned  to  me  ^ Mr  Elijah  King  D?  Sur- 
vey* 

Attest'  Is  Rindge  Survr  Gen1 


ALBANY. 


389 


ALBANY. 

[Granted  as  Burton , Nov.  6,  1766,  to  Clement  March  and  others.  The  line 
between  Burton  and  Tamworth  was  established  Dec.  30,  1796.  Burton  was 
taken  from  Grafton  County  and  annexed  to  Carroll,  Nov.  27,  1800.  The  name  of 
the  town  was  changed  to  Albany,  July  2,  1833,  probably  for  Albany,  N.  Y. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  7 ; In- 
dex to  Laws,  15,  76;  sketch,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Carroll  County,  1889,  p.  782  ; 
Land  of  the  Lingering  Snow,  by  Frank  Bolles,  1891,  Chocorua  chapter;  At  the 
North  of  Bear  Camp  Water,  by  Frank  Bolles,  1893  ; Willey’s  History  of  the  White 
Mountains,  1870,  p.  269;  Was  Chocorua  the  Original  Pigwacket  Hill?  by  C.  E. 
Fay,  4,  Appalachia,  322  ; The  Mountains  between  Saco  and  Swift  Rivers,  by  J.  R. 
Edmands,  3,  id .,  5 7;  The  Moat  Path,  by  J.  Worcester,  1,  id.,  267;  Mt.  Passa- 
conaway,  by  C.  E.  Fay,  6,  id.,  302  ; The  Waterville  Valley,  by  A.  L.  Goodrich, 
6,  id.,  318  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  600;  The  White  Mountains,  A 
Guide  to  Their  Interpretation,  by  J.  H.  Ward,  1890,  p.  13 1 ; In  the  Heart  of  the 
White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  18.] 


[Burton  Charter,  17 66.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire.  *3-158 

Burton  GEORGE,  the  Third,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of 

Great-Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender 
of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We,  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowl- 
edge, and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling 
a New  Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the 
Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Pro- 
vince of  New -Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council 
of  the  said  Province ; Have,  Upon  the  Conditions  and  Reserva- 
tions herein  after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents, 
for  Us,  Our  Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal 
Shares,  unto  Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Pro- 
vince of  New-Hamf  shire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to 
their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this 
Grant,  to  be  divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Six  equal 
Shares,  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being 


39° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


within  our  said  Province  of  New -Hampshire,  containing  by  Ad- 
measurement Twenty  three  thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to 
contain  about  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an 
Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands 
by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and 
Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made 
by  Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s 
Office,  and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz. 
Begin’ing  at  the  middle  of  the  West  Side  Line  of  Conway  & 
from  thence  to  run  W®  untill  the  Line  so  Run  W*  shall  Intersect  a 
Line  run  N°  from  the  N°  Easterly  Corner  of  an  Additional  Grant 
to  the  Township  of  Sandwich  thence  by  sd  Last  mention’d  Line  S° 
to  the  Addition  of  Sandwich  aforesd  & thence  on  to  Tamworth, 
thence  Easterly  by  Tamworth  to  the  North  East  Corner  thereof 
thence  a Strait  Line  by  the  Township  of  Eaton  to  the  North 
Westerly  Corner  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Officers  Late  in  his 
Majesty’s  Service,  thence  by  sd  Officers  Lands  to  the  South  West- 
erly Corner  of  Conway  then  North  8^  East  by  Conway  to  the 
bounds  first  mention’d  And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  In- 
corporated into  a Township  by  the  name  of  Burton  And  the  In- 
habitants that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are 
hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and 
every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our 
Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy : And  further,  that  the  said 
Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled 
thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which 
shall  be  held  on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer 
than  the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
*3-159  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or 
more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  ad- 
vantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince, shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  December  next 
which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Walter  Bryent  Esqr  who 
is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting, 
which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Cus- 
toms of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever 
hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall 
be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to 
Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all 


ALBANY.  391 

Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs 
and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  thereof  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  tw'enty-fifth  day  of  December.  1767 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Cha7nber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq  ; 


392 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province,  the 
Sixth  Day  of  November  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Six  And  in  the  Seventh  Year 
of  Our  Reign. 

B.  Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

T : Atkinson  jr  Secr’y 

Prov  : of  New  Hampshire  10th  Novr  1766 — 

Recorded  from  the  Original  Pattent  under  the  Province  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


*3-160  *Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Burton — 


Clem1  March  Esqr 
Joseph  Senter 
Sam1  Gilman 
Sam1  Senter 
Moses  Senter 
Reuben  Senter 
Benjn  Senter 
Aaron  Senter 
Wm  Butterfield 
Medad  Combs 
Winkel  Wright 
Rob*  Flatcher 
David  Senter 
Philip  Fowler  Junr 
Jacob  Fowler 
Hubartis  Mattoon 
Jacob  Gilman 
Sam1  Peas 
Capt : Israel  Gilman 
Rob1  Barber 
Rob1  Pike 


Walter  Bryent  Esqr 
Capt : Israel  Gilman  J' 
Nath1  Tilton 
Bradstreet  Gilman 
Jeremh  Gilman 
Simon  Gilman 
Peter  Folsom 
Jeremy  Bryent 
John  Bryent 
John  Judkins 
John  Pike 
Nath1  Roberson 
David  Gilman 
Stephen  Mason 
Geo  : Place 
John  McDuflfee 
L‘  John  Burleigh 
Walter  Bryent  Jr  Esqr 
John  Pickering 
S1  Livermore  Esqr 
Edw’d  Smith 
Theodore  Atkinson  jr 


E’d  Hall  Bergin 
John  Folsom 
Capt : Jeremh  Folsom 
Jeremh  Folsom  jr 
Jona  Moulton  Esqr 
Josiah  Moulton 
Charles  Rogers 
Jas  Rogers 
Ephraim  Berry 
Willm  Rogers 
S1  Tibbitts 
Oliver  Pevey 
Josiah  York 
Zachh  Foss 
Joshua  Furber 
John  Mason 
John  Smart  Jr 
Giles  Seaward 
Jona  Warner  Esqr 
Paul  March  Esqr 
Dan1  Pierce  Esqr 
FT  omr 


Five  Hundred  Acres  for  his  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth 
Esqr  as  mark’d  B.  W.  in  the  Plan  which  is  to  be  accounted  two  of 
the  within  Shares,  one  Share  for  the  first  settled  Minister  of  the 
Gospel  in  sd  Town.  & One  Share  for  the  benefit  of  a school  in  sd 
Town  for  Ever — 


ALBANY. 


393 


i 


Prov  : New  Hampshire  Novemr  10th  17 66 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Burton  under 
the  Prove  Seal — 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


394 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Prov : of  New  Hampshire  Novem  10th  1 766 

Copy  of  the  Plan  taken  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Char- 
ter of  Burton  under  the  Province  seal 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 


£ Grant  to  Samuel  Haven,  1772.] 

*4-84  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the 
Faith  &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come 
(Dr  Haven’s  Greeting. 

Grant.)  Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowl- 

edge & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  and  cul- 
tivating our  Lands  within  our  Province  aforesaid  by  and  with  the 
advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  & of  our  Council  of  the  same,  Have  (upon  the  Con- 
ditions & Reservations  herein  particularly  recited  and  expressed) 
given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors do  give  and  grant  unto  our  leige  and  loving  Subject  Sam- 
uel Haven  of  Portsm0  in  our  County  of  Rockingham  and 
Province  aforesaid  D.  D.  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever, 
a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land,  situate,  lying  and  being  in  our 
Province  aforesaid,  containing  by  Admeasurement  Sixteen  Hun- 
dred & Seventy  Two  Acres,  being  about  Fifty  Acres  each  to  the 
number  in  the  Family  of  the  said  Grantee,  exclusive  of,  and  out  of 
which,  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  Highways  and  unimprove- 
able  Lands  by  Rocks,  Mountains,  and  Waters  Six  hundred  and 
Seventy  Two  Acres  free,  according  to  a plan  or  Survey  thereof 
exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Prov- 
ince Dy  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s 
Office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed, 
butted  & bounded  as  follows  Viz1.  Beginning  at  a Poplar  Tree 
standing  in  the  West  Line  of  Conway,  from  thence  running  West 
Two  Miles  & Ninety  five  Rods  to  a Hemlock  Tree,  from  thence 
North  Two  hundred  and  Twenty  Six  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree 
standing  on  the  bank  of  Saco  Swift  River,  thence  Northwest- 


ALBANY. 


395 


erly  by  said  River  Two  hundred  and  Sixty  five  Rods  to  a Spruce 
Tree,  then  South  Forty  degrees  West  Three  hundred  and  Sixty 
Rods  to  a Stake,  thence  South  Thirty  seven  Degrees  East  Three 
hundred  and  Forty  Two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  standing  in  the 
Patent  line,  so  called,  from  thence  on  said  Patent  Line  as  that 
runs  about  North  Eighty  four  Degrees  East,  Three  Miles  and 
Thirty  Two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  North  Ninety  five 
Rods  to  the  bound  began  at. 

*To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  *4-85 
expressed  to  him  the  said  Samuel  Haven  and  to  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  for  Ever  upon  the  following  Terms  & Conditions,  Viz1 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  and  make  passable 
for  Carriages  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide  through  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed  or  Order’d  by  the  Gov- 
ernor & Council  aforesd  which  Road  shall  be  completed  in  one 
Year  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  Direction  of  the  Governor  & 
Council  aforesaid,  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and 
of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors. 

Secondly  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  Two  Families  in  Six  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant,  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  and  none  to 
be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had 
and  obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the 
Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as 
well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourthly  That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be 
well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee 
shall  sow  & continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the 
said  Land,  not  less  than  Ten  Acres  in  every  hundred  Acres  with 
that  beneficial  Article  of  Produce. 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantee  his  heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
Year  for  ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  Ten  Years  from 
the  date  of  this  Grant,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for 
every  hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns  Settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in 
proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid ; 
which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or 


3 96 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Settler  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer 
or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  : And  these 
to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  our  Governor  & Com- 
mander in  Chief  aforesaid,  the  Twelfth  day  of  June,  in  the 
Twelfth  year  of  our  Reign,  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

*4-86  *By  his  Excellency’s  Command, 
with  advice  of  Council. 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary. 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  18th  June  1772. 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


s 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsm0  6th  June  1772. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  a Poplar  tree,  stand- 
ing in  the  West  line  of  Conway,  from  thence  running  West  2 
Miles  & 95  Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree,  from  thence  N°  226  Rods  to 
a Beech  Tree  standing  on  the  bank  of  Saco  Swift  River,  thence 


ALBANY. 


397 


N.  Wly  by  said  River  265  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree,  thence  S.  40° 
W.  360  Rods  to  a Stake,  thence  S.  370  E.  342  Rods  to  a Beech 
Tree  standing  in  the  Patent  Line  (so  call’d),  from  thence  on  said 
Patent  line  as  that  runs  about  N°  84.  E.  3 Miles  & 32  Rods  to  a 
Beech  Tree,  thence  North  95  Rods  to  the  Bound  began  at.  Con- 
tains 1672  Acres  of  Land,  and  is  known  by  a Plan  or  Survey  of 
said  Tract  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Ebenezer  Smith  Esqr  Depy 
Survr 

Attest.  Is.  Rindge  S.  G1 


[Grant  to  Daniel  Rindge  and  Daniel  Peirce,  1772.] 

*4-185  ^Province  of  > George  the  third  by  the  grace  of 
New  Hampshire  ) God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come 
Greeting. 

Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain 
D.  Ringe  & knowledge  and  meer  motion  for  the  due  encour- 
D Peirce  Esq”  agement  of  settling  and  cultivating  our  Lands 
within  Our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  and  with  the  advice 
of  our  trusty  and  wellbeloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire 
*4-186  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  *of  our  said  Pro- 
vince and  of  our  Council  of  the  same  Have  upon  the 
conditions  and  reservations  herein  particularly  recited  and  ex- 
pressed given  and  granted  by  these  Presents  for  Us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  our  liege  & loving  Subjects 
Daniel  Rindge  and  Daniel  Pierce  both  of  Portsmouth  in  our 
County  of  Rockingham  & Province  aforesaid  Esqrs  and  to  their 
respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  equally  divided  a certain 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  containing  by  admeasurement  Five  thou- 
sand one  hundred  and  fourteen  Acres  of  Land  situate  lying  and 
being  in  our  Province  aforesaid  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof 
(exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Pro- 
vince by  Our  said  Governor’s  order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s 
Office  of  our  said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed) 
may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear  butted  & bounded  as  follows 

viz1 Begining  at  a Beech  Tree  standing  southerly  about  forty 

Rods  from  the  head  of  Saco  Swift  River  so  called  from  thence 
running  South  twenty  degrees  East  two  Miles  and  an  half  to  a 
Hemloc  Tree  from  thence  North  seventy  degrees  East  One  Mile 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


398 

and  eighty  Rods  to  a Hemloc  Tree  from  thence  North  sixty  four 
degrees  East  Two  Miles  & one  hundred  and  thirty  two  Rods  to  a 
Maple  Tree  from  thence  North  thirty  five  degrees  West  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty  six  Rods  to  an  Hemloc  Tree  from  thence  South 
seventy  degrees  West  One  mile  & eighteen  Rods  to  a Spruce 
Tree  from  thence  North  twenty  degrees  West  one  mile  & three 
hundred  and  ten  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  from  thence  South  seventy 
degrees  West  two  Miles  & two  hundred  & two  Rods  to  a Spruce 
Tree,  from  thence  South  twenty  degrees  East  one  hundred  & sixty 
Rods  to  a Birch  Tree,  from  thence  North  seventy  degrees  East 
eighty  Rods  to  the  Bound  first  mentioned  To  have  and  to  hold 
the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  them  the  said  Daniel 
Rindge  & Daniel  Peirce  Esquires  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever  upon  the  following  Terms  conditions  and  Reservations  viz4 

First  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  cut  clear  bridge  & make 
passable  for  Carriages  &c  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  through 
the  said  Tract  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or  ordered 
by  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid  which  Road  shall  be  com- 
pleted in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  such  order  or  direction  of  the 
Governor  & Council  aforesaid  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of 
this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors 

*4-187  *Secondly  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause 
to  be  settled  Six  Families  in  five  Years  from  the  date  of 
this  Grant  in  failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  Us  Our  Heirs 
and  Successors  to  be  by  Us  or  them  entered  upon  & regranted  to 
such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  such 
Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as 
well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament 

Fourthly  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March  1779  the  Rent  of 
One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  & Assigns  shall 
yield  & pay  unto  Us  our  Heirs  & Successors  yearly  & every  Year 
forever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  date  of 
this  Grant  One  Shilling  proclamation  Money  for  every  hundred 


ALBANY. 


399 


Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  possesses  & so  in  proportion  for  a 
greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  which  Money  shall 
be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  aforesaid  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  the  twentieth 
day  of  April  in  the  twelfth  Year  of  our  reign  Annoque  Domini 
1772 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  command 
with  advice  of  Council 

The  words  “equally  divided”  being  interlind  previous  to 
signing  & sealing 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secy 


400 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Recorded  according  to  the 
Original  Grant  under  the  Province  Seal  this  eleventh  day  of 
February  1774 

Attest1  Geo : King  D Secy 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  20th  April  1772 — 
These  certify  that  this  Plan  begining  at  a Beech  Tree  standing 
southerly  about  forty  Rods  from  the  head  of  Saco  swift  River  so 
called  from  thence  runing  South  20  degrees  East  Two  miles  and 
an  half  to  an  Hemloc  Tree  from  thence  North  seventy 
*4-189  degrees  East  one  Mile  & eighty  Rods  to  *a  Hemloc 
Tree  from  thence  North  sixty  four  degrees  East  Two 
Miles  and  one  hundred  and  thirty  two  Rods  to  a Maple  Tree  from 
thence  North  Thirty  five  degrees  West  Two  hundred  and  thirty 
six  Rods  to  an  Hemloc  Tree  from  thence  South  seventy  degrees 
West  One  Mile  and  eighteen  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  from  thence 
North  twenty  degrees  West  One  Mile  and  three  hundred  and  ten 
Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  from  thence  South  seventy  degrees  West 
two  Miles  & two  hundred  and  two  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree,  from 
thence  South  twenty  degrees  East  One  hundred  and  sixty  Rods  to 
a Birch  Tree  from  thence  North  seventy  degrees  East  eighty 
Rods  to  the  Bound  first  mentioned  contains  five  thousand  one 
hundred  & fourteen  Acres  of  Land  and  is  a true  Copy  of  an 
original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken  and  returned  to 
me  by  Ebenezer  Smith  Esqr  Depy  Surveyor 

Attest  Is  : Rindge  S G1 
Copy  examined  by  Geo  : King  Depy  Secy 


[Grant  to  Joseph  Senter,  1771.] 

*1-387  *Province  of  7 George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of 
New  Hampr  5 God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca. — 

To  all  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greet- 
ing — 

Whereas  we  have  tho*  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  S* 
Senter’s  Grant.  James’s  the  7th  Day  of  October  in  the  third  Year  of 
our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1763  among  other  Things  to  testify  our 
royal  Sence  & Approbation  of  the  Conduct  & Bravery  of  the  offi- 
cers & Soldiers  of  our  Armies  & Signified  Our  Desire  to  reward 


ALBANY. 


4OI 


the  Same  & have  therein  Com’anded  & Impowered  our  Several 
Governors  of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America 
to  grant  without  Fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  officers  as  have 
Served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War  & to  such  Private 
Soldiers  as  have  been  or  Shall  be  disbanded  there  & shall  person- 
ally apply  for  the  same  Such  quantities  of  Land  respectively  as  in 
& by  our  aforesd  Proclamation  are  Perticularly  mentioned,  Subject 
nevertheless  to  the  Same  Quit  Rents  and  Conditions  of  Cultiva- 
tion & Improvement  as  other  our  Lands  are  Subject  to  in  the 
Province  in  which  they  are  granted  And  Whereas  Joseph  Senter 
of  Meridith  in  our  Said  Province  Gen11  had  our  appointment  as 
Leiutenant  & served  during  the  late  War  & is  now  reduced  & he 
having  Personally  applyd  & Solicited  for  Such  Grant  agreable  to 
our  aforesaid  in  Part  recited  Proclamation — Know  ye  that  we  of 
our  special  Grace  certain  Knowledge  & mere  motion  do  Signify 
our  approbation  as  aforesaid  & for  encouraging  the  Settlem4  & 
Cultivation  of  our  Lands  within  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire in  New  England  have  by  & with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty 
& well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq  our  Govern1  & Com’ander 
in  ChiefF  of  our  sd  Province  & of  our  Council  of  the  Same  agrea- 
ble to  our  aforesd  Proclamation  & upon  the  Conditions  & reserva- 
tions hereafter  mentioned  given  & granted  & by  these  Presents  for 
us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  & grant  unto  the  Said  Joseph  Sen- 
ter & unto  his  Heirs  & assigns  forever  a Certain  Tractor  parcel  of 
Land  Scituate  Lying  & being  within  Our  Said  Province  contain- 
ing by  Admeasurement  Two  Thousand  five  Hundred  & fifty  Acres 
as  by  A Plan  & Survey  of  the  sd  Tract  exhibited  by  our  Surveyer 
General  of  Lands  for  our  sd  Province  by  our  Said  Governours  or- 
der & returnd  into  the  Secretarys  office  of  our  sd  Province  a 
Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed)  may  more  fully  appear 
Butted  & bounded  as  follows  (viz) — begining  at  a Beach  Tree 
standing  in  the  West  line  of  Conway  which  Tree  is  the  South 
Easterly  Corner  Bounds  of  a Tract  of  Land  lately  laid  out  for 
Major  Samuel  Hale,  from  thence  Running  West  one  Mile  & sixty 
rods  to  a red  Oake  Tree,  from  thence  running  South  Thirty  Eight 
degrees  West  one  Mile  & Two  hundred  & forty  four  rods  to  a 
Hemlock  Tree  standing  on  the  northerly  Side  of  Saco  swift 
River  so  called,  from  thence  South  Two  Hundred  rods  to  a Hem- 
lock Tree,  from  thence  East  Two  Miles  & Ninety  four  rods  to  a 
Poplar  Standing  in  Conway  West  Line,  from  thence  North  two 
miles  to  the  Bounds  began  at  To  have  & to  Hold  the  said  Tract 
of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  Said  Joseph  & to  his  Heirs 

25 


402 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& assigns  forever  upon  the  following  Terms  Conditions  & Reser- 
vations (Viz) 

first  That  the  Said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  & make  Passable  for 
Carriages  &ca  a Road  of  Three  rods  wide  thro’  the  Said  Tract  as 
shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed  or  ordered  by  the  Gover- 
nour  & Council  aforesaid  which  road  is  to  be  compleated  in  one 
Year  from  the  Date  of  such  Order  or  Direction  of  the  Govern1-  & 
Council  aforesaid  on  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  & 
of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors. 

2dly  That  the  Said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  Settled 
five  families  in  Three  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant  in  failure 
whereof  the  Premisses  to  revert  to  us  our  heirs  & successors  to  be 
by  us  or  them  entered  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our  Sub- 
*1-388  jects  as  Shall  ^Effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same — 
3dly  That  all  white  and  Other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to  be 
Cutt  or  felld  without  our  Special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtaind  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  the  Grantee 
in  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  his  hirs  & Assignes  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalies  prescribed  by 
any  Present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament — 

4*  Yielding  & paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  on 
or  before  the  first  Day  of  January  1773  the  rent  of  one  ear  of 
Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded — 

5ly  That  the  Sd  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  Yield  & Pay 
unto  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  Yearly  & 'every  Year  for  ever 
from  & after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the  Date  of  this 
Grant  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1781  one  Shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns 
Settles  or  Possesses  & So  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract 
of  the  Land  aforesaid  which  Money  Shall  be  paid  by  the  respect- 
ive Proprietors  or  Settlers  in  Our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth 
or  to  Such  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to  receive  the 
Same  and  these  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other  rents  & Services  what- 
soever 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  sd 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wittness  John  Wentworth  Esq 
our  aforesd  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief!  the  20th  Day  of 
November  in  the  Twelfth  Year  of  Our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1771 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and  > 
with  advice  of  Council  5 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


ALBANY. 


4°3 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  under  the  Province 
Seal  the  21st  Day  of  December  1771 — 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  SecT? 


£ 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsm0  20th  November  1771 

These  may  Certify  that  This  Plan  begining  at  a Beach*  *1-389 
Tree  standing  in  the  West  Line  of  Conway  which  Tree  is 
the  South  Easterly  Corner  Bounds  of  a Tract  of  Land  lately  laid  out 
for  Majr  Samuel  Hale  from  thence  runing  West  one  Mile  & Sixty 
Rods  to  a red  oak  Tree,  from  thence  runing  South  Thirty  Eight 
degrees  West  one  Mile  & two  Hundred  & forty  four  rods  to  a 
Hemlock  Tree  Standing  on  the  Notherly  Side  of  Saco  swift 
River  so  called  from  thence  runing  South  two  Hundred  rods  to  an 
Hemlock  Tree,  from  thence  runing  East  Two  Mile  & Ninety 
four  rods  to  a Poplar  Standing  in  Said  Conway  West  Line  from 
thence  North  two  Miles  to  the  Bound  first  began  at  contains 
two  Thousand  five  Hundred  & fifty  Acres  of  Land  & is  a True 
Copy  of  an  original  Plan  or  Survey  of  Said  Tract  of  Land  as 
taken  & returned  to  me  by  Ebenezr  Smith  Esq  Deputy  Surveyr 

Attest"  Is — Rindge 


4°4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ALSTEAD. 

[This  was  probably  Number  4 in  the  line  of  towns  from  Merrimack  to  Connecti- 
cut River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.  Granted  by  New  Hamp- 
shire as  Newton , Dec.  28,  1752,  to  John  Towle  and  others.  Regranted  Aug.  6, 
1763,  to  Samuel  Chase  and  others,  and  incorporated  as  Alstead.  The  charter  was 
renewed  Jan.  24,  1772. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  5 ; X,  Bouton 
Province  and  State  Papers,  394,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for 
union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  21  ; Index  to  Laws,  17  ; 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  114;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazet- 
teer of  Cheshire  County,  1885,  p.  73  ; historical  sermon,  by  Seth  S.  Arnold,  1826, 
pp.  48;  id . with  additions,  .1836;  Paper  Mill  Village,  A Historical  Sketch; 
Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  11  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H. 
Churches,  1856,  pp.  247,  250,  253.] 


[Newton  Charter,  1752.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampe 
George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 
Great  Brittain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of 
the  faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Come  Greeting 

Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  Especial  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  & 
mere  motion  for  the  Due  Encouragement  of  Settling  a New  Plan- 
tation within  our  Said  Province  by  & with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty 
& Wellbeloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  And  Com- 
mander in  ChiefF  of  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in 
America  and  of  our  Council  of  the  Said  Province  Have  upon  the 
Conditions  & Reservations  hereafter  made  Given  & Granted  and 
by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  do  give  & Grant 
in  Equal  Shares  unto  our  Loveing  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  and  his  Majesties  other  Governments 
and  to  thier  heirs  and  assigns  for  Ever  whose  names  are  Entered 
on  this  Grant  to  be  Divided  to  & Amongst  them  into  Sixty  Eight 
Equal  Shares  All  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  Scituate  Lying  & 
being  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Containing  by 
Admeasurement  Twenty  three  thousand  & forty  Acres  which 
Tract  is  to  Contain  Six  Miles  Square  & no  more  out  of  which  an 
allowance  is  to  be  made  for  highways  & unimprovable  Lands  by 


*1-119 

Newton 


ALSTEAD. 


4°5 


Rocks  mountains  Ponds  & Rivers  One  thousend  & forty  Acres 
free  According  to  A Plan  thereof  made  & Presented  by  our  said 
Governours  Orders  & hereunto  Annexed  Butted  & bounded  as  fol- 
lows (Viz)  Begining  at  the  North  Easterly  Corner  ofWalepole 
from  thence  South  by  the  Needle  Six  Miles  & Thirty  two  Rods  to 
A Stake  & Stones  the  North  West  Corner  of  Boyle  from  thence 
East  by  the  Needle  five  Miles  Two  hundred  & fifty  six  Rods  to  A 
Stake  & Stones  from  thence  North  by  the  Needle  Six  Miles  & one 
hundred  and  ninety  Two  rods  to  A Stake  & Sones  from  thence 
West  by  the  Needle  three  Miles  & two  hundred  & Eighty  Eight 
Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  from  thence  South  One  hundred  & 
Sixty  Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  from  thence  West  by  the  Needle 
one  mile  & two  hundred  & Eighty  Eight  Rods  to  the  bounds  first 
mentioned  And  that  the  Same  be  & is  incorporated  into  a Township 
by  the  Name  of  Newton  and  that  the  Inhabitants  that  do 
or  shall  ^hereafter  Inhabit  said  Township  Are  hereby  *1-120 
Declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Entituled  to  all  & 
every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunitys  that  Other  Towns  within 
our  said  Province  by  Law  Exercize  & Enjoy  And  further  that  the 
Said  Town  as  soon  as  there  Shall  be  fifty  families  Resident  & Settled 
thereon  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  fairs  one  of  which 
Shall  be  held  on  the  And  the  Other  on 

the  Annually  which  fairs  are  not  to  Con- 
tinue & be  held  Longer  than  the  Respective  days  fol- 
lowing the  Said  Respective  days  and  as  soon  as  the  said 

Town  Shall  Consist  of  fifty  families  A Market  Shall  be  Opened  & 
kept  one  or  more  Days  in  Each  Week  as  may  be  tho*  most 
Advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants  Also  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers  Agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said 
Province  Shall  be  held  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  March  Next 
which  Meeting  Shall  be  Notifyed  by  John  Fowle  who  is  hereby 
Also  Appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting  which  he 
is  to  Notify  & Govern  Agreable  to  the  Laws  & Customs  of  our 
said  Province  And  that  the  Annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for 
the  Choice  of  such  Officers  of  said  Town  Shall  be  held  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  March  Annually  To  have  & to  hold  the  Said 
Tract  of  Land  as  Above  Expressed  Togeather  with  All  the  Previ- 
ledges  and  Appurtenances  to  them  & thier  Respective  heirs  and 
Assignes  forever  upon  the  following  Conditions  (Viz)  That  every 
Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assignes  shall  Plant  or  Cultivate  five  Acres 
of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every  fifty  Acres  Con- 
tained in  his  or  their  Share  or  Propotion  of  Land  in  the  Said 


40  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Township  and  Continue  to  Improve  and  Settle  the  Same  by  Addi- 
tional Cultivations  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  Said  Township  & its  Reverting  to  his  Majesty  his 
heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  him  or  them  regranted  to  Such  of 
his  Subjects  as  Shall  Effectually  Settle  and  Cultivate  the  Same 
That  All  white  & Other  Pine  Trees  within  the  Said  Township  fit 
for  masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  Carefully  Preserved  for  that  Use 
And  none  to  be  Cutt  or  felld  without  his  Majestys  Especial 
Lycence  for  so  Doing  first  had  & obtaind  upon  the  Penalty  of  the 
forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  Such  Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assigns  to  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalty  of 
any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  Are  or  hereafter 
*i—i 21  Shall  be  Enacted  *That  before  Any  Devission  of  the  Said 
Lands  be  made  to  & Amongst  the  Grantees  A Tract  of 
Land  as  Near  the  Center  of  the  Township  as  the  Land  will  Admit 
of  Shall  be  Reserved  & Marked  out  for  Town  Lotts  one  of  which 
Shall  be  Allotted  to  each  Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  One  Acre 
Yielding  and  Paying  there  fore  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for 
the  Space  of  Ten  Years  to  be  Computed  from  the  Date  hereof  the 
Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  on  the  first  Day  of  January 
Annually  if  Lawfully  Demanded  the  first  payment  to  be  made  on 
the  first  Day  of  Janry  one  thousand  Seven  hundred  & fifty  four — 
And  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  Shall  Yield  & Pay 
unto  us  Our  heirs  & Successors  Yearly  And  every  Year  for  ever 
from  & After  the  Expiration  of  the  Ten  Years  from  the  Date 
hereof — Namely  on  the  first  Day  of  January  which  will  be  in  the 
Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  one  thousand  Seven  hundred  & Sixty 
four  One  Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres 
he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  & So  in  Proportion  for  a Greater 
or  Lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  which  Money  shall  be  paid  by 
the  Respective  Persons  above  said  their  heirs  or  assigns  in  our 
Council  Chamber  Portsm0  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be 
Appointed  to  recieve  the  same  and  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  & Services  whatsoever  In  Testimony  hereof  We  have 
Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wit- 
ness Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Govern1*  and  Commander  in 
Chieff  of  our  Said  Province  the  28th  Day  of  Decembr  in  the  Year 
of  our  Lord  Christ  1752  & in  the  26th  year  of  Our  Reign 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Comand 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  SecTJ 


ALSTEAD. 


4°7 


Entered  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original  under  the  Prov 
Seal  this  30th  Day  of  December  1752 — 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Newton — (Viz) 


John  Fowle, 

Jona  Bradish, 

John  Hill, 

Caleb  Brooks, 
Nathan  New  Hall, 


Josiah  Convers, 
Benjamin  Belknap 
Isaac  Kidder, 

John  Martin, 
Francis  Whitmore, 


William  Whitmore,  Abiel  Richardson, 


John  Skinner, 

Roland  Cotton, 
William  Dunlop, 

Noah  Richardson, 
Ebenezer  Frances, 

Seth  Blodget, 

Samuel  Servis, 
Nathaniel  Wales, 
Archibald  McNeal, 
Francis  Shaw, 

John  Fulton, 

William  Field,  *1-122 
John  Bathrick, 

Jason  Winchip, 
Thomas  Bennet, 
Ebenezer  Shattuck, 
Thomas  Parker, 
Nathaniel  Russell 
John  Marshall, 

Joshua  Hamblet, 
William  Symes, 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  five  hundd  Acres  which  is  to  be  Accounted  Two  of  the 
within  mentioned  Shares,  One  whole  Share  for  the  Incorporated 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Forreign  Parts,  One 
whole  Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Said 
Town,  One  whole  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Ministry  of  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established 

Entered  & Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Charters  of  Newton 
the  30th  Day  of  December  1752 — 


Unite  Moseley, 
Benjamin  Furnice, 
Joseph  Scott, 
Robert  Hill, 
William  Fisher, 
*David  Whiteing, 
Samuel  Winchip, 
David  Comey, 
Joseph  Newhall, 
John  Bishop, 

James  Pigze, 
Ebenezer  Bridge, 
Caleb  Trowbridge, 
John  Sterns 


William  Marwell, 
William  Crombie, 
Ebenezer  Field, 
John  Douglass, 
Timothy  Winchip, 
Thomas  Draper, 
Samuel  Smith, 
Jonathan  Bryant, 
Jacob  March, 

Tho3  Lambert, 
Isaac  Phillebrows, 
John  Varnum, 
James  Hills, 
Timothy  Taylor 


Joseph  Blanchard  junr  Eleazer  Blanchard, 


Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


408 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


-Ajr 


/ 


JJZ’ASJlliJ  »Uo  o 


5> 


JVziAftoTL 


E&*i2>z/-yt/7trcilL  Smiles  Ub^.od.s 


Taken  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  this  30th  Decem- 
ber 1752 

^8  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[Alstead  Charter,  1763.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

George,  the  Third,  By  the  Grace  of  God,  of 
Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender 
of  the  Faith,  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall 
come , Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain 
Knowledge  and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encourage- 
ment of  settling  a New  Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and 


'2-500 

Alstead 


< p s — 

heretofore 

Newton 


ALSTEAD. 


4°9 


with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Went- 
worth, Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  in  New  England,  and  of  Our  Coun- 
cil of  the  said  Province  ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reserva- 
tions herein  after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents, 
for  us,  our  Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares, 
unto  Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  Six  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New- Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
Twenty  Three  Thousand  & forty  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  con- 
tain Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is 
to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks, 
Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres 
free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said 
Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and 
hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz . Begining 
at  the  North  East  Corner  of  Walpole  at  A Stake  & Stones  stand- 
ing in  the  Southerly  Side  Line  of  Charlestown  from  thence  Tun- 
ing South  by  Walepole  to  the  North  West  Corner  of  Gilsum 
Six  Miles  & about  Thirty  Two  Rods  thence  East  by  Gilsum 
afore  Sd  five  Miles  Two  Hundred  & fifty  Six  Rods  to  A Stake  & 
Stones  the  South  West  Corner  of  Marlow  from  thence  North  by  the 
Needle  Six  Miles  & One  Hundred  & Ninety  Two  Rods  to  the  North 
West  Corner  of  Marlow  from  thence  West  by  the  Needle  Three 
Miles  & Two  Hundred  and  Eighty  Eight  Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones 
in  Charlestown  Side  Line  from  thence  South  One  Hundred  & 
Sixty  Rods  to  the  South  East  Corner  of  Said  Charlestown  thence 
Westerly  by  Said  Charlestown  to  the  Bounds  began  at 

And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Town- 
ship by  the  Name  of  Alstead  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or 
shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to 
be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges 
and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue 
longer  than  the  respective  # following  the  said 


410 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall 
*2-501  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  *opened 
and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be 
thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws 
of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  Novem- 
ber next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Samuel  Chace 
who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meet- 
ing, which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and 
to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with 
all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of  Our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  For  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December . 1763 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 


ALSTEAD. 


411 


unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  Dece?nber,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1773  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Sixth  Day  of  August  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  three  And  in  the  Third 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  junr  Sery 

Prov  of  New  Hampr  August  6th  1763 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Prov  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 

*The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Alstead — Viz  *2-502 


Samuel  Chase 
Offin  Burnam 
Stephen  Chase 
Daniel  Putnam 
Joshua  Swinington 
Thomas  Hall 
James  Richardson 
Silas  Hazleton 
Samuel  Chase  Junr 
Nathaniel  Gowen 
Daniel  Chase  Junr 
Ebenzr  Bridge 
Beny  Leeland 
Benja  Garfield 
Bradford  Chase 
Jonathan  Dudley  Jun1 


Ephraim  Sherman 
John  Holland 
Jonas  Brown 
Moses  Chase 
Moses  Chase  junr 
David  Dudley 
Jonathan  Chase 
Moody  Chase 
Dudley  Chase 
David  Lilly 
Paul  Chase 
Moses  Leeland 
Joseph  Mosly 
John  Hollbrock 
James  McClelaton 
Jacob  Gibbs 


Abraham  Batcheldor 
Benoni  Chase 
Daniel  Chase 
Josiah  Brown 
Caleb  Chase 
Ebenezr  Rawson 
March  Chase 
Simon  Brooks 
Solomon  Chase 
David  Lilly  Junr 
Thomas  Parker  Junr 
Samuel  Richardson 
Eliakim  Garfield 
Nath11  Whitmore 
Joseph  Whipple 
Asa  Walker 


412 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


John  Varnum  Coll  Wm  Symes 

Ephram  Sherman  Junr  Luke  Drevvrey 
Nathaniel  Sherman  Hezekiah  Taylor 

Moses  Hollbrook  Samuel  Sherman  Junr 

Antipas  Holland  Abraham  Temple 

James  Whipple  Stephen  Hall 

Honble  Theodore  Atkinson  ^ 

Nath11  Barrell  & >EsqT8 

Theodore  Atkinson  junr  ) 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  of 
Five  Hundred  Acres  as  marked  on  the  Plan  B — W — which  is  to 
be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares  one  Share  for  the  Society 
for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  Parts  one  Share  for  A 
Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established — one 
Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  in  said  Town  And  one  for  A 
School  there  for  ever 

Prov  New  Hampr  August  6th  1763 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Alstead  un- 
der the  Prov  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Daniel  Burbank 
Ebenezr  Burnet 
Ebenezr  Sadler 
Moses  Whipple 
David  Temple 
John  Whipple 
John  Marshall 


Ae 


ALSTEAD. 


4*3 


Prove  of  New  Hampr  August  6 — 1763 
Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  alstead  un- 
der the  Proy  Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Alstead  Charter  Renewed,  1772.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  *1-401 
New  Hampshire  ) God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  whom  these  presents  shall  come  Greet- 
ing. 

Whereas  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowl- 
edge & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of 
( Alstead  > settling  a New  Plantation  wthin  our  said  Province 
l extended  5 of  New  Hampshire  by  our  Letters  Patent  or  Char- 
ter under  the  Seal  of  our  said  Province  Dated  the  6th  day  of 
August  1763,  in  the  Third  year  of  our  Reign,  did  grant  a Tract 
of  Land  equal  to  Six  Miles  square,  bounded  as  therein  express’d, 
to  a Number  of  our  Loyal  Subjects  whose  Names  are  enter’d  on 
the  same,  to  Hold  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  on  the  Condi- 
tions therein  declared  to  be  a Town  Corporate  by  the  Name  of 
Alstead  as  by  referrence  to  the  said  Charter  may  more  ful- 
ly appear.  And  whereas  the  said  Grantees  have  *prefer’d  *1-402 
a Petition  to  our  Governor  of  our  said  Province  in  Council, 
specifying  sundry  Difficulties  which  prevented  their  full  compliance 
with  the  Terms  of  the  Grant  aforesaid,  And  that  the  said  Town  is 
in  great  forwardness  of  being  completely  settled  And  therefore 
Praying  that  no  advantage  may  be  taken  of  the  breach  of  the  Con- 
ditions aforesaid,  but  that  some  further  Time  may  be  allowed 
them  to  fulfill  the  same  : all  which  being  duly  Consider’d. 

Know  Ye  that  We  being  willing  to  encourage  & promote  the 
Cultivation  & Settlement  of  the  said  Tract  Have  of  our  further 
grace  and  favour  suspended  our  Claim  of  the  forfeiture  which  the 
said  Grantees  may  have  Incurred  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  (by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well 
beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq:  our  Governor  & Commander  in 
chief  of  our  said  Province  & of  our  Council  of  the  same)  do  grant 
unto  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  the  further  Term  of 
Three  Years  for  performing  and  fulfilling  the  Conditions  Matters 
and  things  by  them  to  be  done  as  aforesaid  ; Except  the  Quit  Rents 


4X4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


which  are  to  remain  due  & payable  as  express’d  and  reservd  in 
the  Original  Grant  or  Charter. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our  Governor  & Com- 
mander in  Chief  aforesaid,  the  24th  day  of  January  in  the  12th  year 
of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellence's  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  25th  January  1772. 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal. 


AMHERST. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Narragansett  No.  3,  Dec.  18,  1728.  Afterwards 
called  Sale?n  Narragansett  and  Souhegan  West.  The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the 
Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  i,  1759.  Incorporated  as  Amherst,  Jan.  18,  1760, 
and  named  in  honor  of  Lord  Jeffry  Amherst.  The  incorporation  was  renewed  Jan.  7, 
1762.  A large  part  of  Monson  was  annexed  in  1770.  A portion  of  the  town  was 
combined  with  parts  of  Hollis  and  Mile  Slip  to  make  up  the  town  of  Milford,  Jan. 
11,  1794.  Mont  Vernon  was  set  off  and  incorporated  Dec.  15,  1803.  A part  of 
Milford  was  annexed  Dec.  20,  1842.  t 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding,  and  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  6 ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  57 ; Index  to  Laws, 
18  ; Historical  Discourse,  100th  Anniversary  of  Dedication  of  Congregational  Meet- 
ing House,  by  J.  E.  Davis,  1874;  Proceedings  of  Revolutionary  Committees  of 
Safety  for  Hillsborough  County,  by  E.  D.  Boylston,  1884;  History,  by  Daniel  F. 
Secomb,  1883,  pp.  978;  sketch  by  same,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County, 
1885,  p.  219;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  21; 
Recollections  of  Busy  Life,  by  Horace  Greeley,  1873  ; Life  of  Horace  Greeley,  by 
James  Parton,  1885;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  150;  Rambles  about 
Amherst,  by  W.  B.  Rotch,  1890,  pp.  67;  Bills  of  Mortality,  1805-14,  by  John 
Farmer,  14,  Mass.  Historical  Society  Collections,  73;  id.,  1805-1819,  1,  Farmer 
and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  80;  id.,  1815-1826,  22,  Mass.  Historical  Society 
Collections,  298;  sketch,  by  John  Farmer,  12,  id.,  247;  revised  as  Historical 
Sketch  of  Amherst,  1820,  pp.  35;  2d  edition,  continued,  1837,  pp.  52;  id.,  5, 
Collections  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  79  ; petition  of  inhabitants,  id.,  253  ; History' 
of  Purgatory,  by  C.  J.  Smith,  1889,  pp.  8.] 


AMHERST. 


4T5 


Amherst 


[Amherst  Incorporated,  1760.J 
^Province  of  New  Hampshire 


T-212 


p seal 


this  Charter 
Renewed  See 
Page  244 


George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&ca 

To  All  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greeting 
Whereas  our  Loyal  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  A 
Tract  of  Land  within  Our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  known  by  the  Name  of  Sowhegon 
West  on  the  Westerly  Side  of  the  River  Merri- 
mack have  Humbly  Petitioned  & Requested  us  that  they  may  be 
erected  & Incorporated  into  A Township  & Infranchized  with  the 
Same  Powers  & Previledges  which  Other  Towns  within  Our  Said 
Province  by  Law  have  & Enjoy  and  it  Appearing  to  us  to  be  Con- 
ducive to  the  General  Good  of  Our  Said  Province  as  well  as  of 
the  Said  Inhabitants  in  Perticular  by  Maintaining  good  Order  and 
Encouraging  the  Culture  of  the  Land  that  the  Same  Should  be 
done  Know  Ye  therefor  that  We  of  Our  Special  Grace  Certain 
Knowledg  and  for  the  Encoragement  & Promoting  the 
Good  Purposes  *And  Ends  aforesd  by  & With  the  *1-213 
Advice  of  Our  Trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  Our  Governor  & Commander  in  ChiefF  and  of  our  Council  for 
Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Have  errceted  & ordaind  & by 
these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  Do  Will  & ordain  that 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Tract  of  Land  aforesaid  & who  Shall 
Inhabit  & Improve  thereon  hereafter  the  Same  being  Butted  & 
Bounded  as  Follows  Viz  Beginning  at  Sowhegon  River  thence 
Runing  North  one  degree  West  on  the  Town  Ship  of  Merrimack  & 
Bedford  Six  Miles  thence  running  West  on  Bedford  and  a Tract 
of  Land  called  New  Boston  Six  Miles  then  South  about  five  miles 
& an  half  to  Sowhegon  River  aforesaid  than  by  Said  river  to  the 
Place  where  it  began  be  and  hereby  are  Declared  & ordaind  to 
be  a Town  Corporate  and  are  hereby  Erected  & Incorporated 
into  a Body  Politick  & Corporate  to  have  Continuence  until  the 
first  of  January  1762  by  the  Name  of  Amherst  with  all  the  Powers 
and  Authoritys  Previledges  Immunity  & Franchises  which  any 
Other  Towns  in  Said  Province  by  Law  hold  & Injoy  to  the  Said 
Inhabitants  or  who  Shall  hereafter  Inhabit  there  & their  Succes- 
sors for  Said  Term  Allways  reserving  to  us  Our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors All  white  Pine  Trees  that  are  or  Shall  be  found  growing  & 


4i  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


being  on  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  Use  of  Our  Royal 
Navy  Reserving  also  to  us  Our  heirs  & Successors  the  Power  & 
right  of  Dividing  the  Said  Town  when  it  Shall  Appear  Necessary 
& Convenient  for  the  Inhabitants  thereof  Provided  Nevertheless 
and  it  is  hereby  declared  that  this  Charter  & Grant  is  not  Intended 
and  Shall  not  in  any  Manner  be  Construed  to  Extend  to  or  affect 
the  Private  Property  of  the  Soil  within  the  Limits  aforesaid  And  as 
the  Several  Towns  within  Our  Said  Province  Are  by  the  Laws 
thereof  Enabled  & Authorized  to  Assemble  and  by  the  Majority 
of  Voters  Present  to  Chuse  all  such  Officers  Trans  Act  Such  Affairs 
as  in  the  Said  Laws  Are  Declared  We  do  by  these  Presents 
Nominate  & Appoint  Leiu*  Coll11  John  Goffe  to  call  the  first 
Meeting  of  said  Inhabitants  to  be  held  within  the  said  Town  at 
Any  Time  within  Forty  Days  from  the  Date  hereof  giving  Legal 
Notice  of  the  Time  & Design  of  holding  such  Meeting  after  which 
the  Annual  Meeting  in  Said  Town  Shall  be  held  for  the  Choice  of 
Said  officers  & the  Purposes  aforesaid  on  the  Second  Monday 
in  March  Annually  In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the 
Seal  of  our  said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed 

Wittness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’ander 
in  Chieff  of  Our  Said  Province  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  January  in  the 
thirty  third  Year  of  Our  Reign  & in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ 
One  thousand  Seven  hundred  & Sixty 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Command 
with  Advice  of  ye  Council  / 

Theodore  Atkinson  Ser* 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  the  19th  of  January  1760 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec*7 

This  Plan  describes  a Tract  of  Land  called  Sowhegon  West  or 
N°  (3)  and  is  Bounded  (Viz)  begining  at  Sowhegon  River  & 
thence  Runing  North  one  Degree  West  on  Merrimack  & Bed- 
ford Six  Miles  then  Runing  West  on  Bedford  & New  Boston  Six 
Miles  then  South  about  five  Miles  and  & half  to  Sowhegon  River 
afore  Said  then  by  Said  River  to  the  Place  where  we  began 


AMHERST. 


4*7 


■UOJSOQsny/  — S?7*27/  *?S  -7S7/M  7 ,'J0/p*£f 


Taken  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Amherst  & 
Recorded  here  this  19th  Day  of  Jan1?  1760 — 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


p s 


Amherst  Chat1 
Prolonged 
See  the  original 
Charter  Record- 
ed in  Page  (212) 


[Amherst  Incorporation  Renewed,  1762.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampr  *1-244 

^ George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
/ Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
\ &c 

Whereas  our  Late  Royal  Grand  Father  King 
George  the  Second  of  Glorious  Memory  of  his 
Special  Grace  & upon  the  Petition  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  A Tract  of  Land  in  our  Sd  Province  of 
New  Hampr  heretofore  known  by  the  Name 
of  Sowhegon  West  and  for  the  Maintaining 


26 


418 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


good  order  & Encouraging  the  Culture  of  the  Land  there  by  his 
Letters  Patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province 
Dated  the  18th  Day  of  Janry  in  the  33d  Year  of  his  Reign  did  Erect 
& Incorporate  into  A Body  Politick  & Corporate  by  the  Name  of 
Amherst  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  or  those  that 
Should  thereon  Inhabit  thereafter  which  Tract  is  butted  & 
bounded  as  in  the  said  Patent  or  Charter  is  Expressed  and  was  to 
have  Continuence  til  the  first  Day  of  Jan^  1762  which  Time  being 
elapsed  and  the  Inhabitants  having  again  Petitioned  to  have  the 
Said  Charter  Previledges  renewd  and  it  Appearing  Necessary  to 
answer  the  good  End  Proposed  as  well  as  to  Enable  the  Inhab- 
itants aforesaid  to  Assess  and  Collect  their  Rates  & Taxes 

Know  Ye  that  We  being  Willing  to  Promote  the  good  End  pro- 
posed have  of  our  Father  Grace  & Favour  By  & with  the  advice  of 
our  Trusty  & wellbeloved  Benning  Wentworth  our  Governor  & 
Com’ander  in  Chieffe  & of  our  Council  for  said  Province  Revived 
& Regranted  unto  the  said  Inhabitants  and  their  Successors  on  the 
sd  Tract  of  Land  all  the  Powers  & Authority s Previledges  Immuni- 
ties & Franchises  in  the  Said  Charter  Mentioned  as  they  Enjoyd 
the  Same  while  that  Charter  was  in  force  And  to  have  Continu- 
ence until  We  Shall  Please  to  Approve  or  Disalow  the  Same  & 
Signify  Such  our  Approbation  or  Disalowence 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  the  Province 
aforesaid  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq 
our  Governour  & Commander  in  Chieff  this  7th  day  of  Jan1^  in  the 
2d  Year  of  Our  Reign  Annoq  Domini  1762^- 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec*7 

Province  of  New  Hampr  January  8th  1762 
Recorded  from  the  original  under  the  Province  Seal 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


ASHLAND. 

[Set  off  from  Holderness  and  incorporated,  July  1,  1868.  Named  from  Henry 
Clay's  home. 

See  papers  under  title  Holderness ; Index  to  Laws,  25  ; sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer 
of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  123  ; Central  New  Hampshire,  by  G.  F.  Bacon,  1890, 
p.  50;  Asquam  Lake  and  its  Environs,  10,  Granite  Monthly,  68.] 


BARNSTEAD. 


4T9 


ATKINSON. 

[This  town  was  a part  of  a tract  of  land  purchased  from  the  Indians  by  inhabi- 
tants of  Haverhill,  Mass.,  Nov.  15,  1642.  Set  off  from  Plaistow  and  incorporated 
by  its  present  name,  Sept.  3,  1767.  Named  in  honor  of  Theodore  Atkinson. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  26;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  120;  Index  to 
Laws,  27;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  1 1 7 ; History, 
by  William  Cogswell,  6,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  56;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  16;  note  on  Plaistow  post ; discourse,  centennial  of 
Congregational  Church,  by  C.  F.  Morse,  1875  ; Atkinson  Academy,  by  W.  C. 
Todd,  26,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  122,  332;  Biographical  Notices  of  Physi- 
cians, 1,  N.  H.  Repository,  134.] 


AUBURN. 

[This  town  was  a part  of  Chester  known  as  Long  Meadow.  Set  off  from  Ches- 
ter and  incorporated,  June  23,  1845. 

See  papers  under  title  Chester ; Index  to  Laws,  29  ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  126;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  18; 
History  of  Chester  by  Benjamin  Chase,  1869,  p.  186;  Acts  of  the  Anti-Slavery 
Apostles,  by  Parker  Pillsbury,  1883,  p.  182.] 


BARNSTEAD. 

[Granted  by  Lt.  Gov.  John  Wentworth,  to  Rev.  Joseph  Adams,  of  Newington, 
and  others,  May  20,  1727. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  136; 
Index  to  Laws,  45;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Belknap  County,  1885,  p.  71 1; 
Reunion,  1,  Granite  Monthly,  303;  id .,  ed.  by  H.  N.  Colbath,  1884,  pp.  132; 
History,  by  J.  P.  Jewett,  1872,  pp.  264;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists, 
1862,  pp.  252,  375  ; Lawrence's  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  481.] 


[Barnstead  Charter,  1727.] 

*George  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  great  Britain  France  *1-230 
Barnstead  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come 
Greeting 

Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  Special  Knowledge  &Mere 
Motion  for  the  due  Encouragment  of  Settling  A New 
Plantation  by  & with  the  advice  & Consent  of  our  Council 
Have  given  & granted  & by  these  Presents  as  far  as  in  us 


420 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Lyes  do  give  & grant  in  Equal  Shares  unto  Sundry  of  our  beloved 
Subjects  whose  names  Are  entred  in  A Schedule  here  unto  An- 
nexed that  inhabit  or  Shall  Inhabit  within  the  Said  grant  within 
our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  all  that  Tract  of  Land  within  the 
following  Bounds  (Viz)  to  begin  on  the  Head  of  the  Town  of  Bar- 
rington on  the  South  West  Side  of  the  Town  ofCoulraine  and  run- 
ing  by  the  Said  Town  of  Coulraine  Eight  Miles  & from  the  Said 
Town  of  Coulraine  to  Run  on  the  Head  of  Barrington  Line  South 
West  forty’  Two  Degrees  Six  Miles  & then  North  West  Eight 
Miles  then  on  A Straight  Line  to  the  head  of  the  first  Eight  Miles 
and  that  the  Same  be  a Town  Corporate  by  the  Name  of  Barn- 
stead  to  the  Persons  aforesaid  for  ever  To  Have  & to  hold  the 
Said  Land  to  the  Grantees  & their  heirs  and  assignes  for  ever  & 
to  Such  associates  as  they  Shall  admit  upon  the  following  Conditions 

That  every  Proprietor  build  a Dwelling  House  within  three  Years 
& Settle  a Family  therein  and  brake  up  three  acres  of  Ground  & 
Plant  & Sow  the  Same  within  three  Years  & Pay  his  Proportion  of 
the  Town  Charges  when  & so  often  as  occasion  shall  require  the 
same — 

2dly  That  A Meeting  House  be  built  for  the  Publick  Worship  of 
God  within  the  Term  of  four  Years — 

3dlj  That  upon  default  of  any  Perticular  Proprietor  in  Complying 
with  the  Conditions  of  this  Charter  upon  his  Part  Such  dilinquent 
Proprietor  Shall  forfeit  his  Share  to  the  Other  Proprietors  which 
Shall  be  disposed  of  according  to  the  Major  Vote  of  the  sd  Com- 
oners  at  a legal  meeting 

4,y  That  a Proprietors  Share  be  reserved  for  a Parsonage  & an 
Other  for  the  first  Minister  of  the  Gospel  that  is  there  Settled  & 
ordaind  & another  Proprietors  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  A School 
in  the  Town 

Provid  Nevertheless  that  the  Peace  with  the  Indians  continues 
for  the  Space  of  Three  Years  But  if  it  Should  happen  that  a War 
with  the  Indians  should  Comence  before  the  Expiration  of  the 
aforesaid  Term  of  three  Years  then  the  Said  Term  of  three  Years 
shall  be  Allowed  to  the  Proprietors  after  the  Expiration  of 
*1—231  the  War  for  the  Performance  of  the  *aforesd  Conditions 
Rendring  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & 
Successors  or  Such  officers  or  officer  as  Shall  be  appointed 
to  recieve  the  Same  the  Annual  Quit  Rent  or  Acknowledge- 
ment of  one  Pound  of  Hemp  in  the  Said  Town  on  the  20th  Day  ot 
December  Yearly  for  ever  (if  Demanded)  resenting  also  unto  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  all  Mast  Trees  growing  on  the  Said  Tract 


BARNSTEAD. 


421 


of  Land  according  to  the  Acts  of  Parliament  in  that  Case  made  & 
Provided  & for  the  better  order  rule  & Government  of  the  Said 
Town  We  do  by  these  Presents  for  ourselves  Our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors grant  unto  the  Said  men  & Inhabitants  or  those  that  Shall  In- 
habit the  Said  Town  that  Yearly  & every  year  upon  the  last  Tuesday 
in  the  Month  of  March  forever  Shall  Meet  to  Elect  & Choose  by  the 
Major  Part  of  them  Present  Constables  Select  Men  & other  Town 
officers  according  to  the  Laws  & usages  of  our  aforesd  Province 
and  for  the  Calling  & Notifying  the  first  Town  Meeting  we  do 
here  by  Appoint  John  Downing  Junr  John  Fabins  & John  Knight 
to  be  the  first  Select  Men  & they  to  Continue  in  Said  Respective 
office  as  Select  Men  until  the  last  Tuesday  in  the  Month  of  March 
which  Shall  be  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  1728  & until  other  Select 
men  Shall  be  Chosen  & Appointed  in  their  Stead  in  Such  Manner 
as  in  these  Presents  expressed  In  Wittness  whereof  We  have 
caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be 
hereunto  affixed  Wittness  John  Wentworth  Esq  Our  Lieutenant 
Governour  & Comander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  Said  Province  at 
our  Town  of  Portsmouth  in  our  sd  Province  of  New  Hampr  the 
Twenty eth  Day  of  May  in  the  Thirteenth  Year  of  our  reign  annoq 
Domini  1727 — 

J Wentworth 

By  order  of  his  Honr  the  Lieu1 
Govern1-  with  Advice  of  Council 

Richd  Waldron  Clk  Con 


Recorded  According  to  the  original  under  the  Province  Seal  this 
28th  Day  of  March  1761 — 


Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


A Schedule  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Barnstead 


The  Revd  Jos  Addams 
John  Walker 
Tho8  Pickring 
James  Nutter 
Joshua  Pickring 
Hatevil  Nutter 
Eleazr  Coleman 
George  Walton 
Joshua  Downing 
Joseph  Fabins 
Moses  Furbur 
John  Knight  junr 


John  Downing  junr 
Richd  Downing 
Sam11  Nutter 
John  Fabins  junr 
John  Knight 
Henry  Nutter 
Joseph  Downing 
Samuel  Walton 
George  Walton  junr 
William  Furbur 
Benja  Downing 
Tho8  Trickey 


James  Pickring 
John  Nutter 
John  Fabins 
Mathias  Nutter 
Hateevil  Nutter  junr 
John  Trickey 
Lemuel  Bickford 
Jona  Downing 
John  Hodgdon 
Sam11  Fabins 
John  Decker 
Cyprean  Jeffry 


422 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


John  Walton 
Tho 

*1-232  *John  Thompson 
Harrison  Downing 


Seth  Ring 
Josiah  Downing 
Hunking  Wentworth 
Benjamin  Wentworth 
Richd  Wibird  junr 
Jeremiah  Miller 
Matt  Plant 
John  Dam  junr 
Elnathan  Dam 
Hatevil  Nutter 


Andrew  Peters  Jethr' 
Bickford  Sam11  Thompson 

Benja  Walton 
John  Walingsford 


Thomas  Leighton 
Shadrach  Walton 
Jn°  Wentworth  junr 
James  Jeffry  junr 
Richd  Waldron  junr 
Frances  Jennes 
Robert  Auchmuty 
Zebulon  Dam 
Jethro  Bickford 
John  Rindge 


Furbur  NDton 
Clem*  Meserve 
Moses  Dam 
Henry  Allard 


Thos  Ayers  son  of  Tom  John  Brock 


Sam11  Hunt 
Sam11  Shackford 
John  Plaisted 
Andrew  Wiggin 
Cap*  John  Gillman 
Mr  Ephra  Dennet 
Ebenezr  Stevens 
Nath11  Showers 


John  Hunt 
John  Shackford 
James  Davis 
Cap*  John  Downing 
Paul  Gerrish 
Theodore  Atkinson 
Richd  Jennes 
Gill : Macpheadris 


Joseph  Rollings 
Benning  Wentworth 
David  Wentworth 
George  Jaffrey  junr 
Ebenezr  Weare 
Sampson  Sheaffe 
John  Dam 
Richd  Dam 
Mark  Ayers 
Nathu  Morrel 
John  Downing  junr 
Tim0  Gerrish  junr 
Peter  Weare  Esq 
Jn°  Gillman  Esq 
Wm  Fellows 
Sam11  Tibbets 
John  Sanburn 
James  Jeffry 
Benja  Clark 


Hpnour  Samuel  Shute 
500  Acres  & A Home 


Ebenez1  Wentworth 

Admitted  Associates  his  Excellency  & 

Esq  John  Wentworth  Esq  Each  of  them 
Lott. 

Coll  Mark  Hunking  Thos  Westbrook 

Shadrach  Walton  Archibald  Macpheadris 

George  Jaffrey  Jn°  Frost 

Richd  Wibird  Jotham  Odiorne 

Each  A Proprietors  Share 


Entred  & Recorded  from  the  original  Schedule  of  the  Proprie- 
tors of  the  Township  of  Barnstead  as  the  Same  was  Certified  by 
Richd  Waldron  Cer — Con — this  28th  March  1761 — 

Attest"  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


BARRINGTON. 


423 


BARRINGTON. 

[Granted  by  Gov.  Samuel  Shute,  May  io,  1722,  to  the  proprietors  of  the  Iron 
Works  on  Lamprey  River,  John  Wentworth,  George  Jaffrey,  Archibald  McPheadris, 
and  Robert  Wilson.  Strafford  was  set  off,  and  incorporated  June  17,  1820. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  41  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  136;  Index  to 
Laws,  46;  sketch,  by  C.  F.  Buzzell,  Hurd’s  History  of  Strafford  County,  1882, 
p.  607;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  375;  Lawrence's  N.  H. 
■Churches,  1856,  p.  315.] 


[Barrington  Charter,  1722.] 

*George  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  *1-205 
Barrington  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith  &ca 
Charter  To  All  People  to  Whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Come  greeting  Know  Ye  that  We  of  Our  Especial  Knowledge 
& Mere  Motion  for  the  Due  Encouragement  of  Settling  a New 
Plantation  by  & with  the  Advice  & Consent  of  our  Council  have 
given  & Granted  and  by  these  Presents  (as  far  as  in  us  lyes)  do 
give  & Grant  unto  all  Such  of  our  Loving  Subjects  as  are  at 
Present  Inhabitants  of  our  Town  of  Portsm0  within  our  Province 
of  New  Hampr  and  have  paid  Rates  in  the  Said  Town  for  four 
Years  Last  Past  to  be  Divided  amoung  them  in  Proportion  to  their 
Respective  town  Rates  which  they  paid  the  Year  last  Past  and  the 
record  of  which  is  to  be  found,  in  their  Town  book  and  is  agreeable 
to  their  Petition  preferrd  for  that  Purpose — All  That  Tract  of 
Land  containd  within  the  following  Bounds  (Viz)  to  begin  at  the 
End  of  Two  miles  upon  Aline  Run  upon  A Northwest  point  half  a 
Point  more  Northerly  from  Dover  head  line  at  the  End  of  four 
Miles  and  an  half  westward  from  Dover  North  East  Corner 
Bounds  & run  upon  the  aforesaid  Point  of  Norwest  half  A Point 
more  Northerly  Eleven  miles  into  the  Country  and  from  thence 
Six  miles  upon  a Streight  Line  to  Nottingham  Northerly  corner 
bounds  then  to  begin  Again  at  the  End  of  the  Two  miles  afore- 
said & to  run  upon  a Parallel  line  with  Dover  head  line  Six  miles 
to  Nottingham  Side  line  and  from  thence  Eleven  Miles  along  Not- 
tingham Side  Line  to  Nottingham  Northerly  Corner  bounds  And 
also  we  give  & Grant  in  Manner  as  aforesaid  all  that  Tract  of 
Land  lying  between  Dover  head  line  & the  afore  granted  Tract  of 
Land  it  being  in  Breadth  six  miles  upon  Dover  head  Line  afore- 
said and  two  miles  in  Depth  from  Said  Dover  head  line  to  the  afore 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


424 

granted  Tract  of  Land  To  our  Loving  Subjects  the  Present  Pro- 
prietors of  the  Iron  works  lately  set  up  at  Lamprey  River  (Viz) 
The  Honble  John  Wentworth  Esq  George  Jaffrey  Esq  & Archibald 
Macpheadrize  Esqs  & Mr  Robert  Willson  for  their  Encourage- 
ment & Accommodation  to  Carry  on  & maintain  the  aforesaid  Iron 
works  the  aforesaid  Two  Tracts  of  Land  to  be  A Town  Corporate 
by  the  Name  of  Barrington  to  the  Persons  aforesaid  for  ever — 
To  have  & to  hold  the  said  Two  Tracts  of  Land  to  the  Grantees 
& their  heirs  & assigns  for  ever  upon  the  following  Conditions — 

Ist  That  they  build  fifty  Dwelling  Houses  & Settle  A 
*1-206  family*  In  each  within  Seven  years  and  break  up  three 
Acres  of  Ground  for  each  Settlement  and  Plant  or  Sow 
the  Same  within  Seven  years — 

2dly  That  A Meeting  House  be  built  for  the  Publick  Worship 
of  God  within  the  Term  of  Seven  Years 

3dly  That  two  hundred  Acres  of  Land  be  reserved  for  a Parson- 
age two  hundred  Acres  for  the  first  Minister  of  the  Gospel  & one 
hundred  Acres  for  the  Benefit  of  a School — 

Provided  Nevertheless  that  the  Peace  with  the  Indians  Continue 
duering  the  aforesaid  Term  of  Seven  years  But  if  it  Should  so 
happen  that  A War  with  the  Indians  Should  Com’ence  before  the 
Expiration  of  the  Term  of  Seven  Years  aforesaid  there  Shall  be 
Allowed  to  the  aforesaid  Proprietors  the  Term  of  Seven  years 
after  the  Expiration  of  the  War  for  the  Performance  of  the  afore- 
said Conditions  , 

Rendring  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  or  Such 
Other  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to  Recieve  the 
Same  the  Annual  Quit  Rent  or  Acknowledgment  of  one  Pound  of 
Good  Merchantable  hemp  in  the  said  Town  on  the  first  Day  of 
December  Yearly  forever  if  Demanded  Reserving  also  unto  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  all  Mast  trees  growing  on  the  Said  Land 
According  to  the  Acts  of  Parliament  in  that  case  Provided  And 
for  the  better  order  rule  & Government  of  the  Said  Town  we  do 
by  these  Presents  Grant  for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  unto  the 
Said  men  & Inhabitants  or  those  that  Shall  Inhabit  the  Said  Town 
that  yearly  & Every  year  upon  the  Last  Wednesday  in  March 
they  Shall  meet  to  Ellect  & Chuse  by  the  Major  Part  of  them 
Constables  Selectmen  and  All  Other  Town  Officers  According  to 
the  Laws  & usage  of  our  aforesaid  Province  for  the  year  Ensueing 
with  Such  Powers  Previledges  & Authority s as  other  Town  Offi- 
cers within  our  aforesaid  Province  have  & Enjoy  In  Testimony 
whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Province  to  be  here- 


BARRINGTON. 


425 


unto  Annexed  Wittness  Samuel  Shute  Esq  our  Governour  & 
Commander  in  Chieff  of  our  Said  Province  at  our  Town  of 
Portsm0  the  Tenth  Day  of  May  in  the  Eighth  year  of  our  reign 
Annoq  Domini  1722 — 

Samuel  Shute 

By  his  Excellencys  Command 
with  Advice  of  the  Council 
Richard  Waldron  Clerk — Con — 

\ PROVe  / 

/ Seal  v 

*A  True  Copy  of  Barrington  Charter  Compared  with  *1-207 
the  Original 

Richd  Waldron  Cler  Con 

Entred  & Recorded  According  to  An  Attested  Copy  which 
haveing  been  Exhibited  by  Capt  Wm  Cate  of  Barrington  & Laid 
before  the  Governour  & Council  & it  Appearing  to  them  to  be  A 
genuine  Copy  & On  a suggestion  that  the  original  was  burn  in 
the  Sec178  office  twas  ordred  that  the  Same  be  here  recorded  in 
obedience  to  which  tis  here  recorded  the  10  Janry  1756 

Attestar  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[Bounds  of  Barrington,  1725.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  67.] 

Prov  : of  ) At  a Publick  Meeting  of  the  Propriators  of  the 
New  Hampr  $ Town  of  Barrington  held  the  6th  Day  of  Decem- 
ber 1725. — 

We  whose  names  are  under  written  being  appointed  a Com- 
mitte  to  Run  Out  the  Bounds  of  the  Town  of  Barrington 
According  to  the  Charter  make  Return  of  our  Doings  herein  as 
followeth — 

We  began  at  a Red  Oak  Tree  Next  Exeter  Bounds  at  the  head 
of  Dover  Township  and  Run  North  42.  Degrees  East  on  Dover 
head  Line  Four  miles  & a Quarter  to  a Pitch  Pine  Tree  Marked 
on  the  South  Side  with  the  Letter  N.  for  Nottingham  and  on  the 
North  Side  with  the  Letter  B.  for  Barrington  with  the  Date  of  the 
Year  1725,  upon  the  Same  Course  upon  Dover  head  Line  Six 


426 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Miles  & a Quarter  more  until  we  came  to  Rochester  Side  Bounds 
where  we  marked  a Pitch  Pine  Tree  B.  for  Barrington  on  the 
South  Side  and  R for  Rochester  on  the  North  Side  which  Six 
Miles  & a Quarter  is  the  Breadth  of  Barrington  and  from  the 
Said  Pitch  Pine  Tree  N°  W.  half  a Point  more  Northerly  Thirteen 
Miles  to  a Hemlock  Marked  B.  for  Barrington  on  the  South  Side 
and  R.  for  Rochester  on  the  North  Side  and  from  Said  Hemlock 
S.  42.  Degrees  West  Six  Miles  & a Quarter  to  a Red  Oak  marked 
B.  for  Barrington  on  the  North  Side  and  N.  for  Nottingham  on 
the  South  Side  and  from  Said  Red  oak  S E.  half  a Point  South- 
erly Thirteen  Miles  to  the  Bound  Tree  between  Barrington  and 
Nottingham  on  Dover  head  Line — 

Tobias  Langdon 
John  Cutt 

A True  Copy  Taken  Out  of  Barrington  Town  Book 

attr  H Wentworth  Prop18  Cler 


BARTLETT. 

[Made  up  of  grants  to  Lieut.  Andrew  McMillan,  Capt.  William  Stark,  Lieut. 
Vere  Royce,  Adjt.  Philip  Bailey,  and  Maj.  James  Gray.  Incorporated  June  16, 
1790,  and  named  in  honor  of  Josiah  Bartlett,  then  President  of  the  state.  A tract 
of  land  belonging  to  the  state,  situated  in  Jackson,  was  annexed  June  19,  1806. 
Another  small  tract  was  annexed  from  Jackson,  June  22,  1819.  Land  owned  by 
Nathaniel  Carlton  was  severed  from  Bartlett  and  annexed-'to  Jackson,  July  3,  1822. 
A large  tract  of  land  on  the  west  and  south  was  annexed  July  1,  1823.  Land 
belonging  to  Jonathan  Mclntire  was  annexed  June  18,  1836.  The  farms  of 
Nathaniel  Tufts  and  Stephen  Carlton,  2d,  were  severed  from  Bartlett  and  annexed 
to  Jackson,  July  3,  1839.  A tract  of  land  was  taken  from  Chatham  and  annexed 
to  Bartlett,  June  30,  1869,  and  another  from  Hart’s  Location,  July  2,  1878.  Bart- 
lett was  annexed  to  Carroll  County,  from  Cods,  Jan.  5,  1853. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  159  ; Index  to  Laws,  47  ; sketch,  Fergusson’s 
History  of  Carroll  County,  1889,  p.  909;  In  the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains, 
by  Samuel  Adams  Drake,  1882,  p.  55;  Willey’s  History  of  the  White  Mountains, 
1870,  p.  147;  Account  of  First  Settlement,  Crawford’s  History  of  the  White 
Mountains,  1883,  p.  184;  Early  Pioneers,  by  E.  A.  Philbrick,  5,  Granite 
Monthly,  124;  The  White  Hills,  by  T.  Starr  King,  1859,  P*  1 37 ; The  Moat 
Path,  by  J.  Worcester,  1,  Appalachia,  267;  Mt.  Silver  Spring  and  Tremont,  by 
J.  R.  Edmands,  2,  id .,  282;  The  Mountains  between  Saco  and  Swift  Rivers,  by 
J.  R.  Edmands,  3,  id .,  57;  An  Ascent  of  Mts.  Langdon  and  Parker,  by  A.  Mat- 
thews, 3,  id.,  282;  Bear  Mountain,  by  J.  R.  Edmands,  3,  id.,  69;  Humphrey’s 
Ledge  and  Its  View,  by  J.  Worcester,  4,  id.,  130,  and  5,  id.,  30,  215  ; Mountains 
near  New  Zealand  Notch,  by  E.  B.  Cook,  5,  id.,  194;  Stewart’s  History  of  the 
Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  302;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  600;  The 
White  Mountains,  A Guide  to  Their  Interpretation,  by  J.  H.  Ward,  1890,  p.  26.] 


BARTLETT. 


427 


[Grant  to  Philip  Bailey,  1770.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of 
New  Hampshire  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire-  — 375 

land  King  defender  of  the  Faith  &ca. 

( Adjfc  Philip  Bailey’s  > To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall 
l Grant.  ) come  Greeting  — 

Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  Starnes’s 
the  seventh  day  of  October  in  the  3d  Year  of  our  Reign,  Annoque 
Domini  1763,  (among  other  Things  to  testify  our  Royal  sense  & 
approbation  of  the  conduct  and  bravery  of  the  Officers  and 
Soldiers  of  our  Armies,  and  signified  our  desire  to  reward  the 
same,  and  have  therein  commanded  & Impowered  our  several  Gov- 
ernors of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America  to 
Grant  without  Fee  or  Reward  to  such  reduced  officers  as 
have  served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War,  and  to  such 
Private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there,  and 
shall  personally  apply  for  the  same  such  quantities  of  Land 
respectively  as  in  and  by  our  aforesd  Proclamation  are  particularly 
mentioned ; subject  nevertheless  to  the  same  Quit  Rents  & Condi- 
tions of  cultivation  & Improvement  as  other  our  Lands  are 
subject  to*  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are  granted.  *1-376 
And  Whereas  Philip  Bailey  of  Portsmouth  in  our  said 
Province  Gentleman,  had  our  appointment  as  Adjutant  of  our  72d 
Regiment,  employed  in  our  Service  at  the  Reduction  of  Louis- 
bourg  and  Seige  of  Quebec ; & served  in  that  Capacity  during  the 
late  War  in  North  America,  and  is  now  reduced,  & he  having 
Personally  applied  and  sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreeable  to  our 
aforesaid  Proclamation — 

Know  Ye  That  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  motion,  do  signify  our  approbation  as  aforesaid,  and  for 
encouraging  the  settlement  and  cultivation  of  our  Lands  within 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  Have  (by 
and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well-beloved  John  Went- 
worth Esquire  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampsr  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same, 
agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  proclamation,  and  upon 
the  Conditions  & reservations  hereafter  mentioned)  Given  and 
granted,  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  do 
give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Philip  Bailey  and  to  his  heirs  and 
Assigns  forever  a certain  tract  or  parcel  of  Land,  situate  lying  and 
being  within  our  said  Province,  containing  by  admeasurement 


428 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Two  thousand  Acres,  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract 
exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  (a 
Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annex’d)  may  more  fully  appear : but- 
ted & bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Beginning  at  the  crotch  between  the 
main  branch  of  Saco  River  & middle  branch  commonly  called 
Ellis’s  River  & running  North  Seventy  Eight  degrees  West  Four 
hundred  & sixteen  Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree  spotted  & marked  V. 
R.  & P.  B.  from  thence  North  Ten  deg3  East  Five  hundred  & 
thirty  Two  Rods  to  a Beech  tree  from  thence  South  Seventy  Eight 
deg3  East  Four  hundred  & Sixteen  rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  from 
thence  South  ten  deg3  West  five  hundred  & thirty  Two  Rods  to  the 
bounds  first  began  at,  which  Premises  above  described  contain  Thir- 
teen hundred  & Eighty  Acres,  and  also  another  Tract,  Begin- 
ning at  a beech  Tree  South  Ten  deg8  West  Twenty  four  Rods 
from  the  South  west  corner  of  the  abovesaid  Tract,  & running 
said  course  of  South  ten  deg3  West  two  hundred  & seventy  six 
Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree,  thence  West  Four  hundred  & thirty  four 
Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  North  ten  deg3  East  One  hundred 
& Eighty  eight  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  North  seventy  five 
deg3  East  Four  hundd  & seventy  two  Rods  to  the  beech  Tree  first 
mentioned:  & Contains  Six  hundred  & twenty  Acres.  To  have 
and  to  hold  the  said  Land  as  above  express’d  to  him  the  said 
Philip  & to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  upon  the  following 
Terms,  Conditions  & Reservations  Viz1 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut,  clear  & make 
*I-377  Passable  for  carriages  &c.  *a  Road  of  Three  Rods  wide 
through  the  said  Tract  as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter 
directed  or  Order’d  by  the  Governor  & Council  aforesd  which 
Road  is  to  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  such  Order 
or  direction  of  the  Govr  & Council  aforesaid  on  Penalty  of  the  for- 
feiture of  this  Grant  & of  it’s  reverting  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors. 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
setled  Ten  Families  in  Four  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant; 
in  failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  heirs  & succes- 
sors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. — 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be  cut 
or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  in 
the  said  Tract  of  Land  his  heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and 


BARTLETT.  429 

Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by 
any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth  Yielding  & paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors on  or  before  the  Ninth  day  of  August  1779,  the  rent  of  one 
ear  of  Indian  corn  only,  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  heirs  and  Assigns  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  heirs  & successors  yearly  & every  Year  for  ever 
from  & after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  abovesaid  Ninth 
day  of  August,  namely  on  the  Ninth  day  of  August  which  will 
be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1780,  One  Shilling  Proclamation 
money  for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns,  Settles  or  Possesses 
and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land 
aforesaid  ; which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Propri- 
etor or  Setler  as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0 
or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive 
the  same,  and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  rents  & Services. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esquire  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  chief  the  9th  day 
of  August  in  the  10th  year  of  our  Reign,  Annoque  Domini  1770. — 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  $ 

[No  signature] 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  under  the  Province  seal  this 
9th  Augst  A.  D.  1770. 


Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


430 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  ) 

Hampshire  £ Portsmouth  6.  of  Aug3*  1770  — 

These  Certify  that  the  Plan  beginning  at  the  crotch  between  the 
main  Branch  of  Saco  River  & Middle  Branch  commonly  called 
Ellis’s  River  & running  N.  78  deg3  W.  416  rods  to  a hemloc  Tree 
spotted  & marked  V.  R.  & P.  B.  from  thence  N.  io°  E.  532  Rods 
to  a Beech  Tree,  from  thence  S.  78°  E.  416  Rods  to  a beech  Tree, 
from  thence  S.  io°  W.  532  Rods  to  the  bounds  first  began  at — 
contains  1380  Acres  of  Land  and  that  the  Plan  beginning  at  a 
beech  Tree  S.  10  deg3  W.  24  Rods  from  the  S.  W.  corner  of  the 
abovesaid  Tract,  & running  said  course  of  &.  io°  W.  276  rods  to  a. 


BARTLETT. 


431 


hemloc  Tree,  thence  West  434  Rods  to  a Beech  thence  N.  io°  E. 
188  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  N.  750  E.  472  Rods  to  the  beech 
Tree  first  mention’d  — contains  620  Acres  of  Land,  & are  true 
Copies  of  the  Original  Plans  or  Surveys  of  said  Tracts  as  taken  & 
returned  to  me  by  Mr  Vere  Royse  Dy  Survr 

attestd  ^ Is  : Rindge  Sr  Gen1 


[Grant  to  Robert  Furniss,  1775.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  third  by  the  grace  of  *4-244 
New  Hampshire  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 
To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  greeting 
Whereas  We  have  thought  fit  by  Our  Proclama- 
tion at  Starnes’s  the  seventh  day  of  October  in  the 
third  Year  of  Our  reign  Annoque  Domini  1763 
among  other  things  to  testify  Our  royal  Sence  & ap- 
probation of  the  conduct  & bravery  of  the  Officers  and 
Soldiers  of  Our  Armies  & signified  Our  desire  to  re- 
ward the  same  and  have  therein  commanded  and  impowered  Our 
several  Governors  of  Our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of 
America  to  grant  without  Fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  Officers 
as  have  served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such 
private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there  & shall 
personally  apply  for  the  same  such  Quantities  of  Land 
respectively  as  in  & *by  our  aforesaid  Proclamation  are  *4-245 
particularly  mention’d  subjects  nevertheless  to  the  same 
Quitrents  & Conditions  of  cultivation  & improvement  as  other  Our 
Lands  are  subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are  granted 
And  whereas  Robert  Furniss  of  Portsmouth  in  Our  County  of 
Rockingham  & Province  of  New'  Hampshire  had  Our  Appoint- 
ment and  served  as  a Mate  in  Our  Navy  in  America  during  the 
late  War  and  is  now  reduced  & he  having  made  personal  Applica- 
tion & sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreable  to  Our  said  Proclama- 
tion 

Know  ye  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
meer  Motion  do  signify  Our  Approbation  as  aforesaid  and  for  the 
encouragement  settlement  & cultivation  of  Our  Lands  within  Our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  have  and  by  & with  the  advice 
of  Our  trusty  & well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  Our  Gov- 


Robert 

Furniss’s 

Grant 


432 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ernor  and  Commander  in  chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire & of  Our  Council  of  the  same  agreable  to  Our  aforesaid  in 
part  recited  Proclamation  & upon  the  conditions  & reservations 
hereafter  mentioned  given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  Us 
Our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Robert 
Furniss  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  a certain  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  situate  lying  & being  in  Our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  aforesaid,  containing  by  admeasurement  Five  hundred 
& eighty  Acres  of  Land  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  ex- 
hibited by  Our  Surveyor  general  of  Lands  for  Our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  Our 
said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed  may  more  fully 
appear  butted  and  bounded  as  follows  viz*  Begining  at  the 
Northwesterly  bound  of  Conway  Township  and  runing  by  Major 
Gray’s  Location  N 6 ii  degrees  West  two  hundred 
*4-246  ^twenty  eight  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  marked  V R R F 
then  runing  S fifty  degrees  W one  hundred  forty  rods  to 
a Beech  tree  marked  as  above  then  runing  S fourteen  degrees  W 
two  hundred  ninety  seven  Rods  to  a birch  Tree  marked  as  above 
then  runing  N seventy  six  & one  half  degrees  E three  hundred 
eighty  three  rods  to  a Hemloc  Tree  standing  in  the  western 
boundary  Line  of  Conway  Township  and  lastly  runing  by  Conway 
Township  N two  and  one  quarter  degrees  E one  hundred  & 
seventy-nine  Rods  to  the  Bounds  first  began  at  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  said  granted  Premises  as  above  expressed  to  him  the 
said  Robert  Furniss  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  upon  the  fol- 
lowing Terms  Conditions  & reservations  viz4 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  and  make  pass- 
able a Road  through  the  said  Tract  of  Land  four  rods  wide  for 
Carriages  &c  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or  ordered 
by  the  Governor  and  Council  aforesaid  which  Road  is  to  be  com- 
pleted in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  the  order  or  direction  aforesaid 
on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us 
Our  Heirs  & Successors 

Secondly  that  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  One  Family  in  six  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in  fail- 
ure whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  Us  Our  Heirs  and  Successors 
to  be  entered  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of  Our  Subjects  as  shall 
effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  pine  Trees  fit  for  masting 
our  royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  & none  to 
be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had 


BARTLETT. 


433 


& obtained  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  the  Grantee 
to  Us  Our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the 
Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts 
of  Parliament 

Fourthly  That  the  Grantee  yield  and  pay  therefor  to  Us  Our 
Heirs  and  Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary *1777  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  *4-247 
lawfully  demanded 

Fifthly  That  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  yield  & 
pay  unto  Us  Our  Heirs  & Successors  yearly  & every  Year  for- 
ever from  and  after  the  expiration  of  eight  Years  from  the  aforesaid 
first  day  of  January  1777  one  Shilling  proclamation  Money  for 
every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  less  quantity  of  the  Land  aforesaid  which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  or  Settler  as 
aforesaid  in  Our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer 
or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same 

Sixthly  That  any  part  of  the  Premises  appearing  well  adapted 
to  the  growth  of  Hemp  and  Flax  or  either  of  them  shall  be  cul- 
tivated with  those  useful  Articles  of  produce  in  the  proportion  of 
ten  Acres  in  each  & every  hundred  of  these  granted  Premises  with- 
in ten  Years  of  this  date 

Seventhly  That  this  Grant  shall  not  interfere  with  any  of  Our 
Grants  formerly  made  and  now  in  force  nor  interrupt  the  Grantees 
in  their  improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the  Conditions 
thereof — These  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other  rents  and  Services  what- 
soever 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  Our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  Our  aforesaid  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  the  twenty 
fifth  day  of  May  in  the  fifteenth  Year  of  Our  reign  Annoque 
Domini  1775 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Geo  : King  D : Secy 

Recorded  according  to  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  seventh  day  of  June  1775 

Attest1  Geo  : King  D Secy 

Protracted  by  a Scale  of  80  Rods  to  one  Inch 

27 


434 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


P 


Province  of  New  Hampre  Portsmouth  23d  May  1775. 

These  certify  that  this  Plan  of  a Tract  of  Land  begining  at  the 
north-westerly  Corner  Bound  of  Conway  Township  & runing  by 
Major  Gray’s  Location  Northwest  sixty  one  & One  Quarter  degrees 
two  hundred  twenty  eight  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  marked  V R R F 
next  runing  South  West  fifty  degrees  One  hundd  forty  Rods  to  a 
Beech  Tree  marked  as  above  next  runing  South  west  fourteen 
degrees  two  hundred  ninety  seven  Rods  to  a Birch  Tree  marked 
as  above  next  runing  North  East  seventy  six  one  half  degrees 
three  hundred  eighty  three  rods  to  a Hemloc  Tree  standing  in  the 
western  boundary  Line  of  Conway  Township  and  lastly  runing  by 


BARTLETT. 


435 


Conway  Township  North  East  two  and  one  quarter  degrees  One 
hundred  seventy  nine  rods  to  the  Bounds  first  began  at  contains 
five  hundred  and  eighty  Acres  of  Land  as  appears  by  the 
original  Survey  and  Plan  taken  and  returned  into  the 
^Surveyor  Generals  Office  by  Mr  Vere  Royse  Deputy  *4-249 
Surveyor 

Attest  Joseph  Peirce  pro  Surveyor  General 
Copy  examin’d  by  Geo  : King  D : Secy 


[Grant  to  James  Gray,  1772.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *4-80 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 
Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  De- 
fender of  the  Faith  &c. — 

( Major  Gray’s  > To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come, 
l Grant  > Greeting. 

Whereas  We  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  S*  James’s 
the  Seventh  day  of  October  in  the  Third  Year  of  our  Reign 
Annoque  Domini  1763,  among  other  Things  to  testify  our  Royal 
Sense  & approbation  of  the  Conduct  and  Bravery  of  the  Officers 
and  Soldiers  of  our  Armies,  and  signified  our  desire  to  reward  the 
same,  and  have  therein  Commanded  and  Impowered  our  Several 
Governor’s  of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  Amer- 
ica to  grant  without  fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  Officers  as 
have  served  in  North  America  during  the  last  War,  and  to  such 
private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there,  and 
shall  personally  apply  for  the  same,  such  quantities  of  Land 
respectively  as  in  and  by  our  aforesaid  proclamation  are 
particularly  mentioned,  subject  nevertheless  to  the  same  Quit 
Rents  and  Conditions  of  Cultivation  & Improvement  as  other 
our  Lands  are  subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are 
granted  And  whereas  James  Gray  of  Stockbridge  in  our 
County  of  Berkshire  and  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
had  our  Appointment  as  Major  Brigade  under  his  Excellency 
General  Amherst  during  the  last  War  in  North  America  and  is 
now  reduced,  and  he  having  made  Personal  Application  and 
Sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreeable  to  our  said  Proclamation. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion,  do  signify  our  Approbation  as  aforesaid,  and  for  the 


436 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Encouragement,  Settlement  and  Cultivation  of  our  Lands  within 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  in  New  England,  Have,  & 
by  and  with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  Well  beloved  John 
Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same, 
agreeable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  Proclamation,  and  upon 
the  Conditions  and  Reservations  hereafter  mentioned  given  & 
granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  do 
give  and  grant  unto  the  said  James  Gray  and  to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land,  situate  lying 
and  being  in  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid, 
*4-87  Containing  by  admeasurement  Three  Thousand  Eight* 
Hundred  and  Fifty  Six  Acres  of  Land  as  by  a Plan  or 
Survey  of  said  Tract  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands 
for  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  returned  into  the 
Secretary’s  Office  of  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  a Copy 
whereof  is  hereunto  annexed  may  more  fully  appear,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz4  Beginning  at  the  North  Westerly  Cor- 
ner of  Conway,  from  thence  running  North  Eight  Degrees  East 
Four  Hundred  and  Eighty  Rods  into  a Beaver  Pond,  thence 
North  Twenty  three  Degrees  West  Fifty  Nine  Rods  in  said 
Beaver  Pond,  thence  South  Ten  Degrees  West  Eighty  Six  Rods 
to  the  crotch  of  Ellis’s  and  Saco  Rivers,  thence  North  Seventy 
Eight  Degrees  West  Four  Hundred  and  Sixteen  Rods  to  an  Hem- 
lock Tree,  thence  North  Ten  Degrees  East  Five  hundred  & 
Thirty  two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  S'outh  Seventy  Eight 
degrees  East  Four  Hundred  & Sixteen  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree, 
thence  North  Forty  Six  and  an  half  degrees  East  Two  hundred  & 
four  Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree,  thence  North  Seventy  Degrees 
West  Five  hundred  and  Eight  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  South 
Thirty  Degrees  West  Two  Hundred  & Forty  Rods  to  a Hornbean 
Tree,  thence  North  Sixty  Degrees  West  Five  Hundred  Rods  to  a 
yellow  Birch  Tree,  thence  South  Two  and  a quarter  Degrees 
West  Nine  Hundred  and  Sixty  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  being  a 
corner  bound  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Philip  Bailey,  thence 
by  said  Bailey’s  Land  North  Seventy  Five  Degrees  East  Four 
Hundred  and  Seventy  two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  South 
Ten  Degrees  West  Two  hundred  & Seventy  Six  Rods  to  a hem- 
lock Tree,  thence  South  Sixty  one  Degrees  and  a quarter  East 
four  hundred  & Ninety  Rods  to  the  first  mentioned  bound  began 
at.  To  Have  and  to  Hold,  the  said  granted  Premises,  as  above 
expressed,  to  him  the  said  James  Gray,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for 
Ever  upon  the  following  Terms  Conditions  and  Reservations  Viz4 


BARTLETT. 


437 


First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  clear  and  make  passable  a 
Road  thro’  the  said  Tract  of  Land,  four  Rods  wide,  fit  for  Car- 
riages &c.  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or  order’d  by 
the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid,  which  Road  is  to  be  com- 
pleted in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  the  order  or  Direction  afore- 
said, on  penalty  of  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to 
us  our  Heirs  and  Successors. — 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  Set- 
tled Six  Families  in  Four  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  to  be  enter’d  upon  *and  regranted  to  such  of  *4-82 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  and  cultivate  the 
same. — 

Third  That  all  White  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  and  none  to 
be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  leave  & Licence  for  so  doing 
first  had  & obtained,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of 
the  Grantee  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  as  being  sub- 
ject to  the  penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as  well  as  future 
Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. — 

Fourth  That  the  Grantee  yield  and  pay  therefor  to  us  our 
Heirs  and  Sue  [cessors]  on  or  before  the  First  day  of  January 
1773,  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  Lawfully  de- 
manded. 

Fifth  That  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall  yield  and 
pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  Year  for 
Ever,  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  Nine  Years  from  the  afore- 
said First  day  of  January  1773  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money 
for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  possesses  and  so  in 
proportion  for  a greater  or  less  Quantity  of  the  Land  aforesaid, 
which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  or  Settler 
as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such 
Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  : And 
these  to  be  in  full  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  the  12th  day  of 
June  A.  D.  1772,  and  in  the  12th  Year  of  our  Reign. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  > 
with  advice  of  Council.  5 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary. 


43§ 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  18th  day  of  June  1772. 

Pr  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsm0 : 5th  May  1772. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  the  N.  Wly  Corner  of 
Conway,  from  thence  running  North  8°  E.  480  Rods  into  a 
Beaver  Pond,  thence  N.  230  W.  59  Rods  in  said  Beaver  Pond, 
thence  S.  io°  W.  86  Rods  to  the  crotch  of  Ellis’s  and  Saco 
Rivers,  thence  N.  78°  W.  416  Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree, 
*4-83  thence  N.  io°  E.  532  Rods  to  *a  Beech  Tree,  thence  S. 

78°  E.  416  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  N°  46^°  E.  204 
Rods  to  a hemlock  Tree,  thence  N.  70°  W.  508  Rods  to  a Beech 
Tree,  thence  S.  30°  W.  240  Rods  to  a horn  Beam  Tree,  thence  N. 
6o°  W.  500  Rods  to  a Yellow  Birch  Tree,  thence  thence  S.  2\°  W. 
960  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  being  the  corner  bound  of  a Tract  of 
Land  granted  to  Philip  Bailey,  thence  by  said  Bailey’s  Land  N. 
750  E.  472  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  thence  S.  io°  W.  276  Rods  to 
a Hemlock  Tree,  thence  S.  61  £°  E.  490  Rods  to  the  bound  began 


BARTLETT. 


439 


at.  Contains  3856  Acres  of  Land  and  is  a True  Copy  of  an 
Original  plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken  and  returned  to 
me  by  Vere  Royse  Survr 

Attest1  Is.  Rindge  Survr  General. 


[Grant  to  Andrew  McMillan,  1765.] 


'"Province  of  New  Hampshire  *1-284 

Lem4  McMillan 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defenderofthe  Faith 
&ca  To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come — 
Greeting 

Whereas  We  have  tho*  fit  by  our  Proclamation  given 
at  Sfc  Jamess  the  Seventh  Day  of  October  in  the  Third  Year  of  Our 
Reign  Annoq  Domini  1763  (amoung  Other  Things  to  Testify  our 
Royal  Sence  and  approbation  of  the  Conduct  & Bravery  of  the 
officers  & Soldiers  of  Our  Armies  and  Signify  our  Desire  to  reward 
the  Same  and  have  therein  Com’anded  & Impowered  our  Several 
Governours  of  Our  Respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of 
America  to  Grant  without  fee  or  Reward  to  Such  reduced  officers 
as  have  Served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such 
private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  Shall  be  disbanded  there  & Shall 
personally  Apply  for  the  Same  Such  Quantities  of  Land  respectiv- 
ly  as  in  & by  our  afore-Said  Proclamation  are  Perticularly  Men- 
tioned Subject  nevertheless  to  the  Same  Quit  Rents  and  Conditions 
of  Cultivation  & Improvement  as  other  our  Lands  are  subject  to  in 
the  Province  in  which  they  are  Granted  And  Whereas  Andrew 
McMillan  of  Bow  in  our  Province  afore  Said  Esq  had  our  appoint- 
ment as  Lieutenant  of  one  of  our  Independent  Companys  of  Rang- 
ers & Served  during  the  late  War  in  North  America  And  is  now 
Reduced  & he  having  Personaly  Appeard  agreable  to  our  afore 
Said  Proclamation  and  Solicited  Such  Grant  Know  Ye  that  We  of 
our  Especial  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  & mere  motion  do  Signify 
our  Approbation  as  afore  Said  and  for  the  Encouraging  the  Settle- 
ment & Cultivation  of  our  Land  within  Our  Province  of  New 
Hampr  in  New  England  Have  & with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  & 
well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Cap1  General  Govern- 
our  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  Said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  and  of  our  Council  for  Said  Province  (agreable  to  our 


440 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


afore  Said  in  Part  Recited  Proclamation  & upon  the  Conditions  & 
Reservations  herein  after  mentioned  Given  and  Granted  and  by 
these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  & Grant  un- 
to the  Said  Andrew  McMillan  & to  his  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  a 
Certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  Containing  Tow  Thousand 
Acres  Lying  & being  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
aforesaid  & butted  & bounded  as  follows  (Viz)  Begining  at  a Stake 
& Stones  on  the  North  Side  Line  of  Conway  and  is  the  South 
Easterly  Corner  Bounds  of  Land  this  Day  granted  to  Cap4  William 
Stark  & from  thence  South  Eighty  Two  Degrees  East  Three  Hun- 
dred & Thirty  four  Rods  to  an  other  Stake  & Stones  Standing  in 
Conway  Line  aforesaid  then  Turning  off  at  right  angles  & Run- 
ing  North  Eight  Degrees  East  Three  miles  to  a Stake  & Stones 
from  thence  turning  off  & Runing  North  Eighty  Two  Degrees 
West  Three  Hundred  & Thirty  four  Rods  to  a Stake  & 
*1-285  Stones  which  is  *the  North  Easterly  Corner  Bounds  of 
the  afore  Said  Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Cap*  Stark  then 
turning  of  at  right  Angles  & runs  by  Said  Starks  Land  South 
Eight  Degrees  West  three  Miles  to  the  Stake  & Stones  in  Conway 
Line  aforesaid  which  it  began  at  To  Have  & to  Hold  the  Said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  Said  Andrew  & to 
his  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  upon  the  following  Conditions  & Re- 
servations (Viz)  First  That  the  Said  Andrew  his  Heirs  or  as- 
signs shall  Plant  & Cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term 
of  five  Years  for  every  Fifty  acres  Containd  in  this  Grant  & con- 
tinue to  Improve  & Settle  the  Same  by  adifional  Cultivating  on 
Penalty  of  the  forfieture  of  this  his  Grant  & of  its  reverting  to  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  Effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same  2ly 
That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  within  said  Tract  fit  for  masting 
Our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  Preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be 
Cutt  or  Felld  without  our  Especial  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtaind  upon  the  Penalty  of  Forfeitting  the  right  of  the  Grantee  his 
Heirs  or  assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  as  well  as  being 
subject  to  the  Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now 
are  or  shall  be  Enacted  hereafter  (3dly)  Yielding  & Paying  there- 
for unto  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  for  the  Space  of  Ten  Years  to 
be  Computed  from  the  Date  hereof  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian 
Corn  only  on  the  25th  day  of  December  annually  if  Lawfully  de- 
manded (4ly)  The  Said  Grantee  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  Yield 
& Pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  Yearly  & every  Year  for- 
ever from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the  above 


BARTLETT. 


44 1 


Said  25th  Day  of  December  Namely  on  thej25th  Day  of  December 
which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1775  One  Shilling  Procla- 
mation Money  for  every  Hundred  acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Pos- 
sesses and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the 
Said  Land  which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  owner 
Settler  or  Possessor  as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Ports- 
m°  in  the  Province  aforesaid  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  Shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  Same,  and  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  & Services  whatsoever  In  Testimony  whereof  We  have 
caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wit- 
ness Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  aforesaid  Governour  the  25th 
Day  of  October  in  the  fifth  Year  of  our  Reign  and  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  Christ  1765 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Comand 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodr  Atkinson  Junr  Se17 

Prove  of  New  Hampr  ss  Portsm0  Octobe  25th  1765 

Then  Lieu4  Andrew  McMillan  the  above  mentioned  Grantee 
Personally  Appeared  & made  Solemn  Oath  that  the  above  Grant 
for  Two  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  is  bona  Fide  all  the  Land  he 
has  Receivd  any  Grant  of  by  Virtue  of  his  majestys  Proclamation 
in  the  Above  Grant  mentioned  and  that  he  doth  not  Expect  any 
further  Grant  for  Services  therein  mentioned 

Sworn  coram  Wyseman  Clagitt  Justice  of  Peace 


[Grant  to  Vere  Royse,  1769.] 


^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *1-344 

Vere  Royse’s  George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of 

Grant  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King 
r ^ defender  of  the  Faith  and  so  forth. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come. 
Greeting. 

^ ^ Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at 

S4  James’s  the  7th  day  of  October  in  the  Third  year  of  our  Reign 
Annoque  Domini  1763  (among  other  Things  to  Testify  our  Royal 
sense  and  approbation  of  the  Conduct  and  Bravery  of  the  Officers  & 


L.  S. 


442 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Soldiers  of  our  Armies,  & signified  our  desire  to  reward  the  same ; 
and  have  therein  Commanded  and  Impowered  our  several  Govern- 
or’s of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America,  to 
Grant  without  fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  Officers  as  have 
served  in  N°  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such  Private 
Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there  & shall  person- 
ally apply  for  the  same,  such  Quantities  of  Land  respectively  as 
in  and  by  our  aforesaid  Proclama,  are  Particularly  mentioned,  sub- 
ject nevertheless  to  the  same  Quit  Rents  and  Conditions  of  Culti- 
vation and  Improvement  as  other  our  Lands  are  subject  to  in  the 
Province  in  which  they  are  granted.  And  whereas  Vere 
Royse  of  Portsmo  in  our  said  Province  Gentleman  had  our  Ap- 
pointment as  Lieutenant  in  our  Service ; and  served  during  the 
late  War  in  N°  America,  and  is  now  reduced  & he  having  person- 
ally applied  & Sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreable  to  our  aforesd 
Proclamation.  Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace,  certain 
Knowledge  & mere  Motion,  do  signify  our  approbation  as  afore- 
said, and  for  encouraging  the  Settlement  & Cultivation  of  our 
Lands  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New 
England,  Have  (by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well- 
beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  and  Commander 
in  Cheif  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  of  our 
Council  of  the  same,  agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited 
Proclamation,  and  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  hereafter 
mentioned,)  Given  and  Granted,  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  Do  Give  and  Grant  'unto  the  said  Vere 
Royse  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain 
*1-345  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land,  situate,  lying  *and  being  with- 
in our  said  Province,  containing  by  admeasurement  Two 
thousand  Acres,  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  exhibited  by 
our  Survey1  General  of  Lands  for  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
aforesaid,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  (a  Copy  whereof 
is  hereunto  annex’d,)  may  more  fully  appear:  butted  and  bounded 
as  follows  Viz1 — Begining  at  a Bass  wood  Tree  spotted  and  marked 
V.  R.  standing  at  the  distance  of  892  rods  S.  8i°  W.  from  ye  crotch 
where  the  N°  branch  com’only  calld  Ellis’s  River  empties  itself 
into  Saco  river  thence  runing  N°  8o°  West  Two  Miles  and  an 
half  mile  to  a beech  Tree,  spotted  and  marked  V.  R.  from  thence 
runing  S°  io°  W.  one  mile  and  a quarter  of  a Mile  to  a Red  birch 
Tree  spotted  & mark’d  V.  R.  then  turning  off  at  right  Angles  and 
runing  S°  8o°  E.  Two  miles  and  an  half  mile  to  a spruce  Tree 
spotted  and  mark’d  V.  R.  then  turning  off  at  Right  Angles  and 


BARTLETT. 


443 


runing  N°  io°  E.  one  mile  & a Quarter  of  a Mile  to  the  Bass  Tree 
began  at.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as 
above  express’d  to  him  the  said  Vere  and  to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  Ever,  upon  the  following  Terms,  Conditions  and  Reser- 
vations, Viz4 

First — That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut,  clear  and  make  passable 
for  Carriages  &ca  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  at  any  Time  hereafter  be  Directed  or  Order’d  by  the  Gov- 
ernor & Council  aforesaid,  which  Road  is  to  be  completed  in  Two 
Years  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  direction  of  the  Governor 
and  Council  aforesaid,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant, 
and  of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  successors. — 

Second — That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  set- 
led  Ten  Families  in  Four  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & Cultivate  the  same. — 

Third — That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  and  none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee 
in  the  said  Tract  of  Land  his  heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by 
any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliam4 — 

4th  Fourth — Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  29th  day  of  Septr — 1778,  the  rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

5th.  That  the  said  Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assigns  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  Year 
for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  above- 
said  29th  day  of  September  namely  on  the  29th  day  of 
Septr  Which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1779,  *One  *1-346 
Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres 
he  so  owns,  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesd — which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Proprietor  or  Setler  as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Cham- 
ber in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed 
to  receive  the  same  ; and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and 
services  whatsoever. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Cheif  the  6th  day 


444 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  September  in  the  Ninth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini 
1^^9U  J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  ) 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec1? 


Prov.  of  New  Hampshire  Septr  6th  1769 
Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under 


the  Province 


Seal 


Atf  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec* 


[Grant  to  William  Stark,  1765*] 

*1-282  ^Province  of  New  Hampr 

Cap1  Wm  Starks 

Cram^  SO00  A“eeosrge  the  Th;rd  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
C ) Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 

< P S.  > &ca 

( J To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greeting 

Whereas  we  have  tho*  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  St.  Jamess  the 


BARTLETT. 


445 


7 Day  of  October  in  the  Third  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoq  Domini 
1763  (amoungst  Other  Things  to  Testify  our  Royal  & approbation 
of  the  Conduct  & Bravery  of  the  officers  & Soldiers  of  our  Armies 
and  to  Signify  Our  Desires  to  reward  the  same  & have  therein 
Comanded  & Impowered  our  Several  Governours  of  our  respective 
Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America  to  Grant  without  Fee  or 
Reward  to  such  reduced  officers  as  have  Served  in  North  America 
during  the  late  Warr  & to  Such  Private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or 
Shall  be  disbanded  there  and  Shall  Personally  apply  for  such 
Quantys  of  Land  Respectivly  as  in  & by  our  aforesaid  Procla- 
mation are  Perticularly  mentioned  Subject  nevertheless  to  the 
Same  Quit  Rents  & Conditions  of  Culture  & improvment  as 
other  our  Lands  are  Subject  in  the  Province  within  which  they 
are  Granted — and  Whereas  William  Starke  of  Dunbarton  in  our 
Province  aforesaid  Esq  had  Our  Appointment  as  Captain  of  one 
of  our  Independent  Companys  of  Rangers  and  Served  during  the 
late  War  in  North  America  and  is  now  reduced  & he  having  Per- 
sonally Applyed  & Sollicited  such  Grant  agreable  to  our  aforesaid 
Proclamation  Know  Ye  that  we  of  Our  Special  Grace  certain 
Knowledge  & mere  motion  do  Signify  our  approbation  as  afore- 
said and  for  Encourageing  the  Settlement  & Cultivation  our 
Land  within  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  Eng- 
land have  by  & with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  & Well  beloved 
Benning  Wentworth  Esq  Governour  & Comander  in  ChiefF  of  our 
Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & of  our  Council  for  the  Said 
Province  (agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  Part  Recited  Proclamation 
and  upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations  hereafter  mentioned) 
given  & granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  hiers  & succes- 
sors do  give  & grant  unto  the  Said  William  Stark  and  to  his  Heirs 
& Assignes  forever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  containing 
Three  Thousand  Acres  lying  & being  within  our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  aforesaid,  & butted  & bounded  as  follows  Viz  begin- 
ing  at  the  North  Westerly  Corner  of  Conway  being  a Beach  Tree 
marked  from  thence  South  Eighty  two  Degrees  East  Five  Hun- 
dred Rodds  to  a Stake  & Stones  in  Conway  Line  aforesaid  thence 
Turning  of  at  right  Angles  & runing  North  Eight  Degrees  East 
Three  miles  to  a Stake  & Stones  then  turning  off  again  & Runing 
North  Eighty  two  degrees  West  five  Hundred  rodds  to  a Stake  & 
Stones  then  turning  off  again  & runing  South  Eight  degrees  West 
Three  miles  to  a Beach  Tree  at  the  Corner  of  Conway  aforesaid  the 
Bounds  began  at  to  have  & to  Hold  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  as 
above  Expressed  to  him  the  Said  William  & to  his  Heirs  and 


446 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


assigns  for  ever  upon  the  following  Conditions  & reservations  (Viz) 
(First)  That  the  Said  William  his  Heirs  or  assigns  shall  Plant  & 
Cultivate  five  acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  Five  Years  for 
ever)T  fifty  acres  containd  in  this  his  Grant  & Continue  to  improve 
& Settle  the  Same  by  Aditional  Cultivations  on  Penalty  of  the 
forfieture  of  this  his  Grant  & of  its  reverting  to  us  our 
*1—283  Heirs  & *Sucessors  to  be  by  us  or  them  regranted  to 
such  of  our  subjects  as  shall  Effectually  Settle  & Cultivate 
the  Same — (2^)  That  all  White  & other  Pine  Trees  within  Said 
Tract  fit  for  masting  our  royal  Navy  be  carefully  Preserved  for 
that  Use  & none  to  be  Cutt  or  felld  without  Our  Special  Licence 
for  so  ding  first  had  & obtaind  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture 
of  the  right  of  the  Grantee  in  the  Said  Land  his  Heirs  & Assigns 
to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the 
Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  here- 
after Shall  be  Enacted — (3d17)  Yielding  & Paying  therefor  to  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  for  the  Space  of  Ten  years  from  the  Date 
hereof  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  on  the  25th  Day  of 
December  Annually  (if  Lawfully  Demanded  (4)  the  Said 
Grantee  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  Yield  & Pav  unto  us  our  Heirs 
& Successors  Yearly  & every  Year  for  ever  from  & after  the 
Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the  above  Said  25th  of  December 
Namely  on  the  25th  Day  of  December  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  1775  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hun- 
dred Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  Proportion 
for  a greater  or  Lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  which  money 
Shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  owner  Settler  or  Possessor  as  afore 
Said  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  afore 
Said  or  to  such  Officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  appointed  to 
recieve  the  Same  & this  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & Serv- 
ices whatsoever  In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal 
of  our  Said  Prov*5  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Wittness  Benning 
Wentworth  Esq  Our  aforesaid  Governour  the  25th  Day  of  October 
in  the  Fifth  Year  of  our  Reign  & in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ 

1765 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Comand 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  junr  S*7 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  ss  Portsm0  Octobr  25  1765 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  ^ T Atkinson  jun  Sec17 


BARTLETT. 


447 


BATH. 

[Granted  Sept,  io,  1761,  to  Rev.  Andrew  Gardner  and  others.  Regranted 
March  29,  1769,  to  John  Sawyer  and  others. 

See  X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  277,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in 
movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  164;  In- 
dex to  Laws,  49;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  132;  His- 
torical Sketch,  by  David  Sutherland,  13,  Mass.  Historical  Society  Collections,  105  ; 
Historical  Address,  by  David  Sutherland,  1854,  with  supplementary  notes  by 
Thomas  Boutelle,  1855,  pp.  135;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  509.] 


[Bath  Charter,  1761.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire.  *2-181 

Bath  GEORGE,  the  Third,  By  the  Grace  of 

God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and  Ireland  King, 
Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge,  and 
meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New  Plan- 
tation within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of  our 
Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our  Gov- 
ernor and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New- England,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hamf  shire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be  di- 
vided to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Eight  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New-Hamf  shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
Acres,  which  Tract  is  to  contain 

Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  ac- 
cording to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Govern- 
or’s Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto 
annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Beginning  at  a 


448 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Norway  Pine  Tree  Standing  on  the  Banks  of  Connecticut  River  on 
the  North  Side  of  the  Mouth  of  Ammonoosock  River  which  Tree 
is  Marked  with  the  Figure  io  From  thence  Running  South  fifty 
Five  degrees  East  Six  Miles  & One  Quarter  of  a Mile — Then  Be- 
gining  at  the  aforesaid  Tree  & Running  up  Connecticut  River  as 
that  Runs  so  far  as  to  Make  it  Six  Miles  on  a Strait  Line,  thence 
Six  Miles  on  such  a Point  as  will  be  Six  Miles  from  the  End  of  the 
Six  Miles  & a Quarter  first  above  Mention’d  And  that  the  same 
be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Bath  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said 
Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Inti- 
tled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy : And 
further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two 
Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the  And 

the  other  on  the  annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to 

continue  longer  than  the  respective  following  the 

said  and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town 

*2-182  shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened 
and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be 
thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of 
our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  this  Instant 
September  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Andrew 
Gardner  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said 
first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the 
Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual 
Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the 
said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  oi March  annually, 
To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed, 
together  with  all  the  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and 
their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following 
Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 


BATH. 


449 


II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq : Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Tenth  Day  of  September  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  One  And  in  the  First 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council. 

Theodore  Atkinson  SeTy 


28 


450 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Sepr  10th  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  Origonal  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


*2-183  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Bath  (Viz) 


Andrew  Gardner 
John  Gardner 
Robert  Lord 
Nathan  Lynde 
Benjamin  Lord 
Willoughby  Lynde 
William  Grimes 
Joseph  Peirce 
Julian  Frye 
Zephania  Temple 
Job  Spooner 
Ezra  Fox 
Simon  Fox 
John  Fitch 
John  Coult 
Peter  Coult 
John  Gardner 
James  Raymond 
Noah  Harris 
Simon  Harris 
Dudley  Boilston 


Zebdiel  Boylston 
Moses  Coope 
John  Coope 
William  Kenady 
Simon  Tucker 
Oliver  Tucker 
Noah  Boman 
Hezekiah  Rider 
Oliver  Rider 
Jehiel  Faster 
Jareb  Faster 


Ezra  Frost 
Peleg  Frost 
Reuben  Frost 
William  Simons 
William  Willard 
Peter  Freeman 
Ezra  Woodcock 
Amos  Brent 
Simon  Rust 
John  Harkman 
Nathaniel  Powers 
Robert  Parker 


Obediah  Southmel 
Silvanus  Maccumber  Joel  Mathews 
Nathaniel  Fellows  Simon  Stevens 


John  Bacon 
Ruben  Bacon 
Ruben  Darling 
Judah  Adams 
Roger  Ayres 
Job  Ayres 
John  Hawley 


Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr 
Joseph  Newmarch  Esqr 
Benning  Wentworth  [ton 
Samuel  Wentworth  Esq  Bos- 
John  N,elson  & 

Theodore  Atkinson  Junr  Esq 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  a Tract  to  Contain 
Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  in  the  Plan  B-W — which  is  to  be 
Accounted  Two  of  the  within  Shares,  One  whole  Share  for  the 
Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,  One 
Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Estab- 
lished, One  Share  for  the  first  Setled  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  & 
One  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  a School  in  said  Town 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Sepr  10,  1761 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Origional  Charter  for  Bath  under 
the  Province  Seal 

Attested  ^ Theodore  Atkinson  Ser? 


BATH. 


451 


Province  of  New  Hampr  Septr  10-1761 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  original  Charter  of  Bath  under 
the  Prov  Seal 

HP  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


[Bath  Charter,  1769.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  *4-9 
Hampshire  > God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
(Bath.)  land  King  Defender  of  thefFaith  & so  forth — 

Whereas  by  the  Petition  of  Nehemiah  Lovewell  and  others  his 
Associates  Proprietors  in  the  Township  of  Bath,  acknowledged  to 


452 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


be  forfeited  by  not  complying  with  the  Terms  of  Settlement  in  the 
Charter,  and  praying  for  a renewal  of  the  same — that  they  may  be 
quieted  in  their  several  Settlements  & the  delinquent  Shares  be 
granted  to  them,  which  being  Consider’d, — 

Therefore,  Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
knowledge  and  mere  motion,  for  the  due  encouragment  of  setling  a 
new  Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor 
and  Commander  in  chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
in  New  England,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province — Have 
upon  the  Conditions  and  reservations  herein  after  made,  given  and 
granted,  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  Do 
give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares  unto  our  Loyal  Subjects  inhabitants 
of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  and  our  other  Governments 
who  hath  Petitioned  us  for  the  same,  setting  forth  their  readiness 
to  make  immediate  settlement,  and  to  their  heirs  and  Assigns  for 
ever,  whose  Names  are  enter’d  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and 
amongst  them  into  One  hundred  equal  Shares,  all  that  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  known  by  the  name  of  Bath,  situate,  lying  and 
being  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  containing  by 
admeasurement  Twenty  thousand  & ninety  Acres  which  is  to  con- 
tain something  less  than  Six  miles  Square ; out  of  which  an  allow- 
ance is  to  be  made  for  Highways  andunimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks, 
Ponds,  mountains  and  Rivers,  One  thousand  & forty  Acres  free 
according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor 
General,  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  Returned  into  the 
Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  annex’d,  butted  and  bounded  as 
follows,  Viz1 — Begining  at  the  mouth  of  Ammonoosuck  River  at 
a Pine  Tree  marked  with  the  figures  9 & 10,  and  with  the  Letters 
B W,  thence  up  Connecticut  River  as  that  tends  to  a Pine  Tree 
marked  with  the  figures  10  & 11,  which  is  also  the  South 
*4-10  west  corner  bounds  of  Lyman,  then  turning  *ofif,  and 
runing  South  fifty  five  degrees  East  Six  miles  to  a Beech 
tree  marked  B L,  C.  L D,  £ Surveyor’s  mark,  from  thence 
South  Two  degrees  East  six  miles  and  14  Chains  to  a spruce  Tree 
marked  B B,  £ then  turning  off  again  and  runing  North  Fifty 
five  degrees  West,  six  miles  and  one  Quarter  of  a mile  to  the 
bounds  first  mention’d. — To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of 
Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Priviledges  and  Ap- 
purtenances to  them  & their  respective  heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever, 
by  the  Name  of  Bath  aforesaid,  upon  the  following  Conditions, 
Viz1.  First — That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 


BATH. 


453 


setled  Twelve  families  who  shall  be  actually  cultivating  some  part 
of  the  land,  & resident  thereon,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  May 
1770,  and  so  to  continue  making  further  & additional  improvement, 
cultivation  and  settlement  of  the  Premises,  so  that  there  shall  be 
actually  setled  and  resident  thereon  Sixty  families  by  the  first  day 
of  May  1774,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  such  delinquent’s 
Share,  & of  such  Shares  reverting  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors, 
to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon,  & regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  same — Second 
That  all  white  and  other  Pine  trees  within  the  said  Township  fit 
for  masting  our  Royal  navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use, 
and  none  to  be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  do- 
ing, first  had  & obtained,  upon  the  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of 
the  right  of  such  Grantee  his  heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  heirs  and 
successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  penalty  of  any  Act  or 
Acts  of  Parham*  that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  Enacted. 
Third  That  before  any  division  of  the  land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a tract  of  land  as  near  the  centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  contents  of  One  Acre  Fourth.  * Yielding  *4-11 
and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  May  1770,  the  rent  of  one  ear  of  Indian 
Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded.  Fifth — That  every  Proprietor 
Settler  or  inhabitant  shall  yield  & pay  unto  us  our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors yearly  and  every  year  for  ever,  from  and  after  the  expiration 
of  one  Year  from  the  abovesaid  first  day  of  May,  namely  on  the 
first  day  of  May  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1771,  one 
shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
Settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
tract  of  the  said  Land,  which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  heirs  or  Assigns  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  receive  the  same,  Sixth — and  that  a good  Waggon  road 
not  less  than  Two  rods  wide  be  laid  out  and  cut  thro’  the  said 
Town  by  or  before  the  first  day  of  May  1770,  on  penalty  of  the 
forfeiture  of  the  Premises ; and  this  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  rents 
& services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereto  affix’d,  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esquire  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Cheif  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  29th  day  of  March  in  the 


454 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1769,  and  in  the  9th.  year  of  our 
Reign. 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Com- 
mand with  advice  of  Council. 

T : Atkinson  Junr  Secry 

Entd  & Recorded  according  to  the  Grant  of  Bath  under  the 
Province  Seal  this  29th  March  1769. 

^ Geo : King  D.  Secy 


Names  of  the  Grantees  of  the  township  of  Bath. 

John  Sawyer  James  Dogge  Deliverance  Sawyer 

William  Hayward  Ebenezer  Richardson  Joseph  King 
John  Hazzen  Joshua  Bayley  Nehemiah  Lovewell 

Moses  Pike  Edward  Blair  John  Hazzen  Junr 

Andrew  Savage  Crocker  Timothy  Barron  John  Taplin 
John  Hugh  Benja  Sawyer  Jacob  Hall 

Robert  Bedel  John  Hastings  Luther  Richardson 

*4-12  *Samuel  Sanborn  James  Haslett  John  Peters 

Benjamin  Sanborn  Thomas  Akencross  Shubael  Cross 
Benjamin  Sanborn  JunrDaniel  Lunt  Bradbury  Richardson 

Samuel  Sanborn  Junr  Nehemiah  Wheeler  Peter  Garland 
Daniel  Been  Theodr  Moses  Charles  Hinkley 

Timothy  Bedel  Mark  Sevey  Clement  March  Esq  : 

Nathaniel  Merrill  Wm  Appleton  Samuel  Phelps 

Alexander  Morrison  David  Barber 
Eliphalet  Daniels  John  Mason  [son  Esq  : 
RichdCutts  Shannon  The  HbleTheodr  Atkin- 
Perkins  Ayres  Theodr  Atkinson  Junr. Esq  : 
Benjamin  Miller  Henry  Prescott  [Boston 
George  Waldron  Benning  Wentworth  of 
Cornelius  Sullivan  Robert  Harold 
Joseph  Wright  Esqjohn  Hurd  Esq  : 
Nehemiah  Lovewell  Junr  Jotham  Rindge  John  Mascarene  Esq  : 
Jaasiel  Herriman  David  Copp  Jona  Clarke  Junr  of  Bos- 

Joseph  Herriman  Junr  Jn°  Sherburne  Junr  James  Bigbie  [ton 

Benja  Slade  Alexander  Phelps  Esqr.  Benja  Yetton 

Joseph  Simes  Jacob  Bayley  Esqjohn  Bacon 

Robert  Gilman  Israel  Morey  Esq  : Thomas  Abby 

Philip  Gilman  Ichabod  Palmer  Samuel  Rogers 


Cyrus  Bedel 
Moody  Beedel 
Joseph  White 
Jacob  Kent 
James  Bayley 
Abner  Bayley 
Samuel  Hale 
Jona  Fowler 


BATH. 


455 


Paul  March 
Joseph  March 
William  Welch 
Isaac  Rindge  Esqr 


Ebenezer  Somes  John  Pierce 
Nathan  Caswell  Samuel  Dyer  [Esq : 
Jona  Bagley  Esq : Nath1  Peaslee  Sargent 
Elijah  King  Wm  Belknap  of  Bath. 


Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England, 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Bath  under 
the  Province  Seal  the  29th  March  1769. 

Attr  Geo  : King  D Secy 

Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

These  may  Certify  that  this  Plan  of  Bath  Beginning  at  the 
Mouth  of  Ammonoosuck  River  at  a Pine  Tree  marked  with  the 
figures  9 & 10  & with  the  letters  B W.  thence  up  Connecticut  River 
as  that  tends  to  a Pine  Tree  marked  with  the  Figures  10  & 11, 
which  is  also  the  South  west  corner  Bounds  of  Lyman,  then  turn- 
ing off  & running  South  Fifty  five  Degrees  East  Six  Miles  to  a 
Beech  Tree  marked  B L,  C,  L D,  £ Surveyor’s  Mark,  from 
thence  South  Two  Degrees  East  Six  Miles  and  14  Ch3  to  a Spruce 
Tree  marked  B B o then  turning  off  again  & running  North  55 
Deg*  West  6 Miles  & one  quarter  of  a Mile  to  the  Bounds  first 
mentioned  Contains  Twenty  thousand  & Ninety  Acres  and  is  a 
true  Copy  of  an  Original  plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken 
& returned  to  me  by  Elijah  King  Dy  Surveyr 

Attest.  Is.  Rindge  S.  G1 


456 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


BEDFORD. 


457 


BEDFORD. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Narragansett No.  5,  Feb  12,  1733-4.  Afterwards 
called  Souhegan  East.  The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors, 
Nov.  9,  1748.  Incorporated  as  Bedford,  May  19,  1750,  and  named  in  honor  of 
the  Duke  of  Bedford.  A portion  of  the  town  was  annexed  to  Manchester,  July  1, 

1853- 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding,  and  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  : 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  50;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  176;  Index  to  Laws, 
51;  Topographical  and  Historical  Sketch,  1,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical 
Society,  288;  discourse,  by  Thomas  Savage,  1841,  pp.  16;  centennial  address,  by 
Isaac  O.  Barnes,  1850,  pp.  45;  History,  pub.  by  Alfred  Mudge,  1851,  pp.  364; 
historical  discourse,  by  Ira  C.  Tyson,  1876,  pp.  31  ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  265  ; History  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  the  United 
States,  by  John  G.  Shea,  1890,  Vol.  3,  p.  108;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by 
E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  22  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  156  ; Memorial 
Addresses  on  Life  and  Character  of  Zachariah  Chandler,  1880;  Life  of  Zachariah 
Chandler,  1880;  sketch,  12,  Farmer’s  Monthly  Visitor,  47.] 


[Bedford  Incorporated,  1750.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampr  *1-67 

Bedford  George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 

Great  Brittain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender 
of  the  Faith  &ca 

To  all  to  whom  the  Presents  Shall  come 
Greeting — 

Whereas  our  Loyal  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  a Tract  of  Land 
within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesd  Lying  at  or  near  A 
Place  called  Sowhegon  on  the  West  Side  of  the  River  Merrimack 
have  Humbly  Petitioned  and  requested  to  us  that  they  may  be 
Erected  & Incorporated  into  A Township  & Infranchised  with  the 
Same  Powers  & Previledges  which  other  Towns  within  our  Sd 
Province  by  Law  have  & Injoy  and  it  Appearing  to  us  to  be  Con- 
ducive to  the  General  Good  of  our  Said  Province  as  well  as  of  the 
Inhabitants  in  Perticular  by  maintaining  good  order  & Encourage- 
ing  the  Culture  of  the  Land  that  the  Same  Should  be  Don  Know 
ye  therefore  that  we  of  our  Especial  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  and 
for  the  Encouragem*  & Promoteing  the  good  Purposes  & Ends 
aforesd  By  & with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  & well  beloved 
Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Comander  in  Chieff 
& of  our  Council  for  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Have 


458 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Erected  & ordained  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  hiers  & 
Successors  Do  will  & ordain  that  the  Inhabitants  of  A Tract  of 
Land  Aforesaid  or  that  Shall  Inhabit  & Improve  thereon  hereafter 
Butted  & Bounded  as  follows  (Viz)  begining  at  A Place  Three 
miles  North  from  the  bridge  over  Souhegon  River  at  John  Cham- 
berlains house  & thence  to  run  East  by  the  needle  to  Merimack 
River  to  A Stake  & Stones  and  to  Extend  that  Line  West  until  it 
Intersects  A Line  known  by  the  name  of  the  West  Line  of  Souhegon 
East  and  from  thence  to  run  North  Two  Degrees  West  about  Three 
miles  & an  half  to  A Beach  Tree  marked  Called  Souhegon  West’s 
North  East  Corner,  thence  South  Eighty  Eight  Degrees  West  by 
an  old  Line  of  marked  Trees  to  A Chesnut  Tree  marked,  from 
thence  North  Two  Degrees  West  Two  miles  to  an  Hemlock  Tree 
marked  called  the  North  West  Corner  of  Said  Souhegan  East, 
thence  East  by  the  Needle  to  Merrimack  River  to  a Stake  & Stones 
thence  Southerly  as  Merrimack  River  Runs  to  the  Stake  & Stones 
first  mentioned  And  by  these  Presents  Are  Declared  & ordained  to 
be  A Town  Corporate  & Are  hereby  Erected  & Incorporated  into  a 
body  Pollitick  & A Corporation  to  have  Continueance  for  Ever  by 
the  name  of  Bedford  with  all  the  Powers  And  Authorities  Previ- 
ledges  Immunities  & Infranchizes  to  them  the  Said  Inhabitants  & 
thier  Successors  forever  always  Reserveing  to  us  our  hiers  & Suc- 
cessors all  white  Pine  Trees  growing  & being  or  that  hereafter  Shall 
grow  & be  on  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  use  of  our  Royal 
Navy  Reserving  also  the  Power  of  Divideing  the  Said 
*1-68  Town  to  us  our  hiers  & ""Successors  when  it  Shall  Appear 
necessary  & Convenient  for  the  benefit  of  the  Inhabitants 
thereof — It  is  to  be  understood  & is  Accordingly  hereby  Declared 
that  the  Private  Property  of  the  Soil  is  in  no  manner  of  Way  to  be 
Affected  by  this  Charter  and  as  the  Several  Towns  within  Our 
Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  Are  by  the  Laws  thereof  Enabled 
& Authorized  to  Assemble  & by  the  Majority  of  Votes  to  Chuse  all 
Such  Officers  as  Are  mentioned  in  the  Said  Laws  We  Do  by  these 
Presents  Nominate  & Appoint  John  Goffe  Esq  to  call  the  first  meet- 
ing of  Said  Inhabitants  to  be  held  within  the  Said  Town  at  Any 
time  within  Thirty  Days  from  the  Date  hereof  Giveing  Legal 
Notice  of  the  Time  & Design  of  Holding  Such  Meeting  after  which 
the  Annual  Meeting  in  Said  Town  Shall  be  held  for  the  Choice  of 
Town  officers  &ca  for  Ever  on  the  Last  Wednesday  in  March 
Annually — 

In  Testimony  Whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq 


BEDFORD. 


459 


Our  Governour  & Comander  in  Chieff  of  Our  Said  Province  the 
nineteenth  Day  of  May  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  Christ  One 
thousand  Seven  hundred  & fifty  & in  the  Twenty  third  Year  of 
Our  Reign 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excelencys  Command 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 

Entred  & recorded  According  to  the  Original  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  21  Day  of  May  1750 — 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 


of  the  Charter  the  21st  May  1750 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


460 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


BELMONT. 

[Set  off  from  Gilmanton  and  incorporated  as  Upper  Gilmanton,  June  29,  1859. 
The  name  was  changed  to  Belmont  June  24,  1869,  in  honor  of  August  Belmont. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  302  ; XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  1 ; Index  to 
Laws,  53;  sketch,  by  A.  J.  Hackett,  Hurd’s  History  of  Belknap  County,  1885,  p. 
717  ; History  of  Gilmanton,  by  Daniel  Lancaster,  1845,  PP-  3°4*] 


BENNINGTON. 

[This  town  was  constituted  from  parts  of  Greenfield,  Francestown,  Deering,  and 
Hancock,  and  was  incorporated  Dec.  15,  1842.  A part  of  Society  Land  was 
annexed  Dec.  20,  1842. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  299 ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  490,  680 ; 
XII,  id.,  152;  Index  to  Laws,  57;  sketch,  by  James  Holmes,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Hillsborough  County,  1885,  p.  284;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p. 
160.] 


BENTON. 

[Granted  as  Coventry , Jan.  31,  1764,  to  Theophilus  Fitch  and  others.  The 
name  was  changed  to  Benton,  Dec.  4,  1840,  in  honor  of  Thomas  H.  Benton. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  192;  Index  to  Laws,  57;  sketch,  Child’s 
Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  148  ; History,  in  .manuscript,  by  William  F. 
Whitcher;  The  Benton  Range  and  Mt.  Moosilauke,  by  H.  E.  Spalding,  2,  Ap- 
palachia, 28  ; Mt.  Waternomee  and  the  Blue  Ridge,  by  M.  I.  Stone,  4,  id .,  75  ; A 
Day  and  a Night  on  the  Benton  Range,  by  F.  O.  Carpenter,  5,  id.,  128,  15 1 ; Law- 
rence’s N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  580.] 


[Coventry  Charter,  1764.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire  *3-82 

Coventry  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We,  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 


BENTON. 


461 


our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq ; Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hamj>shire,  in  New- England,  and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  s^id  Province  of  New- 
Hamf  shire , and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  one  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New- Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement, 
24000  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles  square,  and  no 
more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways 
and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers, 
One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and 
Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned 
into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz,  Begining  at  the  South  Easterly  Corner 
Bounds  of  the  Town  of  Haverhill  thence  running  South  fifty  Eight 
Degrees  East  Six  Miles  & one  half  Mile  thence  North  Twenty 
four  degrees  East  about  Seven  Miles  & three  Quarters  of  a Mile 
thence  North  fifty  five  Degrees  West  about  Six  Miles  to  the  North 
Easterly  Corner  of  Haver  Hill  afore  Said  then  South  Twenty  five 
Degrees  West  by  Haver  Hill  afore  Said  to  the  Bounds  began  at 
And  that  the  same  be  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township 
by  the  Name  of  Coventry  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall 
hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be 
Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and 
Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer 
than  the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  *3-83 
more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  ad- 
vantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince, shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  next  which 


462 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Theophilus  Fitch  Esq  who  is 
hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting, 
which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have 
and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together 
with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respect- 
ive Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December . 1764 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year 
forever,  from  and  after  the  Expiration  often  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
of  December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1774  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 


BENTON. 


463 


lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu 
of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  31 — Day  of  January  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  four  And  in  the  Fourth 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 


By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Junr  Se*? 

Prov  N Hampr  Janry  31-1764 

Recorded  According  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Prov 
Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr 

*Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Coventry — 


Sec*? 


Theophilus  Fitch 
John  Fransher 
Elipalet  Sealey 
James  Banks 
Daniel  Stevens 
Joshua  Ambler 
Amos  Weed 
Samuel  Weed 
Benja  Weed 
Isaac  Weed 
Peter  Weed 
Ebenezr  Hoit 
Hezekia  Weed 
Joshua  Waterbury 
Joseph  Davenport 
Gideon  Leads 
Samuel  Crissey 


Esq  Ephraim  Smith 
James  Smith 
John  Battes 
Jessee  Smith 
Peter  Husted 
Samuel  Bowton 
Jahial  Bowton 
Zebulon  Husted 
David  S*  Johns 
Joseph  Ambler 
Charles  Smith 
John  Bates 
Abraham  Weed 
Ruben  Weed 


*3-84 


Sylvanus  Sealey 
Silas  Hoit 
Willm  Fansher 
Daniel  Benedict 
Nathaniel  Hoit 
Enos  Weed 
Theophilus  Hanford 
Hezekiah  Davenport 
Nath11  Waterbury 
James  Scofield 
James  Bates 
Thomas  Saymore  Junr 
John  Fansher  Junr 
Silvanus  Weed 


Nathaniel  Loundsbury  Mathew  Fountain 


Admer  Stephens 
Obediah  Stephens 


Obedia  Sealey  Obediah  Stephens junr 
Deodat  Davenport  Nathaniel  Weed 


Ebenezr  Schofield 
Isaac  Amsdale 
Samuel  Belding 


Eleazr  Bowton 
Eliphalet  Sealey  juri 
Wix  Sealey 


Joseph  Lockwood 
Adonijah  Brown 
The  Honble  John  Temple  J 
Theodr  Atkinson  I 
Mk  Hus  Wentworth  [ 
Theodr  Atkinson  TunrJ 
Esq" 


464 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B W — in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares  One  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts  One  whole  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  Law  Established  One  Share  for  the  first  Settled 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  and  One  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  A School 
in  Said  Town  forever 


ProvofNew  HamprJanry  31  1764  Recorded  from  the  Original 
on  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Pr°  Seal — 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Recorded  from  the  Plan  on  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter 
under  the  Prov  Seal 


¥ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


BENTON. 


465 


[Grant  to  Ammi  R.  Cutter,  1770.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  * 1-357 

George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of  God 
of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  ffaith  &ca — 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  Greeting. 
Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  Sfc  James’s 
the  7th  day  of  October  in  the  3d  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque 
Domini  1763  (among  other  Things  to  testify  our  Royal  sense  and 
approbation  of  the  conduct  and  bravery  of  the  Officers  and  Soldiers 
of  our  Armies,  & signifying  our  desire  to  reward  the  same,  and 
have  therein  commanded  and  impower’d  our  several  Governors  of 
our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America  to  grant 
without  fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  Officers  as  have  served  in 
North  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such  Private  Soldiers 
as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there,  and  shall  personally  apply 
for  the  same,  such  quantities  of  Land  respectively  as  in  and  by  our 
aforesaid  Proclamation  are  particularly  mentioned,  subject  never- 
theless to  the  same  Quit  Rents  & conditions  of  cultivation  & im- 
provement as  other  our  Lands  are  subject  to  in  the  Province  in 
which  they  are  granted  And  whereas  Ammi  Ruhamah  Cutter 
of  Portsm0  in  our  said  Province  Physician  had  our  appointment  as 
Surgeon  of  one  of  our  Regiments  and  serv’d  during  the  late  War, 
and  is  now  reduced  ; and  he  having  personally  applied  & solicited 
for  such  Grant  agreable  to  our  aforesaid  Proclamation,  Know 
Ye  therefore  that  we  of  our  special  grace,  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  motion  do  signify  our  approbation  as  aforesaid  and  for 
^encouraging  the  Settlement  and  cultivation  of  our  Lands  *1-358 
within  our  said  province  of  New  Hampshire  Have  by  and 
with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  of  our  said  Province 
and  of  our  Council  of  the  same  (agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part 
recited  Proclamation  and  upon  the  Conditions  & reservations  herein 
after  mentioned)  Given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us 
our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  & grant  unto  the  said  Ammi 
Ruhamah  Cutter  and  to  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain 
tract  of  Land  containing  by  admeasurement  three  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  ninety  six  Acres  one  Rood  & sixteen  Perches  out  of 
which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  Highways  and  unimproveable 
Lands,  Seven  hundred  and  ninety  six  Acres  one  Rood  & sixteen 

29 


Dr.  Cutter’s 
Grant. 


466 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Perches  which  said  Tract  is  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof 
exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province 
by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s 
Office  of  our  said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed, 
butted  and  bounded  as  follows  Viz 4 Beginning  at  a stake  and 
stones  on  the  East  line  of  Haverhill  & runing  North  Twenty  five 
degrees  East  three  miles  and  One  Hundred  and  forty  one  Rods  to 
a beech  Tree,  thence  turning  off  & runing  South  Fifty  five  degrees 
East  (by  LandafF)  one  mile  and  three  quarters  of  a mile  to  a 
hemlock  tree  marked  C.  C.  DC.  thence  turning  oft'  and  running 
South  Twenty  five  degrees  West  three  miles  and  One  hundred  and 
forty  one  Rods  to  a spruce  Tree,  thence  turning  off  and  running 
North  Fifty  five  degrees  West  one  mile  and  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  to  the  bounds  began  at.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  said  AmmiRuhamah 
and  to  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  upon  the  following 
Terms  Conditions  and  Reservations  Viz4  First — That  the  said 
Grantee  shall  cut,  clear  and  make  passable  for  Carriages  &c  a 
Road  of  four  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract  as  shall  at  any 
time  hereafter  be  directed  or  order’d  by  the  Governor  and  Council 
aforesaid  which  Road  is  to  be  completed  in  Two  years  from  the 
date  of  such  Order  or  direction  of  the  Governor  and 
*1-359  Council  aforesaid  on  penalty  of  the  ^forfeiture  of  this 
Grant  and  of  it’s  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors. 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  settled 
Five  Families  in  Five  years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in  failure 
whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to 
be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of  our  Subjects 
asshall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

Third.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and  growing 
within  and  upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  masting  our  Royal 
Navy  be  carefully  preserv’d  for  that  use  and  none  to  be  cut  or 
fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  the  Grantee 
in  the  said  Tract  his  heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & Suc- 
cessors as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  penalties  prescribed  by  any 
present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth  Yielding  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March  1779,  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of 
Indian  Corn  only  if  Lawfully  demanded. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall  yield 


BENTON. 


467 


and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
year  for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the 
abovesaid  first  day  of  March,  namely  on  the  first  day  of  March 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  & Eighty,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every 
Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  Lesser  tract  of  the  said  Land,  which  money 
shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Owner,  Settler  or  Proprietor  as 
aforesaid  in  our  Council  chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer  or 
Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  these  to 
be  in  lieu  of  all  other  rents  and  services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  aforesaid  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  fifth  day  of  February  in  the  10th 
year  of  our  Reign  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1770. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  with  advice  of  Council. 

Theo  : Atkinson  Secry 


r 


L.S. 


Wentworth. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Feby  5th  1770 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal. 


Pr  Geo  : King  D See7 


46S 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[This  plan  is  taken  from  Vol.  5,  p.  34.] 


A Scale  of.TVi^te  777,  ?C9 

EEEEEEEEE3E  l ==z 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsmouth  4th  Jan1^  1770 
These  Certify  that  this  Plan  beginning  at  Stake  and  Stones  on 
the  East  line  of  Haverhil  & running  N 250  East  3 Miles  and  141 
Rods  to  a Beach  Tree  thence  turning  off  & Running  So  550  East 
by  Landaff  one  Mile  & f to  a hemlock  Tree  Marked  C C DC 
thence  turning  off  & running  So  250  West  3 Miles  & 141  rods  to 
a Spruce  Tree  thence  turning  off  again  & Running  N 550  W one 
Mile  and  three  Quarters  to  the  Bounds  began  at.  contains  Three 
Thousand  Acres  of  land  besides  an  Allowance  of  Seven  hundred 
Ninety  Six  Acres  one  Rood  & Sixteen  perch  for  unimprovable 
land  & is  a True  Copy  of  an  Original  plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract 
as  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Mr  Dudley  Colman  Dep^  Surr 

Attest  ^ Is  Rindge  S.  G1 — 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original 


Attest  E Thompson  Secr^ 


BENTON. 


469 


[Grant  to  George  King,  1770.] 

*1-360 

George  the  Third  by  the 
grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and 
Ireland  King  defender  of  the  ffaith  &c  : — 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  Greeting. 

Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at  Starnes’s 
the  seventh  day  of  October  in  the  Third  year  of  our  Reign  Anno 
domini  1763  among  other  things  to  Testify  our  Royal  sense  and 
approbation  of  the  conduct  and  bravery  of  the  Officers  and  Sol- 
diers of  our  Armies  and  signified  our  desire  to  reward  the  same 
and  have  therein  commanded  & impower’d  our  several  Governors 
of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America  to  grant 
without  fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  Officers  as  have  served  in 
North  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such  private  Soldiers 
as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there  and  shall  personally 
apply  for  the  same,  such  quantities  of  Land  respectively 
as  in  and  by  our  ^aforesaid  Proclamation  are  particularly  *1-361 
mentioned,  subject  nevertheless  to  the  same  Quit  rents 
and  Conditions  of  cultivation  and  improvement  as  our  other  Lands 
are  subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are  granted.  And 
whereas  George  King  of  Portsm0  in  the  Province  aforesaid, 
Esqr  had  our  appointment  as  an  Overseer  of  Artificers  at  the 
Siege  of  Louisbourgh  and  served  in  that  and  other  Capacities  dur- 
ing the  late  War,  and  is  now  reduced  : & he  having  personally 
applied  & solicited  for  such  Grant  agreable  to  our  aforesaid  Proc- 
lamation Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace,  certain  knowl- 
edge and  mere  motion  do  signify  our  approbation  as  aforesaid  and 
for  encouraging  the  settlement  and  cultivation  of  our  Lands 
within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  by 
and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  Jn°  Went- 
worth Esqr  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  of  our  said 
Province  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same,  agreeable  to  our  afore- 
said in  part  recited  Proclamation  and  upon  the  Conditions  and 
reservations  herein  after  mentioned  given  and  granted  and  by 
these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  and  grant 
unto  the  said  George  King  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  a cer- 
tain tract  of  Land  containing  by  admeasurement  Three  thousand 
Four  hundred  and  seventy  Eight  Acres  out  of  which  an  allowance 
is  to  be  made  of  Four  hundred  & seventy  Eight  Acres  free  of  Quit 


*Province  of 
New  Hampshire 

Geo  : King  Esqr 
his  Grant 


470 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Rent  for  Unimproveable  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey 
thereof  exhibited  by  our  Survey1,  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province 
by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office 
a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows 
Viz4  Begining  at  a Hemlock  Tree  marked  C C.  G K Surveyor’s 
mark  DC,  standing  in  the  line  on  the  Southwesterly  side  of  the 
Township  of  Landaff  thence  runing  South  Fifty  five  degrees 
East  two  miles  to  a maple  tree  marked  G K Surveyor’s  mark  DC,, 
thence  turning  off  and  running  South  Twenty  five  degrees  West 
two  Miles  and  three  quarters  of  a Mile  to  a Spruce  Tree  marked 
G K.  Surveyor’s  mark  DC,  thence  turning  off  and  runing  North 
fifty  five  degrees  West  Two  miles  to  a birch  Tree  mark’d  G K, 
Surveyor’s  mark  DC,  thence  turning  off  and  runing  North 
Twenty  five  degrees  East  Two  miles  & three  Quarters  of  a mile 
by  Land  lately  Survey’d  & now  about  to  be  granted  to  Ammi 
Ruhamah  Cutter  to  the  Hemlock  Tree  began  at.  To  Have  and 
to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  said 
George  King  and  his  heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  upon  the  fol- 
lowing Terms,  Conditions  & reservations  Viz1 — 

*1-362  *First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut,  clear  & make 
passable  for  Carriages  &c.  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide 
thro’  the  said  Tract  as  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  be  directed  or 
Order’d  by  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid  which  Road  is  to  be 
completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  direction 
of  the  Governor  and  Council  aforesaid  on  penalty  of  the  forfeit- 
ure of  this  Grant  and  of  it’s  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors. 

Secondly  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
setled  Five  Families  in  five  years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and 
growing  within  & upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserv’d  for  that  use  and  none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  in 
the  said  Tract  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any 
present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourthly  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 


BENTON. 


471 


Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March  1779,  the  Rent  of 
one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
Year  for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  Year  from  the 
abovesaid  first  day  of  March  namely  on  the  first  day  of  March 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  Eighty ; One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for 
every  hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns,  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in 
proportion  for  a greater  or  less  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid ; 
which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Owner,  Settler  or 
Proprietor  as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to 
such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; 
and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 
In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our 
aforesaid  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  the  Fifth  day  of  Feb- 
ruary in  the  Tenth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1770. 

J Wentworth. 

< l.  s.  > 

*By  his  Excellency’s  Command  > *1-363 

with  advice  of  Council  > 

Theo  : Atkinson  Sec1* 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  5th  Feby  1770 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal. 


Atfi  Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 


DT  Cutters  Land 


47  2 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


7>'}y'tr,'ux  mtu'jfc'0  °? 


BENTON. 


473 


[Grant  to  George  Meserve,  1769.] 

^Province  ^ George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God 
of  New  > of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  *1-341 
Hampshire  ) defender  of  the  faith  & so  forth. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come ; 
Greeting. 

Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  order  in  Council 
at  Sh  James’s  the  17th  day  of  February  in  the  6th 
(Geo  : Me-  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  17 66,  upon  Ap- 
serve’s  Grant)  plication  made  to  us  by  George  Meserve  Esqr 
Praying  for  a Grant  of  Lands  in  our  Province  of 
New  Hampsr  aforesd  in  order  to  make  a settlement  thereupon. 
Therefore  Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
knowledge  and  mere  Motion,  & for  encouraging  the  Settlem4  and 
Culture  of  our  Lands  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, have  (by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well 
beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  and  Command1,  in 
Chief  of  our  said  Province,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same, 
agreeable  to  our  aforesaid  order  in  Council  & upon  the  Conditions 
and  Reservations  herein  particularly  recited  & express’d ;)  Given 
& granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors,  do 
give  and  Grant  unto  the  said  George  Meserve  and  to  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  containing 
by  admeasurement  Five  thousand  Acres,  with  an  Allowance  of 
Thirteen  hundred  & Twenty  seven  Acres  and  one  quarter  of  an 
Acre,  for  Unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and 
Rivers,  which  said  Tract  is  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
Province  aforesaid  as  by  a plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by 
our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province,  by  our  said 
Govrs  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  (a  Copy 
whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,)  may  more  fully  appear,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Videlicet — Begining  at  the  South  East 
corner  of  Haverhill,  and  runing  on  the  East  Line  of  said  Haverhill 
N°  250  E.  Five  Miles,  47  chains  & 50  Links,  from  thence  S°  550  E. 
by  Land  laid  out  to  Doctr  Ammi  Ruhamah  Cutter,  one  Mile  and 
three  quarters  of  a Mile,  from  thence  S°  250  W.  5 miles,  39  chains 
& 50  Links  to  a birch  Tree,  then  turning  off  at  Right  Angles  & 
runing  N°  58°  W.  one  mile  & three  Quarters  of  a mile  to  the 
S : E.  corner  of  Haverhill  the  bounds  began  at.  To 
have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  *above  *1-342 
express’d  to  him  the  said  George  Meserve  & to  his 


474 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  upon  the  following  Terms,  Conditions 
and  Reservations,  Viz1 — 

First — That  there  be  cut,  cleared  and  made  passable  for  Car- 
riages &ca  thro’  the  said  Tract  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  to  be 
completed  within  six  years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  on  penalty 
of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Premises  hereby  Granted,  & of  their  revert- 
ing to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors. — 

Second — That  the  said  Grantee  do  settle  the  said  Tract  with 
Protestant  Inhabitants  within  Ten  years  from  the  date  of  this 
Grant,  in  the  Proportion  of  one  Person  for  every  Two  hundred 
Acres,  in  failure  whereof  the  said  Tract  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs 
•&  Successors. — 

Third — That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  within  the  said  Tract  be  carefully  preserv’d  for  that 
Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so 
doing  first  had  & obtained  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this 
Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well 
as  being  subject  to  any  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as 
well  as  future  act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth — That  there  be  reserv’d  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
such  Parts  of  the  Woodland  as  may  be  proper  and  Sufficient  for 
the  Supply  of  the  Garrisons,  Forts  and  Fortifications  (in  case  any 
shall  be  erected  within  the  said  District)  with  Fuel,  and  for  such 
other  Purposes  as  we  shall  think  proper  to  direct. 

Fifth — That  there  be  reserved  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  all 
Mines  of  Gold,  Silver  and  Coals,  within  the  said  Tract. 

Sixth — That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be  well 
adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee  shall 
sow  and  continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the  said 
Land,  not  less  than  one  Rood  in  every  Thousand  Acres  with  that 
beneficial  article  of  Produce. 

Seventh — That  there  be  reserved  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
an  Annual  Quit  rent  of  one  farthing  pr  Acre  Sterling  payable  on 
the  feast  of  S*  Michael  in  every  year;  one  half  of  which 
*1-343  to  commence  & become  Payable  on  the  said  Feast  *of 
S*  Michael  which  shall  first  happen  after  the  Expiration 
of  Five  years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  and  which  will  be  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1774,  and  to  be  payable  on  every  ensuing  Feast 
of  S4  Michael  or  within  Fourteen  days  after,  and  the  whole  to  be- 
come Payable  at  the  expiration  of  Ten  years,  namely  on  the 
Feast  of  S*  Michael  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1779 ; which  money 
shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  owner,  Proprietor  or  Setler  in  our 


BENTON. 


475 


Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0,  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  aforesd  Governor  and  Commander  in  Cheif  in  and  over  our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampr  the  5th  day  of  Septr  in  the  9th  year 
of  our  Reign,  Annoque  Domini  1769. 

J’  Wentworth. 


By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  $ 

T : Atkinson  Junr  Secry — 

Prove  of  N.  Hampsr  Enter’d  and  Recorded  according  to  the 
Original  Patent  under  the  Province  Seal — the  5th  Septr  1769. 

Attr  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


476 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


s.zln 

c?  - .V71*' 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Augst  27.  1769. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan,  beginns  at  the  S.  E.  corner  of 
Haverhill  & running  on  the  East  line  of  said  Haverhill  5 miles 
47chs  & 5opks  N.  25  E.  from  thence  S.  55  E.  by  Land  laid  out  for 
Doctr  Cutter  if  miles,  from  thence  S.  25.  W.  5 miles  39chs  & 5o1,ks 


BERLIN. 


477 


to  a Birch  Tree,  then  turning  off  at  right  angles  & running  N.  58. 
W.  if  miles  to  the  bounds  began  at.  contains  5000  Ac3  with  an 
allowance  of  1327^  Acres  of  Land,  for  Mountains  & Waste  Lands 
— & is  a true  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as 
taken  & retd  to  me  by  Mr  Dudley  Colman  Dy  Survr 

Attestd  ^ Is  : Rindge  Sr  Gen1 — 


BERLIN. 

[Granted,  Dec.  31,  1771,  to  Sir  William  Mayne  and  others,  and  named  Maynes- 
borough  in  honor  of  Sir  YVilliam.  Incorporated  as  Berlin,  July  1,  1829. 

See  Index  to  Laws,  57  ; sketch,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cods  County,  1888,  p. 
783  ; The  White  Hills,  by  T.  Starr  King,  1859,  p.  263  ; Round  Mountain,  by  E. 
B.  Cook,  4,  Appalachia,  257;  An  Exploration  of  the  Pilot  Range,  by  W.  H. 
Peek,  id .,  219;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  610;  In  the  Heart  of  the 
White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  172;  Northern  New  Hampshire,  by 
G.  F.  Bacon,  1890,  p.  73.] 


[Maynesborough  Charter,  1771.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  *4-66 
Hampshire  5 God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
(Maynesboro’)  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 
To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come,  Greeting. 
Know  ye,  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  plantation 
within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  by 
and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Went- 
worth Esqr  our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & of  our  Council  of  the 
same,  Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  after 
made  given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  our  elige  and  loving  Subjects 
Sir  William  Mayne  Baronet,  Robert  Mayne  Esqr,  George  Gray 
Esq : John  Graham  Esq : Walter  Kennedy  Esq : William  Botts 
Esq  : Paul  Wentworth  Esq  : John  Nelson  Esq:  John  Ward  Esq: 
Robert  Graham  Esq : David  Scrymgeour  Esq  : Colin  Mackenzie 
Esq : Thomas  Mayne  Esq : Edward  Mayne  Esq : William 


478 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Scrwens  Esq:  The  Honble  Robert  Needham,  Samuel  Smith  Esq: 
and  Thomas  Evans  Esq : & William  Wentworth  of  Barbadoes 
Esq  : who  have  made  Application  to  us  for  the  same,  setting  forth 
their  readiness  to  enter  upon  & improve  the  Premises  immediately, 
& to  the  respective  heirs  and  assigns  of  the  said  Grantees  for  Ever 
to  be  equally  divided  to  & amongst  them  a certain  Tract  or  parcel 
of  Land  situate  lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  containing  something  more  than  Six  Miles  Square, 
and  is  by  admeasurement  Thirty  one  Thousand  one  hundred  and 
Fifty  four  Acres,  being  about  Fifty  Acres  to  each  in  their  Families 
(exclusive  of  &)  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High- 
ways & unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Ponds  Mountains  and 
Waters  One  thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free  according  to  a Plan 
thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said 
Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the 
Secretry’3  Office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto 
annexed,  Butted  and  Bounded  as  follows  Videlicet  Begin- 
ning at  a Spruce  Tree  being  the  South  East  corner  of  the  addition 
of  Shelburne,  & runs  North  30  Deg3  East  5 Miles  & 80  Rods  to 
a Beech  Tree  spotted  & marked  with  the  Letters  M.  B.  P.  B. 
thence  running  North  82  Deg3  West  Ten  Miles  to  a Rock  Maple 
Tree  spotted  & marked  as  aforesaid,  then  South  30  Deg3  West  5 
Miles  and  80  Rods  to  a Red  Birch  Tree,  spotted  and  marked  as 
aforesaid,  thence  South  82  Deg3  West  bounding  on  a Tract  of 
Land  known  by  the  Name  of  Durand  & on  the  said  Ad- 
*4-67  dition  of  Shelburne  to  the  Bounds  began  it.  *To  Have 
and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed 
together  with  all  Priviledges  and  Appurtenances  to  them  the  said 
William  Mayne,  Robert  Mayne,  George  Gray,  John  Graham, 
Walter  Kennedy,  William  Botts,  Paul  Wentworth,  John  Nelson, 
John  Ward,  Robert  Graham,  David  Scrymgeour,  Colin  Mackenzie, 
Thomas  Mayne,  Edward  Mayne,  William  Scrwens,  Robert  Need- 
ham Samuel  Smith,  & Thomas  Evans  & William  Wentworth  and 
to  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  by  the  Name  of 
Maynesborough  upon  the  following  Terms  Videlicet 

First  That  the  said  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  clear 
& make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road  of  Five  Rods 
wide  thro’  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted,  which  said  Road  shall  be 
completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  in  failure  of 
which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be  forfeited  and 
revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  reenter’d 
upon  & regranted  to  any  of  our  loving  Subjects. 


BERLIN. 


479 


Second  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  Fifteen  Families  by  the  Ist  day  of  January  1774,  who  shall 
be  actually  cultivating  some  part  of  the  said  Land  and  resident  on 
the  same,  & to  continue  making  further  and  additional  Improve- 
ment, Cultivation  & Settlement  of  the  Premises  so  that  there  shall 
be  actually  settled  thereon  Sixty  Families  by  the  Ist  day  of  Jan- 
uary 1782,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  any  and  every  Delin- 
quent’s Share  and  of  such  Share  or  Shares  reverting  to  us  our 
Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  re- 
granted to  such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & culti- 
vate the  same. 

Third  That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  being  and  growing 
within  & upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  Masting  our  Royal 
Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be  cut  or  fell’d 
without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & obtained  upon 
the  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee  his  Heirs 
and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  as  being  sub- 
ject to  the  penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are 
or  hereafter  shall  be  enacted. 

Fourth  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  centre  of  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of  shall  be  reserved  & marked 
out  for  Town  Lots  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  Four  Acres. — 

Fifth.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and  suc- 
cessors on  or  before  the  Ist  day  of  January  1781,  the  rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Sixth  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  year 
forever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the 
abovesaid  Ist  day  of  January,  namely  on  the  Ist  day  *of  *4-68 
January  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1782, 

One  Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he 
so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land,  which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  receive  the  same  ; And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our 
Governor  & Commander  in  chief  aforesaid  the  31st  day  of  De- 


480 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


cembr  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1771  and  in  the  12th  year  of  our 
Reign. — 

J’  (l:s.)  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council.  5 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Decr  31,  1771.  , 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  of  Maynesborough 
under  the  Province  Seal 

Attest  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsm0  29th  Decr  1771. 

These  may  Certify  that  this  Plan  of  Maynesborough  (so  called) 
Beginning  at  a Spruce  Tree  being  the  N.  Easterly  corner  Bounds 
of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  in  addition  to  the  Township  of  Shel- 
burne, from  thence  running  North  30°  E.  5 Miles  & 80  Rods,  from 
thence  running  N.  82°  W.  10  Miles  to  a Rock  Maple  Tree,  from 
thence  running  S.  30°  W.  5 Miles  & 80  Rods  to  a Red  Birch  Tree, 


BETHLEHEM. 


481 


from  thence  running  S.  82°  E.  10  Miles  to  the  Bounds  first  men- 
tioned, Contains  31,154  Acres  of  Land  & is  a True  Copy  of  an 
Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  or  Township  as  taken  & 
returned  to  me  by  Cap4  Hubartis  Neal  Depy  Surveyor. 

Attest : Is.  Rindge  Sr  Gen1 — 


BETHLEHEM. 

[Granted  as  Lloyd  Hills  in  1774.  Incorporated  by  the  name  of  Bethlehem,  Dec. 
27,  1799.  Additions  of  territory  were  made  in  1848  and  1873. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  190;  Index  to  Laws,  57;  History,  by  Rev. 
Simeon  Bolles,  1883,  pp.  108;  10,  Granite  Monthly , 299;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazet- 
teer of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  154;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  512; 
Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  302  ; historical  notes  and  sketches 
in  White  Mountain  Echo , 1878-93,  passim ; Mt.  Willey,  by  J.  B.  Henck,  Jr.,  1, 
Appalachia,  120;  Mt.  Hale,  by  E.  B.  Cook,  3,  id.,  257;  The  Twin  Mountain 
Range,  by  A.  E.  Scott,  id.,  107  ; A Trip  over  Osceola,  the  Twin  Mountain  Range, 
and  Mt.  Garfield,  by  W.  L.  Hooper,  id.,  285  ; Incidents  in  White  Mountain  His- 
tory, by  B.  G.  Willey,  1857,  p.  279;  The  White  Mountains,  A Guide  to  their  In- 
terpretation, by  Julius  H.  Ward,  1890,  p.  205  ; In  the  Heart  of  the  White  Moun- 
tains, by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  276;  Historical  Note,  7,  Granite  Monthly,  29.] 


[Lloyd  Hills.] 

Holland’s  map  of  New  Hampshire  gives  a place  for  a township 
designated  as  Lloyd  Hills,  which  occupied  a considerable  portion 
of  the  territory  now  in  Bethlehem.  The  charter  records,  in  the 
office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  contain  nothing  relative  to  the  town- 
ship of  Lloyd  Hills,  except  a reference  to  it  as  a boundary  of  the 
town  of  Whitefield,  which  was  granted  in  1774. 

Two  documents  are  now  accessible  to  the  public,  which  throw 
some  light  upon  the  matter. 

First  is  the  lecture  on  the  early  history  of  Littleton  and  vicinity, 
by  the  late  Dr.  Adams  Moore,  in  which  are  the  following  passages 
relating  to  the  subject:  “ It  appears  by  the  charter  of  Whitefield 
that  that  town  was  bounded  on  the  Southwest  by  a town  named 
Lloyd  Hills. 

Some  person  interested  in  land  matters  and  finding  no  record  of 
it  in  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State,  wrote  to  Governor  Wentworth, 
who,  it  appears,  lived  at  a place  in  England  called  Hammersmith. 

30 


482 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


I have  seen  his  answer,  which,  from  sinister  motives,  was  kept 
rather  private,  as  it  was  the  key  to  some  land  disputes,  and  if  seen 
would  operate  against  the  parties  holding  it.  It  contained  a cor- 
rect plan  of  the  town  of  Lloyd  Hills,  now  Bethlehem. 

The  Ammonnosuc  river  was  laid  down  with  great  accuracy, 
the  line  between  that  town  and  this  [Littleton]  distinctly  placed  as 
a crossing  a certain  bend  in  the  river,  near  the  Alder  Brook  Mills, 
where  the  proprietors  of  this  town  have  supposed  it  to  be,  but  from 
which  they  have  been  crowded  back  this  way  about  fifty  rods. 
The  survey  purported  to  have  been  made  in  1774,  by  Dudley  Cole- 
man, who  had  surveyed  this  town  [then  Apthorp]  four  years  be- 
fore. The  Governor  must  have  taken  from  this  country  a book  of 
plans  of  all  these  townships,  furnished  him  by  the  deputy  survey- 
ors of  his  time,  which  would  unravel  the  snarls  of  many  a lawsuit 
past,  and  perhaps  to  come.” 

Second,  the  following  matter  relative  to  Lloyd  Hills  was  copied 
by  Philip  C.  Wilkins,  of  Littleton,  at  Portsmouth,  Aug.  8,  1850, 
from  a paper  purporting  to  be  the  original  in  the  handwriting  of 
Gov.  John  Wentworth.  It  was  in  the  possession  of  counsel  in  a 
case  when  pending  at  Portsmouth  relating  to  lands  in  Bethlehem. 
One  of  the  counsel  in  this  case  was  the  late  Ira  Goodall,  Esq.,  of 
Bath,  whose  professional  papers  were  sold  to  paper-makers  during 
the  late  war,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  original  of  Gov. 
Wentworth’s  communication  concerning  Lloyd  Hills  was  among 
them,  as  no  one  appears  to  have  known  of  its  .existence  in  recent 
years.  Mr.  Wilkins’s  record  of  survey  contains  his  memoranda 
and  copy,  which  is  substantially  as  follows  : 

“ Province  of  New  Hampshire 

“ Portsmouth  3d  January,  1774 

“ This  certifies  that  this  plan,  beginning  at  a Beech  Tree,  stand- 
ing in  the  northeasterly  line  of  Gunthwaite,  which  is  the  south- 
westerly corner  of  Apthorp  [thence  running  south  fifty-seven  and 
one  half  degrees  east,  two  miles  and  fifty-six  rods,  to  a spruce 
Tree,  which  is  the  northeasterly  corner  of  Gunthwaite  :]  thence 
south  fifty-eight  degrees  east,  three  miles  and  two  hundred  sixty- 
four  rods,  to  a Birch  Tree ; thence  north  fifty-six  degrees  east, 
five  miles  and  one  hundred  sixty-two  rods,  to  Bretton  Woods,  so 
called  ; thence  by  said  Bretton  Woods,  north  one  mile  and  twenty- 
five  rods,  to  a stake ; thence  north  fifty-eight  degrees  west,  five 
miles  and  ten  rods,  to  a Fir  Tree  ; thence  south  fifty-six  degrees 
west,  six  miles  and  one  half,  to  the  bound  began  at,  containing 
twenty-two  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  is  known  by 


BETHLEHEM.  483 

an  original  plan  or  survey  of  said  tract  or  township  as  returned  to 
me  by  Dudley  Coleman  Dep*  Surveyor. 

“ Attest  Is  : Rindge  S.  G.” 

“It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  within  discribed  land  in  the 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  was  surveyed  to  Joseph  Loring  and 
others  by  authority  of  Government,  parte  by  His  Majesty’s  man- 
damus and  parte  on  conditions  of  settlement  and  cultivation ; and 
that  the  grant  of  said  lands  was  called  in  council  according  to  the 
usual  forms  ; also  that  an  order  was  issued  to  the  secretary  of  the 
said  Province,  for  engrossing  the  patent,  but  I cannot  recollect 
whether  the  patent  was  perfected,  although  the  said  tract  of  land 
was  actually  granted,  and  I do  remember  that  about  twenty  thou- 
sand acres  was  property  of  Mr.  Loring  and  that  the  township  was 
called  or  named  Lloyd  Hills. 

“ Hammersmith  15  June  1783. 

“J.  Wentworth.” 

[Note  : The  bound  given  in  brackets,  in  the  suryeyors  general’s  certificate,  is 
inserted  as  it  appears  on  the  plan.  The  omission  probably  first  occurred  in  one  of 
the  unofficial  transcriptions  of  the  return  as  made  by  Mr.  Coleman. 

The  original  plans  of  surveys,  made  by  the  deputy  surveyors,  are  possibly  still  in 
existence ; and  if  so  probably  in  England ; they  would  make  a valuable  addition  to 
our  ancient  state  records,  and  some  means  ought  to  be  employed  to  obtain  them  if 
possible.] 


irTrc< 


484 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


BOSCAWEN. 


48S 


BOSCAWEN. 


[Granted  by  Massachusetts  as  Contoocook,  Dec.  8,  1732,  to  John  Coffin  and 
others,  of  Newbury,  Mass.  The  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors 
Jan.  10,  1758.  Incorporated  as  Boscawen  April  22,  1760,  and  named  in  honor  of 
Admiral  Edward  Boscawen  of  the  British  navy.  The  charter  was  renewed  Oct.  7, 
1763.  Webster  was  set  off  and  incorporated  July  4,  i860.  This  division  was 
attempted  in  1791,  when  the  inhabitants  of  the  west  part  of  the  town  asked  to  be 
set  off  and  incorporated  by  the  name  of  Bristol. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding  and  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  57  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  193  ; Index  to  Laws, 
62;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  169;  Descriptive  and 
Historical  Account,  by  John  Farmer,  20  ; Mass.  Historical  Society  Collections,  71  ; 
Indian  Troubles,  2,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  375  ; Chronological 
Register,  by  Ebenezer  Price,  1823,  pp.  1 1 6 ; Centennial  Celebration,  1876,  pp.  27; 
History  of  Boscawen  and  Webster,  by  Charles  Carleton  Coffin,  1878,  pp.  656; 
One  Hundred  and  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  Settlement,  1883,  pub.  1884,  pp.  21 1 ; 
Memorial  Addresses  on  Life  and  Character  of  William  Pitt  Fessenden,  1870; 
Memoirs  of  John  Adams  Dix,  by  Morgan  Dix,  1883  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches, 
1856,  pp.  348,  355.] 


[Boscawen  Incorporated,  1760.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  *1-220 
New  Hampr  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 
To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greeting 
Whereas  Our  loyall  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  a Tract 
of  Land  within  Our  Province  of  New  Hampr  known 
by  the  Name  of  Contoocook  have  Humbly  Petitioned 
Boscawen  & requested  that  they  may  be  errected  & incorporated 
into  a Township  & Infranchized  with  the  Same  Powers  & Pre- 
viledges  which  other  Towns  within  Our  Said  Province  by  Law 
have  and  Injoy  and  it  appearing  to  us  to  be  conducive  to  the  Gen11 
good  of  our  Said  Province  as  well  as  to  the  said  Inhabitants  in 
Perticular  by  maintaining  good  Order  and  Encouraging  the  Cul- 
ture of  the  Lands  that  the  Same  Should  be  don 

Know  Ye  therefore  that  We  of  Our  Special  Grace  Certain 
Knowledge  & for  the  Encouraging  and  Promoting  the  good  Ends 
& Purposes  aforesd  by  & with  the  Advice  of  Our  Trusty  & well 
beloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  Our  Governour  & Com’ander  in 
Chieff  & of  Our  Council  for  Said  Province  of  New  Hampr  Have 


486 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


erected  & ordain’d  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  & 
Successors  do  will  & ordain  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Tract  of 
Land  aforesd  or  that  Shall  Inhabit  or  Improve  thereon  the  Same 
being  Limited  & Bounded  as  follows  Beginning  at  the  Southerly 
Side  of  Contoocook  Rivers  Mouth  where  the  Same  falls  into 
Merrimack  River  & running  thence  on  A Course  West  Seventeen 
Degrees  South  Seven  Miles  & One  Hundred  Rodds  Measured 
from  A Forked  white  Pine  near  the  Mouth  of  Contoocook  River  to 
a Pitch  Pine  & Heap  of  Stones  & from  sd  Pitch  Pine  & heap  of 
Stones  Running  North  Seventeen  degrees  West  Seven  Miles  to  A 
forked  Beach  Marked  & thence  on  a Course  East  Seventeen 
degrees  North  to  Merrimack  River  to  a heap  of  Stones  & thence 
by  the  River  (as  the  Same  runs)  to  the  Mouth  of  Contoocook 
River  again  where  it  began  Shall  be  and  by  these  Presents  Are 
Declared  and  Ordain’d  to  be  a Town  Corporate  and  Are  hereby 
Errected  & Incorporated  into  A Body  Politick  & Corporate  to  have 
a Continuence  two  Years  Only  by  the  Name  of  Boscawen  with  all 
the  Powers  and  Authoritys  Previledges  Immunities  & 
*1-221  Franchises  which  *Any  Other  Towns  in  Said  Province  by 
Law  hold  & Enjoy  always  Reserving  to  us  Our  Heirs  & 
Successors  all  white  Pine  Trees  that  are  or  shall  be  found  growing 
& being  on  sd  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  Use  of  our  Royal  Navy 
Reserving  to  us  Our  heirs  & Successors  the  Power  & Right  of 
Dividing  Said  Town  when  it  Shall  Appear  Necessary  & Convenient 
for  the  Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  thereof  Provided  Neverthe  Less 
and  it  is  hereby  Declared  that  this  our  Charter  and  Grant  is  not 
Intended  or  Shall  in  any  manner  be  Construed  to  Extend  to 
or  effect  the  Private  Property  of  the  Soil  within  the  Limits  afore- 
said And  as  the  Several  Towns  within  our  Said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  are  by  the  Laws  thereof  Enabled  & Authorized  to 
assemble  & by  the  Majority  of  the  Voters  Present  to  Choose  all 
Such  Officers  & Transact  such  affairs  as  by  the  Said  Laws  Are 
declared  We  do  by  these  Presents  Nominate  & Appoint  Colonel 
Joseph  Coffin  Esq  to  Call  the  first  Meeting  of  said  Inhabitants  to 
be  held  within  the  sd  Town  at  any  Time  within  60  days  from  the 
date  hereof  giving  Legal  Notice  of  the  Time  & Design  of  holding 
such  meeting  after  which  the  Annual  Meeting  of  said  Town  for  the 
Choice  of  Such  officers  & management  of  the  Affairs  aforesaid 
Shall  be  held  within  the  Same  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  March 
Annually  In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  Our 
Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wittness  Benning  Went- 
worth Esq  Our  Governor  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  of  Our  Said 


BOSCAWEN. 


487 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  Twenty  Second  Day  of  April  in 
the  Thirty  third  Year  of  Our  Reign  and  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord 
Christ  1760 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 
Entred  & Recorded  the  23d  Day  of  April  1760 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


Ip  Theodr  Atkinson  Ser* 


488 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Boscawen  Incorporation  Renewed,  1763.] 

*1-260  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain 
France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 

Whereas  our  Late  Royal  Grandfather  King  George  the 
Second  of  Glorious  Memory  did  of  his  Special  Grace  & upon  the 
Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  a Tract  of  Land  in  our  said  Province 
known  by  the  Name  of  Boscawen  & for  the  Maintaining  good 
order  & Encouraging  the  Culture  of  the  Land  there  by  his  Letters 
Patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  of  our  said  Province  dated  the 
22d  day  of  Aprill  in  the  Thirty  Third  Year  of  his  Reign,  & in  the 
Year  of  our  Lord  1760,  did  Erect  & Incorporate  into  a Body 
Politick  & Corporate  by  the  Name  of  Boscawen  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  said  Tract  of  Land,  or  those  that  should  thereon  Inhabit  there- 
after which  Tract  is  Butted  & Bounded  as  in  the  said  Patent  or 
Charter  is  Express’d  & was  to  have  Continuance  untill  the 
Expiration  of  Two  Years  & no  longer,  which  time  being  now 
Elapsed  & the  Inhabitants  having  again  Petition’d  to  have  the  said 
Charter  Priviledges  Renew’d  & it  appearing  Necessary  to  Answer 
the  good  End  Proposed  as  well  as  to  Enable  the  Inhabitants  aforesd 
to  Assess  & Collect  their  Rates  & Taxes — 

Know  Yee  that  we  being  Willing  to  Promote  the  good  end 
Proposed,  have  of  our  farther  grace  & Favour  by,&  with  the  Advice 
of  our  trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq.  our 
Governor  & Commander  in  Cheif  & of#  our  Council  for  said 
Province  Revived  & Regranted  & by  these  Presents  do  Revive  & 
Regrant  unto  the  said  Inhabitants  & their  Successors  on  the  said 
Tract  of  Land,  all  the  Powers  & Authoritys  Priviledges  & 
Immunity’s  & Franchises  in  the  said  Charter  mention’d,  as  they 
Enjoy’d  the  same  while  that  Charter  was  in  force,  & to  have 
Continuance  untill  we  shall  approve  or  Disallow  the  same  & 
signify  such  our  Approbation  or  Dissallowance,  & to  Obviate  any 
dispute  that  may  arise  about  the  Authority  in  calling  a Meeting  of 
the  Inhabitants  &c,  the  Select  Men  or  those  that  were  appointed  to 
that  Office  & served  therein  the  last  time  or  the  Town  Clerk  are 
hereby  Authorized  in  the  usual  form  & Method  to  Notify  & 
call  a Meeting  of  the  sd  Inhabitants  for  the  Choise  of  Town  officers 
& other  Affairs  of  said  Town 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  the  Province 
aforesd  to  be  hereunto  Affixed — Witness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq. 


BOW.  489 

our  Governor  & Coma  in  Chief  this  7th  Day  of  Octor  in  the  3d  Year 
of  our  Reign  Anno  : Domini  1763 — 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theo  : Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 

Province  of  New  Hampsr  Octor  8.  1763 

Recorded  According  to  the  Origional  under  the  Prov.  Seal 

^ T : Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 


BOW. 

[Granted  by  Lieut.  Gov.  John  Wentworth,  May  10,  1727,  to  Jonathan  Wig- 
gin  and  others,  and  was  so  named  on  account  of  a bend  in  the  river  within  the 
town  limits.  A portion  of  Bow  was  combined  with  Suncook  and  Buckstreet  to 
make  the  parish  of  Pembroke,  Nov.  1,  1759.  Two  tracts  of  land  were  severed 
from  Bow,  and  annexed,  one  to  Concord,  and  the  other  to  Pembroke,  Dec.  13, 
1804.  A portion  was  severed  and  annexed  to  Allenstown,  June  22,  1815. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  : IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  62  ; XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  209 ; Index  to  Laws,  64 ; sketch,  by  Harrison  Colby, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  263;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H., 
by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  12,  16;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  357.] 


[Bow  Charter,  1727.] 

*George  By  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brittain  *1-7 
ffrance  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  ffaith  &ca — 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Come  Greeting  Know  ye  that  we  of  our  Special 
Knowledge  & mere  motion,  for  the  Due  Encourage- 
■g  > m1  of  Setling  a New  Plantation,  By  & with  the 
$ Advise  & Concent  of  Our  Council  have  given  & 
Granted  And  by  these  Presents  as  far  as  in  us  lyes  do  give  & Grant 
in  Equal  Shares  unto  Sundry  of  our  beloved  Subjects  whose  names 
Are  Entred  in  a Schedule  here  unto  Annexed  that  Inhabit  or  Shall 
Inhabit  within  the  sd  Grant,  within  our  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire all  that  Tract  of  Land  within  the  following  Bounds  Viz — 
Beginning  on  the  South  East  Side  of  the  Town  of  Chichester  & 
runing  nine  miles  by  Chichester,  And  Canterbury  And  Carrying 


490 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  Breadth  of  Nine  Miles  from  Each  of  the  aforesd  Towns  South- 
west untill  the  ful  Complyment  of  Eighty  one  Square  Miles  Are 
fully  made  up  & that  the  Same  be  A Town  Corporate  by  the 
Name  of  Bow  to  the  Persons  aforesd  and  their  Associates  for- 
ever— To  have  & to  hold  the  sd  Land  to  the  Sd  Grantees  and  to 
Such  Associates  as  they  shall  admitt  for  ever — upon  the  Conditions 
following — 

1)  That  the  Proprietors  build  or  Cause  to  be  built  Seventy  five 
Dwelling  houses  on  Sd  Land  & Settle  a family  in  Each  House  & 
Clear  Three  Acres  of  Land  fitt  for  Mowing  or  Plowing  within 
Three  years  And  that  Each  Proprietor  pay  his  Proportion  of  the 

• Town  Charge  When  & So  often  as  Occasion  Shall  Require  the 
Same 

2)  That  A meeting  House  bee  built  for  the  Publick  Worship  of 
God  within  the  Term  of  four  years — 

3 That  upon  Default  of  any  Perticular  Proprietor  in  Complying 
with  the  Conditions  of  the  Charter  upon  his  part  Such  Dilinquent 
Proprietor  Shall  forfeit  his  Shear  to  the  other  Proprietors 
*1-8  which  Shall  be  ^Disposed  of  According  to  the  Majr  Vote 
of  the  Sd  Proprietors  at  a Legal  Town  meeting — 

4)  That  a Proprietors  Shear  be  reserved  for  a Parsonage 
another  for  the  first  minister  of  the  Gospell : which  Shall  be 
Settled  and  ordained  in  Sd  Town  Another  Such  Share  for  the 
benefit  of  the  School  in  Sd  Town  Provided  nevertheless  that  the 
Peace  with  the  Indians — Continue  Duering  the  Space  of  Three 
Years  but  if  it  Should  So  happen  that  A War  with  the  Indians 
Shall  Com’ence  before  the  Expiration  of  the  Sd  Three  years  then 
the  Term  of  three  years  Shall  be  Allowed  the  Proprietors  after  the 
Expiration  of  the  War  for  the  Performance  of  the  aforesd  Con- 
ditions— rendring  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors 
or  Such  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to  recieve  the 
Same  The  Annual  Quit  Rent  or  Acknowledgment  of  One  Ear  of 
Indian  Corn  in  the  Sd  Town  on  the  first  fryday  In  December  Yearly 
for  Ever  (if  Demanded)  reserveing  alsoe  unto  us  our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors all  mast  Trees  Growing  on  ye  Sd  Land  According  to  Acts  of 
Parliament  in  that  case  made  & Provided  & for  the  better  order  rule 
& Governm*  of  the  Sd  Town  We  do  by  these  Presents  for  our  Selves 
our  heirs  & Successors  Grant  unto  the  Sd  men  & Inhabitants  or 
Those  that  Shall  Inhabit  the  Sd  Town  That  yearly  & Every  year 
upon  the  first  Thursday  in  April  forever  Shall  meet  to  Effect  & 
Choose  by  the  majr  part  of  the  Proprietors  then  Present  Constables 
Select  men  and  other  Town  Officers  According  to  the  Laws  & 


BOW. 


49 1 


ussages  of  Our  Sd  Province  & we  do  Appoint  Andrew  Wiggin 
Esq  George  Veazey  & Wm  Moor  to  be  Select  men  of  Our  Sd  Town 
untill  the  first  Thursday  in  April  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  Our 
Lord  1728  with  full  power  & Authority  as  other  Town  Select 
men  have  to  Call  a Town  meeting  or  meetings  as  there  may  be 
Occasion  And  to  Continue  untill  other  Select  Men  Shall 
be  Chosen  in  their  Steed  in  Such  Manner  as  is  in  *These  *1-9 
Presents  Expressed  In  Testimony  whereof  we  have 
Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Sd  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witt- 
ness  John  Wentworth  Esq  our  Leiu4  Governour  & Com’ander  in 
Cheiff  in  & over  our  Sd  Province  at  our  Town  of  Portsm0  in  our 
Sd  Province  to  the  20th  Day  of  may  in  the  13th  year  of  Our 
Reigne  Anno  Domini  1727  J Wentworth 

By  the  L*  Govr  Command 
with  advice  of  the  Council 

Richd  Waldron  Cler  Co’n 


A Schedule  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Bow — 


Jona  Weggins 
Thomas  Veyse 
Edward  ffifield 
Jona  Chase 
Thomas  Rollings 
Thomas  Piiper 
Joseph  Mason 
Zachel  Rundlet 
Nathaniel  Stephens 
Joseph  Merril  Junr 
John  Piper 
John  Sinkler 
Benja  Hoeg 
Benja  Palmer 
Thomas  ffrench 
John  Hill 
Richd  Colley  Junr 
Edward  ffifield 
Benja  Veasey 
Jona  Clark 
Symon  Weggins 
John  Speed 
Thomas  Wiggin  3d 
Walter  Weggin 


Thomas  Weggins 
George  Veysey 
William  ffrench 
Moses  Leavit 
Richd  Crochet 
Richd  Colley 
John  Hanniford 
John  Mead 
David  Robinson 
Jude  Allen 
Sam11  Veasey 
Sam11  Green 
Sam11  Hillton 
Owen  Renals 
Nath11  Piper 
Thomas  Odell 
Thomas  Bryer 
Wm  ffrench  Junr 
Thomas  Veasey  Junr 
George  Veasey  Junr 
Sam11  Stevens 
Sam11  Piper  Junr 
Benja  Mason 
Caleb  Rowlings 

cD 


Sam11  Piper 
William  Moore 
James  Palmer 
Joshua  Hill 
Isaac  ffoss 
Sam11  Goodhue 
Joseph  Rollings 
Joseph  Merrill 
Johna  Derburn 
James  Merril 
James  Kenniston 
Wm  Burley 
Mathew  Thompson 
Joshua  Neal 
Joseph  Jewet 
Abraham  Stockbridge 
Joseph  Mason  Junr 
Ephm  Leavit 
Nathan  Taylor 
John  Levet 
John  Sachell 
Chace  Weggin 
Joshua  Kenniston 
Joseph  Palmer 


492 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Edward  Taylor  Benja  Norris  John  Green 

Joshua  Stephens  Tho3  Piper  Junr  Nath11  ffolsham 


~i-io  Henry  Weggin  Joseph  Pevey 
John  Palmer  James  Norris 
Broadstreet  Weggin  Thoph1  Smith 
Rob1  Willson 
Benja  Taylor  Junr 
Benning  Wentworth 
Mark  Wentworth 


Henry  Rust 
Rob1  Auchmuty 
George  Long 


Jeremiah  ffolsham  Junr 
Abram  Morgan 
Stephen  Thurstin 
Joseph  Hoeg 
Nathan  White 
Wm  Wentworth 
George  Jaffrey  Junr 
Ebenezr  Wear 
Sampson  Sheaff 


John  Avery 
Benja  ffollet 
Hunking  Wentworth 
Richd  Wibird  Junr 
Cyprean  Jaffry 
John  Read  Attr 
Richd  Waldron  Junr 
Admitted  Associates 
His  Excelency  & Hoff — Sam11  Shute  Esq  John  Wentworth  Esq 
Each  of  them  500  Acres  of  Land  And  a home  Lot 
Coll  Mark  Hunking  Coll  Walton  George  Jaffrey 

Richd  Wibird  Coll  Tho3  Westbrook  Archibald  Mcpheadris 

John  ffrost  Jotham  Odiorne  Esquirs 

Each  A Proprietors  Shear — 


Peter  Wear 
John  Gillman 
Cap1  John  Gillman 
Mr  Ephm  Dennet 
Ebeff  Stevens 
James  Jeffry 
Zah  Hanahford 


Bow  Schedule  Certifyed 


John  Plaisted 
Andrew  Wiggin 
Sam11  Tibbets 
John  Sanburn 
Richd  Jennes 
Jos  Loverin 
Jos  Wiggin 


James  Davis 
Cap1  John  Downing 
Paul  Gerrish 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Cap1  Wm  ffellows 
Dapiu  Loverin 
Peirce  Long 


Richard  Waldron  Cler  Con 


Joseph  Low 
George  Clark 
Johna  Rowlings 
Wm  Moor  Juff 
Mary  Jones 


James  Robinson 
Daniel  Moody 
Holdrge  Cilley 
Abigail  Powel 
Kathorin  Wiggans 
Benja  Taylor 
The  Sixteen  ^sons  above  named  Are 
Added  ^ order  of  the  L1  Govr  & Council 


Noah  Barker 
Tho3  Wiggin  Juff 
Daniel  Davis 
Mary  Smith 
Nich0  Wiggins 

A Part  of  the  Schedule 

R Waldron  Cler  Con 


Prove  of  New  Hampr  November  25th  1742 
Entred  & Recorded  According  to  the  Originall 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  See"7 


BRENTWOOD. 


493 


BRENTWOOD. 

[Set  off  from  Exeter  as  the  parish  of  Brintwood,  June  26,  1742.  Incorporation 
was  asked  for  May  26,  1744,  and  Oct.  1,  it  was  voted  to  advise  the  Governor  to 
grant  it.  Poplin  [Fremont]  was  set  off  and  incorporated  as  a parish,  June  22, 
1764. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  76 ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  223  ; Index  to 
Laws,  66 ; Bell’s  History  of  Exeter,  passim  ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rocking- 
ham County,  1882,  p.  129;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  byE.E.  Cummings,  1836, 
p.  7;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  20;  Annals  of  the  Congregational 
Church  and  Parish,  by  Benjamin  A.  Dean,  1889,  pp.  43.] 


[Keeneborough  Charter,  1744.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire  *1-19 

George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 
Great  Brittain  ffrance  & Ireland  King  Defender  of 
the  faith  &ca — 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greet- 
Keeneborough  ing 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  been  Represented  to  us  by  Cap4  Andrew 
Gillman  & others  Inhabitants  of  the  Parish  of  Brintwood  that  great 
disorders  have  Arisen  in  Sd  Parish  respecting  their  Parish  affairs 
in  General  and  that  All  Proposals  heitherto  Attempted  have  Proved 
Ineffectual  to  restore  peace  & good  order  amoungst  them  Where- 
fore the  Sd  Cap4  Andrew  Gillman  in  behalf  of  him  Self  & others 
humbly  Prays  that  a New  Parish  may  be  Errected  in  Sd  Parish  of 
Brintwood  And  to  the  End  that  Peace  & good  order  may  be 
Established  Know  ye  Therefore  that  we  of  our  Especial  Grace 
Certain  knowledge  & mere  motion  by  & with  the  Advice  of  our 
Trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Captain 
General  Govern1,  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  of  our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  & of  our  Council  of  Sd  Province  Have 
Incorporated  Ordained  Declared  And  Appointed  And  by  these  Pres- 
ents for  us  our  heirs  & Successors  do  Incorporate  ordain  Declare  & 
Appoint  out  of  the  Parish  of  Brintwood  All  that  Tract  or  Parcell 
of  Land  Lying  & being  in  the  Parish  of  Brintwood  in  our  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  aforesd  Containing  by  Admeasure- 
ment Twelve  thousand  five  hundred  & Ninty  five  * Acres  *1-20 
And  One  Quarter  of  An  Acre  According  to  A Plan  & 

Survey  made  by  order  of  our  Sd  Governour  by  George  Mitchell  Esq 


494 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


& Cap1  Dudley  Odlin  hereunto  Annexed  Abutting  & bounding  as 
by  the  SdPlan  or  Survey  may  Appear  And  we  Do  hereby  ordain  & 
Appoint  that  the  Sd  respective  Inhabitants  that  now  Are  or  that 
Shall  hereafter  be  In  Possession  of  the  Lands  within  the  Plan  or 
Survey  aforesd  Shall  be  one  Society  Corporation  & Body  Pollitick  to 
have  Continueance  for  Ever  by  the  name  of  Keeneborough  & that 
they  & there  Successors  Shall  by  that  Name  be  Able  & Capable  in 
Law  to  Call  Parish  Meetings,  The  first  of  which  is  to  be  Called 
within  Thirty  days  from  the  Date  hereof  by  Cap1  Andrew  Gillman 
& Humphry  Willson  & Benja  Gillman  & the  Meetings  hereafter 
Shall  be  on  the  first  monday  of  April  Annually  And  we  do  here- 
by give  & Grant  unto  the  Sd  Society  or  Corporation  full  Power 
And  Authority  to  make  Choice  of  Proper  Officers  to  Levy  Taxes 
on  the  Inhabitants  for  the  Support  of  the  Society  Agreable  to  the 
Laws  of  Our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  made  for  Regulateing 
Town  & Parish  affairs  And  we  Do  further  give  & Grant  to  the 
Sd  Society  full  Power  to  Call  & Settle  A regular  And  Orthodox 
Minister  of  the  Gospell  & to  Levy  Taxes  on  the  Inhabitants  Con- 
formable to  the  Laws  aforesd  of  our  Province  Aforesd  for  his  Sup- 
port Reserveing  only  the  recomending  the  first  Minister  to  the  Presi- 
dent & Senior  fellows  of  Harvard  Colledge  in  New  England  or  the 
Reverend  Jabez  flitch  & the  Reverend  John  Odlin  And  we  Do 
alsoe  reserve  to  his  Most  Sacred  Majesty  his  heirs  & Successors 
All  White  Pine  Trees  growing  Standing  or  being  within  the  Plan 
or  Survey  above  mentioned  the  Preservation  whereof  for 
*1-21  his  Majestys  Royal  Navy  is  the  Tennu're  by  which  *you 
hold  & Enjoy  your  Incorporation  And  Lastly  we  do  De- 
clare & ordain  That  these  Our  Letters  Pattent  and  Every  clause 
Sentence  And  Article  herein  Contained  Shall  be  in  all  things  firm 
Valid  & Effectual  in  the  Law  unto  the  Sd  Society  & their  Succes- 
sors According  to  the  Purport  &Tennour  thereof  Provided  Always 
that  these  our  Letters  Patent  be  recorded  within  one  month  from 
the  Date  hereof  in  Our  Recorders  office  Appointed  for  that  Pur- 
pose in  our  Sd  Province  of  New  Hampshire  In  Wittness  whereof 
We  have  Caused  these  our  Letters  to  be  made  Patent  — Wittness 
our  Sd  Governour  & Comander  in  Chieff  of  our  Sd  Province  at 
Portsmouth  the  27th  Day  of  October  in  the  Eighteenth  Year  of  Our 
Reigne  Annoq  Domini  1744 — 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excelencys  Comand 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theodr  Atkinson  Sery 


BRENTWOOD. 


495 


Province  of  New  Hampr  November  the  10th  1744 
Entred  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original 

Attestr  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

*A  Plan  of  the  Parish  of  Taken  by  order  of  his  *1-22 

Excelency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  &ca  &ca  By 
his  Excelencys  most  Obedient  Humble  Servts 

George  Mitchell 
Dudley  Odlin 


References,  Viz — 

Begining  at  the  South  West  Corner  of  Newmarket  runing  Due 
South  till  That  line  Strikes  Exeter  River  near  Pickpocket  upper 
Mills 

From  thence  to  follow  the  Course  of  sd  River  to  the  bottom  of 
the  little  falls — 


496 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


From  thence  North  one  Degree  East  to  the  South  Side  of  Deer 
hill  Mill  pond 

From  thence  West  & by  North  or  Parralel  with  Kingstown  line 
till  that  Course  Strike  the  Spruce  Swamp  So  called — 

From  thence  North  till  it  Strikes  Epping  Line 
*1-23  *From  thence  to  Continue  in  Epping  Line  to  New  market 
Corner  aforesd — 

Entred  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original  this  10th  day  of 
November  1744 — 

IP  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec^ 


BRIDGEWATER. 

[Set  off  from  Hill  and  incorporated,  Feb.  12,  1788.  The  southerly  portion  of 
the  town  was  combined  with  the  northerly  part  of  Hill  to  make  up  the  town  of 
Bristol,  June  24,  1819. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  238 ; Index  to  Laws,  69 ; sketch,  Child’s 
Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  170  ; Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists, 
1862,  p.  252;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  514;  Stevens’s  Memorials  of 
Methodism,  2d  series,  1852,  p.  234.] 


BRISTOL. 

[Constituted  from  parts  of  Bridgewater  and  Hill,  and , incorporated  June  24, 
1819. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  238;  XII,  id.,  195;  Index  to  Laws,  70; 
sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  176;  History,  by  R.  W.  Mus- 
grove,  in  preparation ; sketch,  5,  Granite  Monthly,  262;  Guide  to  Bristol  and  Pas- 
quaney  Lake,  by  R.  W.  Musgrove,  1892;  Pasquaney,  A Study,  by  F.  L.  Pattee, 
1 893,  pp.  83;  History  of  the  M.  E.  Church  by  R.  W.  Musgrove  and  Otis  Cole, 
1890;  Lawrence's  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  515;  Central  New  Hampshire,  by 
G.  F.  Bacon,  1890,  p.  43.] 


BROOKFIELD. 

[Set  off  from  Middleton  and  incorporated  Dec.  30,  1794.  These  towns  are  a 
part  of  the  territory  included  in  the  proposed  grant  of  the  township  of  Coulerain, 
1726. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  127;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  594;  Index 
to  Laws,  70 ; sketch,  by  Dudley  C.  Colman,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Carroll  County, 
1889,  p.450;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  252;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  600;  papers  under  title  Coulerain.] 


BROOKLINE. 


497 


BROOKLINE. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Old  Dunstable  grant.  Incorporated  by  the  name  of 
Raby,  March  30,  1769,  and  included  parts  of  Hollis  and  Mile  Slip.  The  present 
name  was  adopted  Dec.  1,  1798.  A portion  of  Hollis  was  annexed  Feb.  17,  1786. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  193  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  240;  Indexto 
Lawrs,  70;  sketch,  by  I.  B.  Sawtelle,  Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885, 
p.  289;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  160.] 


[Raby  Incorporated,  1769.] 

^Province  of  New  ) George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of  *1-335 
Hampshire  ) Hod  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
land King  defender  of  the  Faith  and  so  forth. 
To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come, 
Greeting. 

Whereas  our  Loyal  Subjects  inhabitants  of  the 
westerly  part  of  the  Town  of  Holies  and  the  mile  Slip 
Raby — ^ so  called  in  our  Province  aforesaid  Have  humbly 

now  > Petition’d  and  requested  us  that  the}'  may  be  erected 

Brookline.  ) and  incorporated  into  a Township  and  enfranchised 
with  the  same  Powers  and  Privileges  which  other  Towns  within 
our  said  Province  by  Law  have  and  Enjoy  and  it  appearing  unto 
us  to  be  conducive  to  the  general  good  of  our  said  Province  as  well 
as  of  the  said  Inhabitants  in  particular  by  maintaining  good  order 
and  encouraging  the  culture  of  the  Land  that  the  same  should  be 
done-KNOw  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge 
and  for  the  encouragm1  and  promotion  of  the  good  Purposes 
and  Ends  aforesaid  (by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and 
well-beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq : our  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  cheif,  and  of  our  Council  for  the  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire)  have  Erected  and  ordain’d  and  by  these  Presents  for 
us  our  heirs  & Successors  do  will  and  ordain  that  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  aforesaid  Tract  of  Land,  and  others  who  shall  improve  and 
inhabit  thereon  hereafter,  the  same  being  butted  and  bounded  as 
follows  viz1  Begining  at  a Stake  and  Stones  in  the  South  side 
line  of  the  Town  of  Holies,  (which  is  also  the  Province  Line) 
which  stake  stands  about  two  miles  due  East  from  the  South  West 
corner  of  said  Holies,  thence  runing  North  by  the  Needle  ’cross  the 
said  Town  to  one  other  stake  and  Stones  standing  on  the  North 
side  line  of  said  Holies,  leaving  the  meeting  house  in  the  middle 

31 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


49S 


between  this  Line,  and  the  East  side  line  of  Holies  then  runing 
from  the  last  mention'd  stake  Westerly  by  Holies  to  the  North 
west  corner  thereof  then  continuing  that  line  'cross  a tract  of 
land  call’d  the  mile  slip  to  the  Easterly  side  line  of 
*1-336  *Mason,  then  turning  off  and  runing  South  by  the  needle 
on  the  Easterly  side  line  of  Mason  aforesaid  to  the 
Province  line  then  due  east  partly  on  the  Province  Line  and  partly 
on  the  South  side  line  of  Holies  aforesaid  to  the  stake  began  at.  be 
and  the}'  are  hereby  declared  to  be  a Town  Corporate  and  are 
hereby  erected  and  Incorporated  into  a Body  Politic  and  corporate 
to  have  continuance  for  ever  by  the  name  of  Raby  with  all  the 
Powers  and  Authorities,  Priviledges,  Immunities  and  Franchises 
which  any  other  Towns  in  said  Province  by  Law  hold  & enjoy — to 
the  said  Inhabitants  or  who  shall  hereafter  inhabit  there  & their 
Successors  for  ever — always  reserving  to  us  our  heirs  and 
Successors  all  white  pine  Trees  that  are  or  shall  be  found 
growing  and  being  on  the  said  Tract  of  land,  fit  for  the  use  of  our 
Royal  Navy,  resenting  also  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors,  the 
Power  and  right  of  dividing  said  Town,  when  it  shall  appear 
necessary  & convenient  for  the  Inhabitants  thereof.  Provided 
Nevertheless  & tis  hereby  declar'd  that  this  Charter  and  Grant,  is 
not  intended  and  shall  not  in  any  manner  be  construed  to  affect  the 
Private  property  of  the  Soil  within  the  limits  aforesaid  and  as  the 
several  Towns  within  our  said  Province,  are  by  the  Laws  thereof, 
enabled  and  Authoriz'd  to  assemble  and  by,the  Majority  of  the 
Voters  present  to  chuse  all  such  Officers  & transact  such  affairs 
as  in  the  said  Laws  are  declar'd — We  do  by  these  Presents  nominate 
and  appoint  Samuel  Farley  to  call  the  first  meeting  of  said 
Inhabitants  to  be  held  within  the  said  Town  at  any  time  within 
Thirty  davs  from  the  date  hereof,  giving  legal  notice  of  the  Time 
and  design  of  holding  such  meeting,  after  which  the  annual  meet- 
ing  in  said  Town  shall  be  held  for  the  choice  of  said  Officers  and 
the  Purposes  aforesaid  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  March  annually. 

Ix  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our 
*I_337  said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affix’d  ^Witness  John 
Wentworth  Esq.  our  aforesaid  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  cheif  the  30th  day  of  March  in  the  9th  year  of  our  Reign 
Anno : domini  1769. 

J’  Wentworth 


By  his  Excellency’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council. 

T : Atkinson  Junr  Sec’7 


CAMBRIDGE. 


499 


Enter’d  and  Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Incorporation 
this  Ist  day  of  April  1769 — 

Attest : Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


CAMBRIDGE. 

[Granted  to  Nathaniel  Rogers  and  others,  May  19,  1773.  Never  incorporated. 
See  Index  to  Laws,  78.] 


[Cambridge  Charter,  1773.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  *4-149 
New  Hampre  > Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 

Cambridge.  To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  greeting 
Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  Knowledge  and 
meer  motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  Plantation 
within  our  said  Province  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  trusty  & 
well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New 
England  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province  Have  upon  the 
conditions  & reservations  herein  after  made  given  and  granted  and 
by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  & grant 
in  equal  Shares  unto  our  loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  & our  other  Dominions  who  have 
petitioned  us  for  the  same  setting  forth  their  readiness  to  make 
immediate  Settlement  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  whose 
names  are  entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and  amongst  them 
into  Sixty  seven  equal  shares  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land 
situate  lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
containing  by  admeasurement  twenty  three  thousand  one  hundred 
and  sixty  Acres  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High- 
ways and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  and  Waters 
one  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty  Acres  free  according  to  a 
Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands 
for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  order  and  returned 
into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is 
hereunto  annexed  butted  and  bounded  as  follows  viz4  Begining 


5°° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


at  a red  Birch  Tree  standing  in  the  East  Boundary  Line  of  said 
Province  and  is  the  North  East  Corner  bound  of  Success  (so 
called)  the  same  Tree  being  marked  HN  1772  from  thence 
running  on  said  Line  North  eight  degrees  East  six 
*4-150  Miles*  to  a Stake  in  a Meadow  sixteen  Rods  distant  from 
the  northerly  Bank  of  a little  river  that  runs  into  Umbagog 
Lake  then  running  North  eighty  two  degrees  west  six  Miles  and 
twenty  Rods  to  a Red  Birch  Tree  then  South  eight  degrees  West 
six  Miles  to  a Spruce  Tree  from  thence  South  eighty  two  degrees 
East  six  Miles  and  twenty  Rods  by  the  Towns  of  Paulsbourg  & 
Success  to  the  Bound  first  mentioned.  To  have  and  to  hold  the 
said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  together  with  all  Privileges 
and  appurtenances  to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever  by  the  Name  of  Cambridge  upon  the  following  Conditions 
viz* 

First  That  the  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  clear  bridge 
and  make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  Kinds  a Road  of  Four  rods 
wide  through  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted  as  shall  be  at  any  time 
hereafter  directed  by  our  said  Governor  & Council  which  Road 
shall  be  compleated  in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  such  directions  in 
failure  of  which  the  Premises  & every  part  thereof  shall  be  forfeited 
and  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  re- 
entered upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  loving  Subjects 

Second  That  all  white  Pine  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the 
said  Township  fit  for  masting  our  royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved 
for  that  use  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture 
of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  Us  our  Heirs 
and  Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalties  of  any 
Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  enacted 

Thirdly  that  before  any  division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Center  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  Lots  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee  of 
the  Contents  of  one  Acre 

Fourthly  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & 
Successors  on  or  before  the  nineteenth  day  of  May  1783 
*4-151  the  *Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully 
demanded 

Fifthly  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every  Year 
forever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  date  of 


CAMBRIDGE. 


501 


this  Grant  one  Shilling  proclamation  Money  for  every  hundred 
Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a 
greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  which  Money  shall  be 
paid  by  the  respective  Persons  aforesaid  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  in 
our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers 
as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same 

Sixthly  That  this  Grant  shall  not  interfere  with  any  of  our 
Grants  made  as  aforesaid  and  now  in  force  nor  interrupt  the 
Grantees  in  their  improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the 
Conditions  thereof 

Seventhly  That  the  Grantees  shall  cultivate  and  improve 
Ten  Acres  in  every  hundred  in  Flax  and  Hemp  if  the  Land  in  said 
Town  shall  prove  fit  and  useful  for  such  employment 

Eighthly.  That  six  Families  be  settled  and  actually  resident 
on  the  Town  within  two  Years  of  this  date 

Ninthly  That  additional  Settlements  be  made  so  as  to  corn- 
pleat  Sixty  Families  in  Seven  Years  from  the  date  these  to  be  in 
lieu  of  all  other  rents  and  Services  whatsoever 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esquire  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  aforesaid  the 
nineteenth  day  of  May  in  the  thirteenth  Year  of  our  reign  and  in 
the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1773 — 


Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Cambridge 


Nathaniel  Rogers  Ichabod  Palmer 
Jonathan  White  Esqr  Samuel  Phelps 
Nathaniel  Rogers  junrJonathan  Child 


Ebenezer  Green 
Simon  Butler 
William  Divoll  junr 
Benjamin  White 
Daniel  Tillotson 


John  Morey 
Solomon  Morey 
David  Thompson 
William  Thompson 
James  Horner 


Revd  Obadiah  Noble  Benja  Baldwin  junr 


Joel  Phelps 
Nathan  Dewey 
Abraham  Palmer 
Jacob  Marston 
Aaron  Stiles 


Peters  Grant 
William  Marston  jun1 
James  Reed  Esqr 
Thomas  Carter  junr 
James  Reed  junr 
Frederic  Reed 
Giles  Tiffany 
Frederic  Phelps 
James  Haslet 
William  Marston 
Revd  Samuel  Locke 


Ebenezer  Baldwin 
John  Wood 

Majr  James  Richardson  John  Hurd  Esqr 
Simeon  Olcot  Esqr  John  Tufts 
Jotham  White  Edward  Sclate 
^Benjamin  Stiles  Josiah  Richardson  Otis  Baker  Esqr  *4-152 
Samuel  Paine  Aaron  Storrs  Ebenezer  Thompson  Esqr 
Elisha  Marsh  Esqr  Ebenezer  Swan  Israel  Gilman  Esqr 


5°2 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Jonathan  Sawyer 
Joel  Woodworth 
Jonathan  Darby 
Amos  Palmer 
Israel  Morey  Esqr 
John  Woodward 


Samuel  Moses 
Theodore  Moses 
John  Sprague 
Richd  Cutts  Shannon 
Benja  Grant  junr 


Timothy  Ruggles  Esqr 
Daniel  Jones  Esqr 


One  equal  right  to  the  first  settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  this 
Township.  One  equal  right  for  the  use  of  a School  in  this  Town- 
ship forever.  One  equal  right  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of 
England  in  this  Township  forever 


j 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  5 

Theodre  Atkinson  Secy 


Wentworth 


Province  of  New  Hampshire 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  20th  day  of  May  1773 

Attest  Geo  : King  Depy  Secy 


CAMBRIDGE. 


503 


Province  of  ) 

New  Hampre  £ Portsmouth  18th  May  1773  This  Certify s that 
this  Plan  of  Cambridge  begining  at  a red  Birch  Tree  Standing  in 
the  East  boundary  Line  of  said  Province  and  is  the  North  east  Cor- 
ner Bound  of  Success  (so  called)  the  same  Tree  being  marked  HN 
1772  from  thence  runing  on  said  Line  North  eight  degrees  East 
six  Miles  to  a Stake  in  a Meadow  sixteen  Rods  distant  from  the 
Northerly  Bank  of  a little  River  that  runs  into  Umbagog  Lake 
then  runing  North  eighty  two  degrees  west  six  Miles  and  twenty 
Rods  to  a red  birch  Tree  then  South  eight  degrees  west  six  Miles 


5°4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


to  a Spruce  Tree  from  thence  South  eighty  two  degrees  East  six 
Miles  and  twenty  Rods  by  the  Towns  of  Paulsbourg  and  Success 
to  the  bound  first  mentioned  contains  Twenty  three  thousand 
one  hundred  and  sixty  Acres  of  Land  and  is  a true  Copy  of  an 
original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  or  Township  as  taken  and 
returned  to  me  by  Cap1  Hubartus  Neal  Dy  Surveyor 

Attest  Is  : Rindge  Sr  G1 

Copy  Attest1  Geo  : King  D Sec y 


CAMPTON. 

[Granted  to  Christopher  Holmes  and  others,  Oct.  9,  1761.  Regranted  to 
Ebenezer  Little  and  others,  Jan.  5,  1767.  A portion  of  the  town  was  annexed  to 
Plymouth,  June  27,  i860.  Campton  was  annexed  to  Grafton  County,  Sept.  14, 
1782. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  248  ; Index  to  Laws,  78  ; sketch,  Child’s  Ga- 
zetteer of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  197;  sketch,  10,  Granite  Monthly,  108;  His- 
tory, prepared  for  centennial  celebration,  1867,  by  Isaac  Willey,  1868,  pp.  56; 
Centennial  Celebration,  1867,  pp.  118  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cum- 
mings, 1836,  pp.  14,  19;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  517;  discourse, 
centennial  celebration  of  Congregational  Church,  by  Quincy  Blakely,  1876;  see 
also  grant  to  Samuel  Holland,  with  Plymouth  papers ; The  White  Hills,  by  T. 
Starr  King,  1859,  P*  89;  the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake, 
1882,  p.  216.] 


[Campton  Charter,  1761.] 

*2-229  ^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

Camptown  GEORGE,  The  third,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of 
Great-Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender 
of  the  Faith,  &c 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  co7ne, 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  in  New-England,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 


CAMPTON. 


505 


Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hamf  shire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be  di- 
vided to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New -Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement, 
Twenty  Five  Thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Some- 
thing more  than  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an 
Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands 
by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  For- 
ty Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by 
Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Of- 
fice, and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz. 
Begining  at  the  North  Westerly  Corner  of  Holderness  at  a Red 
Oak  Tree  on  the  bank  of  the  river  from  thence  runing  East  Six 
Miles  to  the  North  East  Corner  of  Holderness  from  thence  North 
Five  Miles  from  thence  West  about  Four  Miles  & One  half  Mile 
to  Pemigewasset  River,  from  thence  on  a Strait  Line  Westerly  to 
the  North  East  Corner  of  Rumney,  from  thence  on  a Runing  Line 
South  thirty  Degrees  West  to  the  South  Easterly  Corner  thereof 
which  is  also  the  North  Easterly  Corner  of  Cockermouth  from 
thence  Easterly  on  a Streight  Line  to  the  North  Westerly  Corner 
of  Holderness  the  first  Bounds  Mentioned — And  that  the  same  be, 
and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Campton  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the 
said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and 
Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And 
further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two 
Fairs,  one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the  And 

the  other  on  the  annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to 

continue  longer  than  the  respective  following  the 

said  and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town 

shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  *2-230 
and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be 
thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of 
our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  Novem- 
ber next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Christopher 
Holmes  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


506 

first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the 
Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual 
Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the 
said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  oi March  annually, 
To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed, 
together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and 
their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following 
Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of  Our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  often  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 


CAMPTON. 


507 


tive  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Ninth  Day  of  October  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  One  And  in  the  First 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 

Province  of  New  Hampsr  Octosr  9th  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  Origional  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Campton  (Viz)  *2-231 


Christo1  Holmes 
Knight  Sexton 
Simeon  Crocker 
Jason  Millard 
Timothy  North  am 
Willm  Kennedy 
Jereah  Brainard 
Bezaliel  Gates 
Timothy  Passival 
Sam1  Selldon 
Dan1  Brainard  Junr 
Jona11  Olmstead 


Thomas  Fuller  2d 
Cap1  Caleb  Clark 
Dan1  Annabee 
Eli  Warner 
Grendal  Rawson 
Ebenr  Spencer 
Ebenr  Smith 
James  Olmstead 
Sam1  Gates 
Abner  Dean 
Josiah  Arnold 
Nath1  Fellows 


Matthew  Thornton  Esq  Isaac  Ackley 
John  Topham  Junr  Jonaa  Gates 
Sam1  Peck  David  Wickham 

Willm  Olmstead  Junr  Willm  Bebee  Junr 


Matthew  Sears 
Jared  Spencer 
John  Harvey  Junr 
Joseph  Emmons 
Silas  Bebee 
Benja  Ackly  Junr 


James  Steward  T 
Tho8  Hall  Junr 
Job  Beckwith 
Nath1  Beckwith 
Tim°  Chapman 
Silvanus  Tinker 


Elijah  White 
Sterling  Graves 
John  Gilbird  Junr 
Oliver  Spencer 
Abel  Willey 
John  Sanderson 
Thomas  Rogers 
Stephen  Cone 
Thomas  Fuller 
George  Griffin 
Dan1  Peirce  Esqr 
Nehea  Dickinson 
Dan1  Warner  Junr 
Isaac  Isham 
Theodr  Atkinson  Esq 
Joseph  Newmarch  Esq 
Major  Josh  Blanchard 
’heodore  Atkinson  Junr  Esq 
Coll0  Clem1  March  & 
Benning  Wentworth 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


508 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  marked  B-W  in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares  One  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  One  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land as  by  Law  Established,  One  Share  for  the  First  Settled 
Minister  of  the  Gospell  & One  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  a School 
in  said  Town — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Octo  : 9th  1761 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Origional  Charter  of  Campton 
under  the  Province  Seal 

Attested  ^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 — 


'i 


Province  of  New  Hampsr  October  9th  1761 — 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Origional  Charter  of  Campton 
under  the  Province  Seal 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec'7 


CAMPTON. 


509 


[Campton  Regrant,  1767.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire.  *3-174 

GEORGE,  The  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire , in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province  ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire , and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New-Hampshire , containing  by  Admeasurement, 
Twenty  five  thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  something 
more  than  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allow- 
ance is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by 
Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty 
Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our 
said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office, 
and  hereunto  annexed,  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Beginning  at 
the  N : Westerly  Corner  of  Holderness  at  a red  Oak  tree  on  the 
bank  of  the  River  from  thence  runing  East  six  miles  to  the  N : E. 
Corner  of  Holderness  from  thence  runing  North  Five  miles  from 
thence  West  about  \\  miles  to  Pemigiwasset  River,  from  thence  a 
strait  Line  Westerly  to  the  N:  E.  Corner  of  Rumney  from  thence 
on  a runing  Line  S°  30  D3  West  to  the  south  Easterly  Corner 
thereof,  which  is  also  the  N : Easterly  Corner  of  Cockermouth 
from  thence  Easterly  on  a Streight  Line  to  the  N : Westerly 
Corner  of  Holderness  the  bounds  first  mention’d  And  that  the 
same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the 
Name  of  Campton  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter 
inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfran- 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


510 

chized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and 
Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs,  one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 

following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
*3-I75  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or 

more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  maybe  thought  most  advan- 
tagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince, shall  be  held  on  the  which  said  Meeting 

shall  be  Notified  by  who  is  hereby  also  appointed 

the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and 
Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; 
and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of 
such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the 
of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurten- 
ances, to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever, 
upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  pf  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of 
his  Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to 
Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to 
such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  'cultivate  the 
same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 


CAMPTON. 


511 


said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  often  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twent}^- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December. 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  Deceitiber,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
Decejnber , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
ive  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  5th  Day  of  January  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Seven  And  in  the 
Seventh  Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command, 
with  Advice  of  Council, 

T.  Atkinson  jr  Secretary — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  January  5th  1767 — 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  prov- 
ince Seal 

Attested  : T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


*Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Campton.  *3-176 


Ebenezer  Little 
Moses  Little 
Ebenezer  Little  jr 
Nathan  Little 
Jacob  Merrill  Esqr 
Benj11  Hoyt 


Increase  Crosbey 
Thomas  Fuller 
James  Passival 
Chileab  Brainerd 
Josiah  Brainerd 
Nathan  Brainerd 


Clement  March  Esqr 
Abel  Webster 
Jonathan  Cone 
Lemuel  Griffin 
Lemuel  Griffin  jr 
George  Griffin 


512 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Abner  Greenleaf 
Alexander  Morrison 
William  Morrison 
Daniel  Lunt 
Nehemiah  Wheeler 
Onesipharus  Page 
Christopher  Holmes 
Job  Beckwith 
Nath1  Beckwith 
John  Holmes 
Uriel  Holmes 
Eliphalet  Holmes 
Sam1  Selldon 
Levi  Crosbey 
Ben§  Wentworth 


Joseph  Selden 
Grindal  Rawson 
Ebenezer  Taylor 
Ephraim  Wesson 
William  Hobart 
Lattho  Sippio 
Abel  Willey 
Joseph  Spencer  Esq: 
Joseph  Spencer  junr 
Hobart  Spencer 
John  Southmaid 
Daniel  Pierce  Esqr 
Theodre  Atkinson  Esqr 
T : Atkinson  junr  Esqr 
Will : Kannedy 
Nath1  Fellows 


Jonah  Cone 
William  Cone 
Peter  Spencer 
Asa  Spencer 
Aaron  Cleveland 
Stephen  Sparrow 
Nath1  Sparrow 
Richd  Sparrow 
James  Sparrow 
James  Dickson 
Green  Hungerford 
Lemuel  Hungerford 
Jon  : Moulton  Esqr 
Gibbins  Jewett 
Moses  Nowell 


Five  Hundred  Acres  for  his  Excellency  Benn§  Wentworth  Esqr 
as  mark'd  B.  W.  in  the  Plan,  which  is  to  be  accounted  two  of  the 
within  Shares.  One  whole  share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for 
the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  Parts.  One  Share  for 
the  first  settled  Minister.  One  share  for  a glebe  for  the  Church 
of  England  as  by  Law  Established,  & one  share  for  a school  for 
the  benefit  of  said  Town  for  Ever. 

Province  of  New  hampshire  Jan7  5th  1767 — 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  'Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal 


: T Atkinson  Jun  Sec7 


CANAAN. 


5T3 


<s 


\\ 
^ * 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  January  5th  1767 — 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Campton 
Grant  under  the  Province  Seal 

Attd  ^ : T.  Atkinson  Jun  Sec1'? 


CANAAN. 

[Granted  to  Thomas  Gustin  and  others,  July  9,  1761.  The  charter  was  re- 
newed Feb.  23,  1769.  Named  from  Canaan,  Conn.,  whence  came  some  of  the 
grantees.  The  town  boundaries  were  settled  June  18,  1802.  Dame’s  Gore  was 
annexed  July  2,  1846,  and  State’s  or  Gates’s  Gore,  July  4,  1851. 

See  X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  277,  as  to  participation  in  movement 
for  union  with  Vermont  towns;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  253;  Index  to 
Laws,  79;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  217;  History, 
by  William  A.  Wallace,  in  manuscript;  Annals  of  Our  Village,  by  William  A. 
Wallace,  1 1,  Granite  Monthly,  106,  138,  218  ; Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists, 
1862,  p.  375  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  10,  11, 
13;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  524.] 

32 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Canaan  Charter,  1761.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

GEORGE,  the  Third, 

by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province  ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Eight  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New-Hamf  shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement, 
twenty  Three  Thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  Contain  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  ac- 
cording to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Gover- 
nor’s Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereun- 
to annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begining  at  the 
South  East  Corner  of  Hannover  from  thence  North  Fifty  five  De- 
grees East  by  Hannover  Six  Miles  to  the  Corner  thereof  from  thence 
South  Sixty  one  degrees  East  Six  Miles  from  thence  South  forty 
One  Degrees  West  Six  Miles  from  thence  North  fifty  Eight  De- 
grees West  Seven  Miles  And  one  Quater  of  A Mile  to  the  Bounds 
first  Mentioned  And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporat- 
ed into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Canaan  And  the  Inhabitants 
that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby 
declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the 
Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province 
by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as 


514 

*2-53 


Canaan 


CANAAN. 


515 


soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon, 
shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be 
held  on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  wrhich  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than 
the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  *2-54 
Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious 
to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of 
Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall 
be  held  on  the  Third  Tuesday  in  August  Next  which  said  Meeting 
shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Thomas  Gustin  who  is  hereby  also  ap- 
pointed the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to 
Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said 
Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  forever  hereafter  for  the 
Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and 
Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same 
by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such 
of  Our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


516 


sors  for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December . 1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth 
Day  of  December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772 
One  shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  and  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmotith,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu 
of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Pro- 
vince to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  9th  Day  of  July  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  One  And  in  the-  First  Year 
of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council,  , 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Prove  New  Hampr  July  9th  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  under  the  Prov  Seal 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


*2-55  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Canaan  Viz 


Thomas  Gustin 
Gibson  Harris 
Daniel  Harris 
Joseph  Babcock 
Amos  Wals worth 
Joseph  Eames 
Ebenezer  Earns 
Ebenezer  Peck 
Allyn  Wightman 
Jared  Spencer 
Ephm  Wells  junr 


Ebenezr  Harris 
George  Harris 
Caleb  Whiting 
William  Fox  junr 
Stephen  Kellogg 
Israel  Kellogg 
Aaron  Cady 
Aaron  Cady  junr 
Nath11  Cady 
Asa  Daniels 
John  Trible 


Joshua  Rathburn 
Silvester  Randall 
Sam11  Dodge  ye  3d 
Ephraim  Wells 
Josiah  Gates  junr 
Lewis  Loveridge 
Rufus  Randall 
James  Jones 
Jonathan  Beebe  ye  3d 
Jabez  Jones 
Thomas  Gustin 


CANAAN. 


517 


Thomas  Wells  Sam11  Dodge  Richd  Wibird  Esq 

Thomas  Gustin  junr  Sam11  Meacham  James  Nevin  Esq 

Jedediah  Lothrop  Isaiah  Rathburn  Cap1  John  Wentworth  ) 

Clement  Daniels  Willm  Chamberlain  Somersworth  5 

John  Chamberlain  William  Chamberlain  junr  Cap1  Tho9  Westbrook 
Benja  Chamberlain  Thomas  Gates  Daniel  Fowle  [Waldron 
David  Chamberlain  George  Lamphear  George  King  Merch1 
Richard  Sparrow  Thomas  Minor  William  King  D° 

Abner  Chamberlain  Phinehas  Sabins  Cap  William  Wentworth 
Daniel  Rogers  & John  Newmarch  Thomas  Parker 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  to  Contain 
Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  in  Plan  B :W  : which  is  to  be  ac- 
counted Two  of  the  within  Shares  One  whole  Share  for  the  In- 
corporated Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  forreign 
Parts  one  Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel — One 
Share  for  the  Benefit  of  A School  in  Said  Town  One  whole  Share 
for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  By  Law  Established — 

Prove  New  Hampr  July  9th  1761 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


518 


\ 


d 


Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[Canaan  Charter  Renewed,  1769.] 

*I-333  ^Province  of  > George  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God 
New  Hampi  5 of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland  King 
defender  of  he  Faith  &c 

Whereas  We  of  our  especial  Grace  & mere 
Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new 
Plantation  within  Our  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
by  our  Letters  patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  our 
( Canaan  > said  Province  dated  the  9th  day  of  July  1761  in  first 
( extended  5 Year  of  our  Reign  a Tract  of  Land  equal  to  six  Miles 
square  bounded  as  therein  expressed  and  since  surveyed  admeasured 


CANAAN. 


519 


marked  & ascertained  by  our  order  to  Isaac  Rindge  Esqr  our 
Surveyor  general  of  Lands  for  said  Province  Granted  to  a 
number  of  our  loyal  Subjects  whose  Names  are  entered  on  the 
same  to  hold  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  on  the  Conditions 
therein  declared  and  to  be  a Town  corporate  by  the  Name  of 
Canaan  as  by  reference  to  the  said  Charter  may  more  fully  appear. 
And  whereas  the  said  Grantees  have  represented  unto  us  that  by 
reason  of  the  great  Inconveniencies  which  occur  in  the  Settlement 
of  the  new  Townships  so  remotely  situated  from  any  other  Town- 
ships or  Settlements  that  can  afford  any  assistance  hath  rendered 
it  impracticable  for  the  whole  number  of  Grantees  to  perform  that 
Part  of  the  Conditions  that  relates  to  the  Cultivation  of  such  a 
Proportion  of  the  said  Grant  That  there  are  Families  now  settled 
on  the  Premises  which  affords  them  hopes  of  a final  Settlement 
without  delay  and  humbly  supplicating  us  not  to  take  advantage  of 
the  breach  of  said  Condition  but  to  lengthen  out  and  grant  them 
some  further  Time  for  the  performance  thereof. 

Now  know  ye  that  we  being  willing  to  promote  the  end  pro- 
posed have  of  our  further  Grace  & Favor  suspended  our 
claim  of  the  forfeiture  which  the  *said  Grantees  may  *1-334 
have  incurred  and  by  these  Presents  do  grant  unto  the 
said  Grantees  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  the  further  Term  of  Four 
Years  from  this  date  for  performing  & fulfilling  the  conditions 
matters  and  things  by  them  to  be  done  as  aforesaid  except  the  Quit- 
rents  which  are  to  remain  due  & payable  as  expressed  & reserved 
in  the  original  Grant  or  Charter 

In  Testimony  whereof  I have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our 
Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  this  day  of  February  in  the 
ninth  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1769 — 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Entd  & Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  this  23d  day 
of  Feby  1769  Attest" 


Theodore  Atkinson  Secy 


520 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Theophilus  Dame,  1773.] 

*4-145  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

Cap1  Dame’s  George  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Grant — Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defend  of  the 
Faith  &ca — 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come — 
Greeting — 

Whereas  We  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at 
Starnes’s  the  Seventh  Day  of  October  in  the  third  Year  of  our 
Reign  Annoque  Domini  1763 — amoung  other  things  to  testify 
our  Royal  Sence  And  Approbation  of  the  Conduct  & Bravery  of 
the  officers  & Soldiers  of  our  armies  and  Signified  our  Desire  to 
reward  the  Same  & have  therein  com’anded  & Impowered  Our 
Several  Governors  of  Our  Respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent 
of  America  to  grant  without  Fee  or  reward  to  Such  Reduced 
officers  as  have  Served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War 
and  to  such  Private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  Shall  be  disbanded 
there  and  Shall  Personally  Apply  for  the  Same  Such  Quantities  of 
Land  respectivly  as  in  & by  our  aforesaid  Proclamation  are 
perticularly  Mentioned  Subject  Nevertheless  to  the  Same  Quit 
Rents  & Conditions  of  Cultivation  and  Improvements  as  other  our 
Lands  are  Subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are  Granted ; 
and  Whereas  Theophilus  Dame  of  Portsmouth  in  our  County  of 
Rockingham  & Province  Aforesaid  Esq  had,  our  appointment  as 
Captain  & Served  during  the  late  War  and  having  personally 
applyd  & Solicited  for  such  Grant  agreable  to  our  aforesaid 
Proclamation  Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  Special  Grace  certain 
Knowledge  and  mere  motion  do  Signify  our  Approbation  as  afore- 
said & for  Encourageing  the  Settlement  & Cultivation  of  Our 
Lands  within  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New 
England  Have  by  & with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  & well- 
beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq  Our  Governor  & Com’ander 
in  ChiefF  of  Our  Said  Province  and  of  Our  Council  of  the  Same 
agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  Proclamation,  and  upon 
the  Conditions  & Reservations  hereafter  mentioned  given  & 
granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors 
do  give  & Grant  unto  the  Said  Theophilus  Dame  and  to  his 
Heirs  & Assignes  forever  a Certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land 
Situate  lying  & being  within  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
and  containing  by  Admeasurement  Four  thousand  Two 
*4-146  Hundred  & Seventy  *Two  Acres  including  Ponds 


CANAAN. 


52i 


Roads  & unimprovable  Mountains  according  to  a Plan  or 
Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Survyer  General  of  Land  for 
our  Said  Province  by  our  Said  Governor’s  order  and  return’d 
into  the  Secretarys  office  of  our  Said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is 
hereunto  annexed  butted  & Bounded  as  follows  (Viz)  begining  at 
the  North  West  Corner  of  Canaan  from  thence  runing  South  Sixty 
one  degrees  East  Six  miles  to  A Spruce  Tree  which  is  the  North 
East  Corner  of  the  Said  Canaan  thence  running  North  fifty  three 
Degs  East  one  Mile  & Sixty  Eight  rods  to  the  South  East  Corner 
of  Dorchester  thence  North  Sixty  one  degrees  West  Six  Miles  to 
the  South  West  Corner  of  Said  Dorchester  thence  South  fifty 
three  degrees  West  one  mile  & Sixty  Eight  rods  to  the  Bounds  first 
mentioned  To  have  & to  Hold  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  as  above 
expressed  with  the  Appurtenances  to  Him  the  Said  Theophilus 
Dame  & to  His  Heirs  and  assigns  forever  upon  the  following 
Terms  (Viz) 

First — That  the  Said  Grantee  shall  cut  Clear  & make  Passable  for 
Carriages  &ca  a road  of  three  rods  Wide  thro’  the  Said  Tract  as 
Shall  at  Any  Time  hereafter  be  directed  or  ordered  by  the  Governor 
& Council  aforesaid  which  road  shall  be  compleated  in  one 
Year  from  the  Date  of  Such  Order  or  Direction  aforesaid  on 
Penalty  of  forfieture  of  this  Grant  & of  its  reverting  to  us  our 
Heirs  & Successors — 

Second — That  the  Said  Grantee  shall  Settle  or  cause  to  be  Set- 
Hied  Five  Families  in  five  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors 
to  be  by  us  or  Them  entered  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  Shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same — 

Third — That  all  White  & other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to 
be  Cutt  or  fell’d  without  our  Special  Licence  for  so  doing  first 
had  & obtained  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of 
the  Grantee  in  the  Premisses  his  Heirs  & Assignes  to  us  our  heirs 
& Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penaltys  prescribed 
by  any  Present  or  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament 

Fourthly — Yielding  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & Suc- 
cessors on  or  before  the  Tenth  Day  of  May  1778  the  rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded 

Fifthly — That  the  Said  Grantee  his  Heirs  & assigns  shall  Yield  & 
Pay  unto  us  our  Hiers  & Successors  Yearly  & every  Year  for- 
ever from  & after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the  Date  of 
this  Grant  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  Seventeen 


522 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Hundred  Eighty  Three,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for 
every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  So  in 
Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  afore  Said — 
which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler  in 
our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  officer  or  officers 
as  shall  be  appointed  to  recieve  the  Same  and  these  to  be  in  Lieu 
of  all  Other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever — 

Sixthly — That  this  Grant  Shall  not  interfere  with  Any  of  our 
Grants  made  as  aforesaid  & now  in  force  nor  Interrupt  the 
Grantees  in  their  Improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the 
Conditions  thereof — 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  Our  Said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed — Wittness  John 
Wentworth  Esq  Our  Afore  Said  Governor  & Com- 
*4-147  mander  *in  ChiefF  the  Seventh  Day  of  May  in  the 
Thirteenth  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1773 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Command 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec^ 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  the  7th  Day  of  May  1773 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17. 


Me-rt\  i.o  Bi4.ll.  7V,« 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsm0  23  of  April  1773 — 

This  certifies  that  this  Plan  begining  at  the  North  West  Corner 
of  Canaan  from  thence  runing  South  Sixty  one  Degrees  East  Six 
Miles  to  A Spruce  Tree  which  is  the  North  East  Corner  of  Said 
Canaan  thence  runing  North  53d  East  One  Mile  & Sixty  Eight 
Rods  to  the  South  East  Corner  of  Dorchester  thence  North  6id 
West  Six  Miles  to  the  South  West  Corner  of  Said  Dorchester, 
thence  South  fifty  three  degrees  West  One  Mile  & Sixty  Eight 
Rods  to  the  Bounds  began  at,  Contains  Four  Thousand  Two 
hundred  & Seventy  Two  Acres  of  Land  & is  a True  Copy  of  an 


CANTERBURY.  523 

Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  Said  Tract  as  taken  & returned  to  me 
by  John  Howard  Depty  Surver 

Attestr  Is  : Rindge  S — G1 
Copy  Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


CANDIA. 

[This  town  was  a part  of  Chester  known  as  Charmingfare.  It  was  set  off  and 
incorporated  as  Candia,  Dec.  17,  1763.  Named  by  Gov.  Wentworth  from  the 
island  of  Candia,  in  Crete,  where  he  was  once  held  a prisoner.  The  line  between 
Candia  and  Raymond  was  established,  June  23,  1848. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  101  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  260,  304; 
Index  to  Laws,  80;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  137  ; 
History,  by  F.  B.  Eaton,  1852,  pp.  151  ; History,  by  J.  Bailey  Moore,  1893,  pp. 
528;  Something  about  the  Early  History,  by  F.  B.  Eaton,  4,  Granite  Monthly, 
404;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  302;  Lawrence’s  N.  H. 
Churches,  1856,  p.  23;  Life  and  Public  Services  of  Frederick  Smyth,  by  Ben: 
Perley  Poore  and  F.  B.  Eaton,  1885  ; History  of  Chester,  by  Benjamin  Chase,  1869, 
p.  632.] 


CANTERBURY. 

[Granted  May  20,  1727,  to  Richard  Waldron  and  others,  and  then  included  the 
territory  of  Loudon  and  Northfield.  Full  town  privileges  were  granted  March  19, 
1741.  Named  from  an  English  town.  An  addition  was  made  on  the  south-west 
side,  June  13,  1765.  Loudon  was  set  off  and  incorporated  Jan.  23,  1773.  North- 
field  was  set  off  and  incorporated  June  19,  1780.  A small  tract  was  severed  from 
Canterbury  and  annexed  to  Concord,  June  2,  1784,  and  another  to  Loudon,  Jan.  7, 
1852. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding,  and  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; 
IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  86;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  261  ; Index  to  Laws, 
81;  Sketches  of  History,  by  William  Patrick,  4,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical 
Society,  174;  Petitions  of  Inhabitants,  4,  id . 253;  Instances  of  Longevity,  1793- 
1823,  3,  id.,  1 5 1 ; Historical  Sermon,  1833,  by  William  Patrick,  1834,  pp.  39; 
Account  of  the  Shakers,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  50  ; sketch, 
by  J.  N.  McClintock,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  387  ; Births,  Marriages,  and  Deaths,  4, 
id.,  391,  431,  507,  and  5,  id.,  163,  195  ; Letter  to  4th  Church  in  Hampton,  1756, 
N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  27,  p.  64  ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack 
County,  1885,  p.  221  ; Shakerism  Exposed,  by  Mary  M.  Dyer,  pp.  32  ; 2d  ed.  1855  ; 
Concise  History  of  the  United  Society  of  Believers  Called  Shakers,  by  C.  E.  Rob- 
inson, 1893,  pp.  134  ; The  Followers  of  Ann  Lee,  by  Lloyd  H.  Chandler,  16,  Granite 
Monthly,  pp.  255,  321  ; A Compendious  Narrative  Elucidating  the  Character,  Dispo- 
sition, and  Conduct  of  Mary  Dyer,  etc.,  1819,  pp.  88  ; Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free 
Baptists,  1862,  p.  162;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836, 
pp.  7,  9;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  360.] 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


5M 


[Canterbury  Charter,  1727.J 


P— S 


1-207  *George  By  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain 

„ ^ France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  faith  &ca 

To  All  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come 
Greeting  know  Ye  that  we  of  our  Special  knowledge 
v y and  meer  Motion  for  the  Due  Encouragement  of  Set- 

Canterbury  tling  A New  Plantation  by  & with  the  Advise  & Con- 
sent of  our  Council  have  given  & Granted  and  by  these 
Presents  as  far  as  in  us  Lies  do  give  & Grant  in  Equal  Shares  unto 
Sundry  of  our  beloved  Subjects  whose  names  are  Enterd  in  A Sched- 
ule hereunto  Annexed  that  Inhabit  or  Shall  Inhabit  within  the  Said 
Grant  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  All  that  Tract  of 
Land  within  the  following  bounds  Viz  to  begin  at  the  head  of  the 
Town  of  Chichester  & to  Run  North  West  by  the  Town  of  Gillman- 
town  to  Winassosawque  Pond  or  River  that  Runs  Westerly  of  said 
Pond  & from  the  first  Place  where  it  began  then  to  run  South 
West  Seven  miles  on  the  head  of  the  aforesaid  Town  of  Chichester 
and  then  to  run  North  West  to  the  aforesaid  river  that  comes  out 
of  the  Pond  aforesaid  & then  the  river  to  be  the  Bounds  on  the  north 
West  End  Provided  it  Do  not  Intrench  oh  any  former  Legal  Grant 
and  that  the  Same  be  A Town  Corporate  by  the  Name  of  Canter- 
bury to  the  Persons  aforesaid  and  to  Such  associates  as  they  Shall 
admit  for  ever  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  Said  Land  to  the  Said 
Grantees  & there  associats  & their  heirs  apd  assigns  forever 
upon  the  Conditions  following — i3t  that  the  Proprietors  within  three 
Years  Build  Seventy  Dwelling  houses  & Settle  a family  in  Each 
House  or  Cause  the  Same  to  be  done  & Clear  three  Acres  of 
Ground  fit  for  Planting  or  mowing  & that  Each  Proprietor  Pay  his 
Proportion  of  the  Town  Charges  when  & So  often  as  Occa- 
*1-208  sion  Shall  Require  the  Same  2dl^  That  a meeting  *House 
be  built  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God  within  the  Term 
of  four  Years — 3dly  that  upon  the  Default  of  Any  Perticular 
Proprietor  in  Complying  with  the  Conditions  of  this  Charter  upon 
his  Part  Such  Delenquent  Proprietor  Shall  forfeit  his  Share  of  the 
sd  Land  to  the  Other  Proprietors  which  Shall  be  Disposed  of 
According  to  the  Major  Vote  of  the  Said  Proprietors  at  A Legal 
Meeting  4^  That  A Proprietors  Share  be  reserved  for  the  first 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  that  Shall  be  there  Settled  & Ordained  & 
Another  for  A Parsonage  & Another  Proprietors  Share  for  the 
Benefit  of  A School  in  the  said  Town  Provided  Nevertheless  that 
the  Peace  with  the  Indians  Continues  for  the  Space  of  three  years 


CANTERBURY. 


525 


but  if  it  Shall  happen  that  A War  with  the  Indians  do  brake  out 
before  the  Expiration  of  the  aforesaid  Three  years  that  then  the 
said  Term  of  three  years  Shall  be  Allowed  to  the  Proprietors  after 
the  Expiration  of  the  War  for  the  Performance  of  the  aforesaid 
Conditions  Rendring  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Suc- 
cessors or  Such  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to 
Receive  the  Same  the  Annual  Quit  Rent  or  Acknowledgment  of 
one  Pinte  of  Indian  Corn  in  the  Said  Town  on  the  first  fryday  in 
March  Yearly  for  ever  (if  Demanded)  Reserving  also  unto  us  our 
heirs  & Successors  all  mast  Trees  (Growing  on  Said  Land) 
According  to  Acts  of  Parliament  in  that  Case  made  & Provided 
And  for  the  better  order  Rule  & Government  of  the  Said  Town  we 
do  by  these  Presents  for  our  Selves  our  heirs  & Successors  Grant 
unto  the  Said  men  & Inhabitants  or  those  that  Shall  Inhabit  Said 
Town  that  yearly  & every  year  upon  the  third  thursday  in  March 
for  ever  Shall  meet  to  Elect  & Choose  by  the  major  Part  of  the 
Proprietors  then  Present  Constables  Selectmen  & other  Town 
Officers  According  to  the  Laws  & Usages  of  our  Said  Province 
with  all  the  Power  Previledges  & Authoritys  as  Other  Towns  & 
Town  Officers  within  our  aforesaid  Province  here  & Enjoy  and 
for  the  Notifying  & Calling  of  the  first  Town  Meeting  we  do  here- 
by appoint  Paul  Gerrish  Paul  Wentworth  & John  Smith  to  be 
Selectmen  for  the  Said  Town  of  Canterbury  & they  to  Continue 
in  Said  office  as  Selectmen  until  the  third  Thursday  in  the  month 
of  March  which  Shall  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1728  & 
until  other  Selectmen  Shall  be  Chosen  & * Appointed  in  *1-209 
their  Stead  in  Such  manner  as  in  these  Presents  is  Ex- 
pressed In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  Our 
Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esq 
Our  Leiutenant  Goveronur  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our 
Said  Province  of  New  Hampr  The  Twentieth  Day  of  May  in  the 
fourteenth  Year  of  Our  Reign  Annoq  Domini  1727 

John  Wentworth 

By  order  of  his  Honr  the  Lieu1  Govern1- 
with  Advice  of  the  Council 

Richard  Waldron  Cler — Con 

A Schedule  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Canterbury — 

Richard  Waldron  Esq  Sam11  Emerson  John  Smith 

Nathan  Hill  Valentine  Hill  Sam11  Hill 

Jona  Chesley  James  Basford  Icabod  Chesley 


526 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Sam11  Doe 
John  Smith  junr 
Joseph  Mason 
Joseph  Chesley 
John  Doe 
Joseph  Smith 
Samuel  Sias 
John  Rand 
Abram  Bennet 
John  Rollins 
Sam11  Shepard 
John  McMath 
James  Kenniston 
George  Chesley 
Robert  Burnam 
John  York 
Gersham  Wentworth 
Joseph  Davis 
Robert  Kent 
Peter  Mason 
Joseph  Jenkins 
Hugh  Conner 
Hubbard  Stevens 
Robert  Thompson 
John  Runnells 
Robert  Huggins 
Jona  Woodman 
John  Pitman 

John  Jenkins 
*1-210  Joseph  Bickford 
John  Carter 


John  Sias 
Thomas  Willee 
Thomas  Stimson 
James  Goodwin 
David  Davis 
Sam11  Williams 
Ezekiel  Leathers 
Joseph  Eastis 
Richd  Mattoon 
James  Gibson 
Rob1  Bam  ford 
Benja  York 
Tho9  Young 
Icabod  Follet 
Eleazr  Bickford 
John  Waldron 
Benja  Wentworth 
Francis  Mathews 
Micah  Emerson 
James  Huggins 
Abraham  Mathews 
John  Thompson 
Joseph  Jones  junr 
Tim0  Tebbets 
Stephen  Jones  junr 
John  Roe 

Jona  Woodman  junr 
Benja  Jones 

Sam11  Tilly 
*John  Gray 
Job  Bennets 


James  Davis  3d 
James  Davis  junr 
Daniel  Davis 
Joseph  Tibbetts 
Samuel  Carle 
Joseph  Hussey 
Tho9  Tibbets 
Tristram  Coffin 
Willm  Rynes 
Nath11  Randal 


William  Brown 
Sam11  Davis 
Jona  Bowers 
Edward  Evans 
Joseph  Evans 
Benja  Mason 
John  Pearle 
Job  Clements 
Tho9  Rynes 
Israel  Hodgdon  jun1 


Henry  Tibbets  Son  of  Nath11  Joseph  Perkei 


Sam11  Addams 
James  Conner 
William  Leathers 
Elias  Chritchet 
Isaac  Watson 
John  Smith"3d 
John  Huggins 
Cyprean  Jaffrey 
John  Moor 
John  Shepard 
Joseph  Ellis 
Francis  Durgen 
Jabez  Davis 
John  Burnam 
John  Bickford 
John  Hays 
Stephen  Jones 
Joseph  Jones 
Philip  Chesley 
Willm  Brock 
Joseph  Davis  junr 
Joseph  Jenkins  junr 
John  Thompson  junr 
William  Jenkins 
Sa^m11  Chesley 
John  Woodman 
Jona  Thompson 
Eli : Clark 

Francis  Mathews  junr 
John  Allen 
Joseph  Daniells 
Ebenez1  Weare 
Joseph  Hicks 
Ephm  Davis 
Jo9  Tibbets  Son  ofjo9 
John  Wingate 
Benja  Evans 
James  Hanson 
James  Burnham 
Israel  Hodgdon 
Sam11  Randal 
is  John  Giles 


CANTERBURY. 


527 


Eli  Demerrit 
John  Bussey 
Benja  Tibbets 
Tho9  Davis 
John  Blagdon 
John  Willee  junr 
John  Ambler 
Richd  Blanchard 
Richd  Wibird  junr 
Paul  Wentworth 
Benja  Smith 
James  Davis 
Cap1  John  Downing 
Sam11  Tibbets 
Ephm  Dennet 
James  Jaffrey 
Cap1  Jothm  Odiorne 
Joseph  Derburn 


John  Demerrit 
Wm  Bussey 
Edward  Tibbets 
Sam11  Smith 
Tho9  Drew 
Wra  Glines  junr 
Richd  Waldron  Junr 
Eleazr  Russell 
Nath11  Lummecks 
James  Marston 
Peter  Weare  Esq 
John  Gillman  Esq 
Will111  Fellows 
Mr  Jn°  Sanburne 
Ebenez1'  Stevens 
Coll  Tho9  Westbrook 
Mr  John  Reed  Attr 
Charles  Frost 


William  Demerrit 
Henry  Tibbets 
John  Knight 
John  Footman  junr 
John  Willee 
John  Glines 
Sam11  Smith  junr 
George  Jaffrey  junr 
Cap1  John  Gillman 
James  Durgan 
John  Plaisted 
Andrew  Wiggin 
Paul  Gerrish 
Theode  Atkinson 
Richd  Jennes 
Cap1  John  Frost 
John  Odiorn  Ter9 
Nath11  Morrill 


Admitted  Associates  His  Excellency  & Hon1-  Sam11  Shute  Esq 
& John  Wentworth  Esq  Each  of  them  500  Acres  & a home  lott 
Coll  Mark  Hunking  Coll  Walton  George  Jaffrey  Richd  Wibird 
Archibald  McPheadris  Esq9 
Canterbury  Charter  Certifyed 

^ Richd  Waldron  Cler  : Con — 

Entered  & recorded  According  to  An  Attested  Copy  which  hav- 
ing been  Exhibited  by  Josiah  Miles  & Thomas  Clough  A Committee 
Appointed  by  the  Town  of  Canterbury  to  Petition  the  Govr  & 
Council  to  have  the  foregoing  Copy  Entred  upon  Record  in  the 
Se^9  office  which  Petition  & Copy  was  Laid  before  the  board  & it 
appearing  to  be  a True  Copy  the  original  being  as  the  Council 
Supposed  burnt  in  the  Sery9  office — twas  ordred  to  be  recorded 
here  in  obedience  to  which  order  twas  recorded  this  17th  Day  of 
Febry  1756 — 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


528 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Webster’s  Ferry,  1767.] 

*1-298  *Province  of  New  Hampshire 

Websters  George  the  third  by  the  Grace,  of  God  of  Great 

Ferry  Brittain,  France  & Ireland  King,  defender  of  the 
faith  &c  : — 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greet-  • 

ING 

Know  Ye  that  We  of  Our  Especial  Grace  Cer- 
tain Knowledge  & mere  Motion ( & by  with  the  advice  of  Our 
Trusty  & Well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Our  Captain  Gen- 
eral Governor  & Com’ander  in  Cheif  of  Our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  North  America  Have  Given  & Granted  & for  us 
Our  Heirs  & Successors  Do  Give  & Grant  unto  our  Loyal  & most 
faithful  Subject  John  Webster  of  Canterbury  in  Our  said  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  Esqr  the  Sole  Right  of  Keeping  a ferry 
& of  Keeping,  Using  & Employing  a Ferry  boat  & Boats 
for  the  transporting  of  Men,  Horses,  Goods,  Cattle,  Carriages 
&c : from  the  Shore  of  Canterbury  where  the  said  Webster  lives 
across  Merrimack  River  to  the  Shore  of  Concord  & from  the  shore 
of  said  Concord  to  the  Shore  of  said  Canterbury  & from  the  Shore 
of  Canterbury  to  the  Shore  of  Boscawen  & from  the  Shore  of  Bos- 
cawen  to  the  Shore  of  Canterbury  & from  the,  Shore  of  Boscawen 
to  the  Shore  of  Concord  & from  the  Shore  of  Concord  to  the  Shore 
of  Boscawen.  To  hold  the  said  Ferry  & Priviledge  of  a Ferry, 
with  all  Ferryage,  Advantages,  Emoluments  Perquisites  & Profits 
thereunto  belonging  unto  him  the  said  Jn°  Webster  Esqr  his  Heirs, 
Executors,  Administrators  & Assignes  from  the  day  of  the  date 
hereof  for  Ever  to  his  & their  only  proper  use  & behoof  for  Ever, 
Upon  the  following  Conditions  Viz1  that  he  & they  do  & shall  at  all 
times  keep  such  Boats  & give  such  attendance,  & behave  as  the  now 
(or  any  hereafter)  Laws  do  or  may  Require,  And  as  a further  En- 
couragement to  the  said  John  Webster  in  & about  the  Premises 
We  Will  that  none  of  Our  Loving  Subjects  Do  presume  to  molest 
or  Interrupt  the  said  Jn°  Webster  in  his  said  Ferry  or  set  up  any 
other  Ferry  upon  or  across  the  said  River  Merrimack  within  the 
space  of  Three  Miles  above  or  below  the  Ferry  of  the  said  Jn° 
Webster — 

In  Testimony  Whereof  We  have  caused  the  Public  Seal  of  Our 
said  Provce  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  Our  aforesaid  Govr 


CARROLL.  529 

John  Wentworth  Esqr  this  19th  day  of  Septemr  in  the  7th  Year 
of  Our  Reign  Anno  : Domini  1767 

J : Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and 

T : Atkinson  junr  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  19th  Septr  1767 
Recorded  according  to  the  Original  under  ye  Provce  seal 

Attest : T : Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


CARROLL. 

[Granted  as  Bretton-Woods,  Feb.  8,  1772,  to  Sir  Thomas  Wentworth  and  oth- 
ers. Incorporated  as  Carroll  June  22,  1832.  Portions  of  Nash  & Sawyer’s  Loca- 
tion were  annexed,  June  22,  1848,  and  July  2,  1878,  and  the  remainder,  together 
with  Crawford’s  Grant,  Sept.  8,  1887.  A tract  of  land  on  the  south  of  the  town 
was  annexed  June  27,  1857. 

See  Index  to  Laws,  83;  sketch,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cods  County,  1888,  p. 
427;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  610;  A Walk  over  Mts.  Deception, 
Dartmouth,  and  Mitten,  by  G.  A.  Sargent,  3,  Appalachia,  278  ; History  of  the 
White  Mountains,  by  Lucy  Crawford,  1845  ; 2d.  ed.  by  H.  W.  Ripley,  1883;  3d. 
ed.  by  same;  The  White  Hills,  by  T.  Starr  King,  1859,  PP-  4°4  \ 2d.  ed.  by 
Isaac  N.  Andrews,  particularly  pp.  137,  373,  and  380;  Incidents  in  White  Moun- 
tain History,  by  B.  G.  Willey,  1855,  pp.  322;  Historical  Relics  of  the  White 
Mountains,  by  John  H.  Spaulding,  1855,  pp.  96;  Along  the  John  Stark  River, 
from  Agiocochook  to  the  Connecticut,  by  Levi  W.  Dodge,  5,  Granite  Monthly,  357  ; 
The  White  Mountains,  A Guide  to  their  Interpretation,  by  Julius  H.  Ward,  1890, 
p.  38;  In  the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  pp.  87  and 
300 ; History  of  Explorations  among  the  White  Mountains,  by  Warren  Upham, 
1874,  in  Hitchcock’s  Geology  of  N.  H.,  chap.  4,  p.  59.] 


[Bretton-Woods  Charter,  1772.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  *4-69 
New  Hampshire  5 God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
land King  Defender  of  the  Faith  and  so  forth. 
(Bretton-Woods)  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come. 

Greeting — 

Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace,  certain  knowledge  & 
mere  Motion,  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  plan- 
tation within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  and  with 
the  advice  of  our  Trusty  & well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Es- 
33 


530 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


quire  our  Governor  & Commander  in  chief  in  & over  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  & of  our  Council 
of  the  said  Province,  Have  upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations 
herein  after  made  given  & granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our 
Heirs  & Successors  do  give  & grant  unto  our  loving  Subjects  In- 
habt8  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & our  other  Domini- 
ons, who  have  Petitioned  us  for  the  same,  setting  forth  their  im- 
mediate rediness  to  make  a Settlement,  & to  their  Heirs  & 
assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entered  on  this  Grant  to  be 
divided  to  & amongst  them  into  Eighty  three  equal  Shares,  a 
certain  Tract  or  parcel  of  Land,  situate  lying  and  being  within 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  being  about  Six  Miles 
Square  & containing  by  admeasurement  Twenty  four  thousand  Six 
hundred  & forty  Acres,  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made 
for  Highways  and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  & 
Waters  One  thousand  & Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a plan  or 
Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for 
our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  order  & returned  into  the 
Secretary’s  office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto 
annexed,  butted  & bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Beginning  at  a Rock 
Maple  Tree  being  the  South  easterly  corner  of  Dartmouth  so 
called,  from  thence  running  East  three  Miles  & an  half  to  a Spruce 
Tree,  thence  South  Five  Miles  to  a Rock  Maple  Tree,  thence 
West  seven  Miles  to  a Spruce  Tree,  thence  North  Six  Miles  to  a 
Stake,  thence  East  three  Miles  & an  half  to  a Fir  Tree,  from  thence 
South  One  Mile  to  a Rock  Maple  Tree,  the  Bounds  began  at.  To 
Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to- 
gether with  all  privileges  & Appurtenances  to  them  the  said  Gran- 
tees & to  their  respective  Heirs  & assigns  for  ever  by  the  Name 
of  Bretton-woods  upon  the  following  Conditions,  Namely — 

First  That  the  said  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  clear 
bridge  & make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road 
*4-70  of  three  Rods  wide  ^through  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted 
& this  to  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  Date  of  this 
Grant,  in  failure  whereof  the  Premises  & every  part  thereof  shall 
be  forfeited  & revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  us  or 
them  reenter’d  upon  & regranted  to  any  of  our  Loving  Subjects. 

Second  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  set- 
tled Eight  Families  by  the  first  day  of  January  1774  who  shall  be 
actually  cultivating  some  part  of  the  Land  & resident  thereon,  & 
to  continue  making  further  & additional  Improvement  Cultivation 
& Settlement  of  the  Premises  so  that  there  shall  be  actually  settled 


CARROLL. 


531 


& resident  thereon  Sixty  Families  by  the  first  day  of  January  1778, 
on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  any  and  every  Delinquents  Share, 
& of  such  Share  or  Shares  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors 
to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our  Sub- 
jects as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. 

Third  That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship fit  for  Masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that 
use  & none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  our  special  Licence  for  so 
doing  first  had  & obtained  upon  the  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the 
Right  of  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & 
Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  of  any  Act  or 
Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  Enacted. 

Fourth  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  & marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

Fifth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  1777,  the  Rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Sixth  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  Year 
for  ever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  abovesaid 
first  day  of  January  1777  Namely  on  the  first  day  of  January 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1778  one  Shilling 
Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  Settles 
or  possesses  & so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the 
Land  aforesaid,  wch  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons 
abovesaid  their  Heirs  or  assigns  in  our  Council  Chamber 
in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  *as  shall  be  ap-  *4-71 
pointed  to  receive  the  same.  And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed — Witness  John 
Wentworth  Esquire  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in 
Chief  the  Eighth  day  of  February  in  the  twelfth  year  of  our  Reign 
& in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1772. 

The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Bretton-woods. 

• 

Sir  Thomas  Wentworth  Bar4  John  Frost  John  Gee  Pickering 
Honble  Thomas  Flucker  Isaac  Rand  Junr  Samuel  Hall  of  Salem 
Revd  Dr  Samuel  Langdon  Isaac  Rand  ye  3d  Vere  Royse 


532 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Daniel  Fovvle 
Isaac  Rand 
William  Whipple 
John  Moffatt 
Joseph  Whipple 
Robert  Luist  Fowle 
John  Newmarch 
Isaac  Rindge 
Joshua  Brackett 
Thomas  Chadbourn 
George  Libbey 
John  Fernald 
William  Langdon 
Samuel  Hill 
Elisha  Hill 
Jacob  Lavers 
Henry  Sherburne 
George  Hull 
Joseph  Walker 
Joseph  Lowe 
John  Beck 
Joseph  Simms 
Henry  Carter 
Nahum  Ward 
Charles  Banheld 


John  Rand 
Edward  Rand 
Nathaniel  Austin 
Thomas  Lynde 
Peter  Curtis 
Thomas  Furber 


William  Yeaton 
Mark  Langdon 
Samuel  Jenness 
Francis  Jenness 
Eliphalet  Neal 
John  Fleming 


Cotton  Mather  Stevens  John  Sprague 
John  Wendell 
George  Wentworth 
Joshua  Wentworth 
James  Grouard 
Richd  Jenness 
Charles  Blunt 


Bozenger  Salter 
Jacob  Sheafe  Junr 
John  Marsh 
Walter  Bryant  Esqr 
Jedediah  hibbard 
Mark  Nelson 


George  Savel  HomansEzekiel  Gummer 


Samuel  Foster 
Joseph  Moulton 
Joseph  Moulton  Junr 
Jacob  Tilton 
Thomas  Achincloss 
Joseph  Bass 
John  Noble 
Peter  Man 
Robert  Hart 
Joseph  Ward 


Nicholas  Pickering 


James  Haslett 
David  Boynton 
William  Pickering 
Samuel  Clark 
Isaac  Williams 
James  Nelson 
Mark  Rogers 
John  Plummer  Esqr 
John  Crosby 
Thomas  MacDonogh  Esqr 


By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  $ 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


j’ 


L.  S 


Wentworth. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  March  23d  1772. 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal. 


Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Se17 


CARROLL. 


533 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsmouth  12th  February  1772 
These  may  Certify  that  this  Plan  of  Bretton  woods  Beginning 
at  a Rock  Maple  tree  (being  the  South  Easterly  Corner  of  Dart- 
mouth so  call’d)  from  thence  running  East  three  Miles  and  an  half 
to  a Spruce  tree,  thence  South  Five  Miles  to  a Rock  Maple  Tree, 
thence  West  seven  Miles  to  a Spruce  Tree,  thence  North  Six 
Miles  to  a Stake,  thence  East  Three  Miles  & an  half  to  a Fir  tree, 
from  thence  South  one  Mile  to  a Rock  Maple  Tree,  the  bounds 
began  at,  Contains  Twenty  four  Thousand  & Six  Hundred  & forty 
Acres  of  Land  & is  a true  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of 
said  Tract  or  Township  as  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Mr  Vere 
Royse  Depy  Survr 


Attest:  Is.  Rindge  S.  G1 


534 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Nash  and  Sawyer,  1773.] 

*4-154  ^Province  of  ) George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of 
New  Hampshre  5 God  of  great  Britain  France  and 
Messra  Nash  & Sawyer  ) Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 
Their  Grant.  5 To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall 

come  greeting 

Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  Knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  & cultivating 
our  Lands  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  and  with 
the  advice  of  our  trusty  and  wellbelovecj  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  of  our  said  Province  and 
of  our  Council  of  the  same,  Have  upon  the  Conditions  & Reserva- 
tions herein  particularly  recited  and  expressed  given  and  granted 
and  by  these  presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  and 
grant  unto  our  leige  and  loving  Subjects  Timothy  Nash  and  Ben- 
jamin Sawyer  both  of  our  Province  of  New  York  And  to  their 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  con- 
taining by  admeasurement  Two  thousand  one  hundred  and 
eighty  four  Acres  of  Land  situate  lying  and  being  in  our  Prov- 
ince aforesaid  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our 
Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said 
Governor’s  order  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our 
said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  -'annexed  may  more 
fully  and  at  large  appear — butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  viz 
begining  at  a Birch  Tree  and  runing  south  seventeen  degrees 
east  two  Miles  & one  half  Mile  to  a hemlock  Tree,  then  south  fifty 
seven  degrees  west  two  hundred  Rods  to  a Hackmatack  Tree, 
then  north  nineteen  Degrees  and  a quarter  west  two  miles  and  a 
half  to  a hemlock  Tree,  from  thence  North  fifty  seven  degrees  east 
two  hundred  and  twenty  eight  rods  to  the  bound  begun  at — then 
begining  again  at  the  Birch  Tree  aforesaid  from  thence  runing 
south  fifty  seven  degrees  west  two  hundred  & twenty  Eight  rods  to 
a Hemlock  Tree,  being  the  south  west  Corner  of  the  Land 
*4-155  first  described  from  thence  runing  north  *Fifty  two  de- 
grees and  a quarter  west  two  miles  & a quarter  to  a 
Spruce  Tree,  then  north  fifty  seven  Degrees  west  ten  Rods  to  the 
South  boundary  line  of  Bretton  Woods,  from  thence  West  on  said 
line  two  Miles  and  two  rods,  from  thence  south  seventeen  degrees 
east,  one  mile  and  seven  rods  to  the  Birch  Tree  first  mentioned — 
To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed 


CARROLL. 


535 


to  them  the  said  Timothy  Nash  and  Benjamin  Sawyer  and  to  their 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Terms  Conditions 
and  Reservations  viz. 

First  that  the  said  Grantees  shall  cut  clear  bridge  and  make 
passable  for  Carriages  &c  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide  through  the 
said  Tract  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or  ordered  by 
the  Governor  and  Council  aforesaid  which  Road  shall  be  corn- 
pleated  in  Years  from  the  date  of  such  order  or  direction  of 
the  Governor  and  Council  aforesaid,  on  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  this  Grant  and  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors. 

Secondly  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  Five  Families  in  Five  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in 
Failure  whereof  the  premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us  or  them  entered  upon  and  regranted  to 
such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same — 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  and  none  to 
be  cut  or  felled  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had 
and  obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  such 
Grantees  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present 
as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourthly  that  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be 
well  adapted  to  the  Growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax  the  said  Grantees 
shall  sow  and  continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  Proportion  of 
the  said  Tract  not  less  that  Ten  Acres  in  every  hundred  Acres 
with  that  beneficial  Article  of  Produce 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly 
*4-156  and  *every  Year  forever  from  and  after  the  expiration 
of  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  One  Shilling 
Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles 
or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  to  a greater  or  lesser  Tractof  Land 
aforesaid,  which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  proprietor 
Owner  or  settler  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or 
to  such  Officer  or  Officers  [as]  shall  be  appointed  to  receive 
the  same 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  aforesaid  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  the  20th  Day 


536 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  May  in  the  Thirteenth  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini 

1773— 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec7 

Recorded  According  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Prov  Seal 
this  22d  Day  of  May  1773 — 

Attest1-  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


Province  of  New  Hampshire — Portsm0  19  May  1773 — This 
Certifies  that  the  Plan  beginning  at  a Birch  Tree  from 
thence  runing  South  Seventeen  Degrees  East  Two  Miles 
*4-157  & a half  to  a Hemlock  Tree,  thence  South  fifty  *Seven 

Degrees  West  two  Hundred  rods  to  A Hemlock  Tree 
then  North  Nineteen  degrees  & a Quarter  West  Two  Miles  & a 
Half  to  a Hemlock  Tree  from  thence  North  fifty  Seven  degrees 
East  Two  hundred  & Twenty  Eight  rods  to  the  Bounds  began  at 
Contains  One  thousand  & Seventy  Acres  and  is  a True  Copy  of  an 
Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  Said  Tract  as  taken  & returnd  by 
Edward  Bucknam  Deputy  Surveyer. 

And  the  Land  represented  by  the  Plan  begining  at  the  Birch 
Tree  afore  Said  from  thence  runing  South  fifty  Seven  degrees 

West  two  Hundred  & Twenty  Eight  [rods]  to  a Hemlock  Tree 

being  the  South  West  Corner  of  the  Land  first  discribed  from 

thence  runing  North  fifty  two  degrees  and  A Quarter  West  Two 

Miles  & A Quarter  to  A Spruce  Tree  then  North  fifty  Seven 
Degrees  West  ten  Rods  to  the  South  Boundary  Line  of  Britton 
Woods  from  thence  West  on  Said  Line  two  miles  & Two  Rods 
from  thence  South  Seventeen  degrees  East  one  Mile  & Seven  rods 


CHARLESTOWN. 


537 


to  the  Birch  Tree  first  mentioned  Contains  one  thousand  one 
Hundred  & fourteen  Acres  & is  Protracted  by  order  of  his 
Excellency  Governor  Wentworth 

Copy  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


CENTER  HARBOR. 

[Set  off  from  New  Hampton  and  incorporated,  Dec.  7,  1797.  So  called  because 
it  contained  the  middle  one  of  three  harbors,  Moultonborough  Harbor  or  Bay  being 
on  the  east,  and  Meredith  Harbor  or  Bay  on  the  west.  A part  of  Meredith  was 
annexed  to  Center  Harbor,  July  3,  1873. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  276 ; Index  to  Laws,  86 ; sketch,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Belknap  County,  1885,  p.  725  ; article  on  name,  by  Isaac  W.  Hammond, 
4,  Granite  Monthly,  189;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  375; 
Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  486;  In  the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains, 
by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  8.] 


CHARLESTOWN. 

[This  town  was  Number  4 in  the  line  of  towns  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Dec.  31,  1735.  Incorporated  as  Charlestown, 
July  2,  1753,  and  named  in  honor  of  Commodore  Sir  Charles  Knowles,  of  the 
British  navy.  A portion  of  the  town  was  combined  with  a part  of  Walpole  to  make 
up  the  town  of  Langdon,  Jan.  11,  1 787.  Three  families,  with  their  estates,  were 
severed  from  Unity  and  annexed  to  Charlestown,  June  20,  1810.  The  same  day, 
the  town  was  divided  into  two  parishes  for  parochial  purposes. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  96 ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  394, 
398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  the  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  279  ; Index  to  Laws,  88  ; Annals,  by  Jaazaniah  Crosby,  4, 
Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  101  ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan 
County,  1886,  p.  23;  History,  by  Jaazaniah  Crosby,  1833,  pp.  41;  History,  by 
H.  H.  Saunderson,  1876,  pp.  7 26;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  425; 
Biographical  Notices  of  Physicians,  2,  N.  H.  Repository,  77  ; Offering  of  Lunen- 
burg, Mass.,  to  Cheshire  County,  by  E.  S.  Stearns,  2,  Proceedings  of  N.  H.  His- 
torical Society,  92. 


[Charlestown  Charter,  1753.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampr  *1-161 

George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  & Ireland  Kino;  Defender  of  the  faith 
&ca 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Charlestown  come  Greeting 

Whereas  Sundry  of  our  Loving  Subjects  before  the  Settlement 


538 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  the  Dividing  Line  of  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid 
and  of  our  Other  Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  began  A 
Settlem*  of  a Tract  of  Land  called  N°  (4)  Lying  on  Connecticut 
River  above  the  Great  falls  & made  Sundry  Divisions  of  & Im- 
provements upon  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  and  there  remaind  till 
the  Indian  Warr  forced  them  off,  and  our  Said  Subjects  being 
Desireous  to  make  an  Imediate  Settlement  on  the  Premisses  and 
haveing  Petitioned  our  Governour  & Council  of  his  Majeys  Grant  of 
the  Premisses  to  be  so  made  as  might  not  Subvert  & Distroy  their 
former  Surveys  & Laying  out  in  Severalty  made  thereon  as  afore- 
said Now  Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  Especial  Grace  Certain 
Knowledge  & mere  Motion  for  answering  the  Ends  aforesaid  and 
for  the  Due  Encouragement  of  Settling  the  said  Plantation  By  & 
with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  our  Governour  & Commander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  Said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  America  and  of  our  Council  of  our 
said  Province  Have  upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations  herein 
after  made  Given  & Granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs 
& successors  Do  Give  & Grant  unto  our  Loveing  Subjects  In- 
habitants of  our  Said  Province  of  N Hampr  and  our  other  Govern- 
ments in  New  England  and  to  their  heirs  & assignes  for  ever 
whose  names  Are  Entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  Divided  to  & 
amoungst  them  into  So  many  & Such  Shares  & Proportions  as  they 
now  hold  or  Claim  the  Same  by  Purchase  Contract  Vote  or  Agre- 
ment  mad  amoungst  themselves  All  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land 
Scituate  Lying  & being  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire Containing  by  admeasurement  Twenty  three  thousand  & 
forty  Acres  which  Tract  is  to  Contain  Six  miles  Square  & no  m^re 
out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  highways  & unim- 
proveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  Ponds  & Rivers  one  thousand 
& forty  Acres  free,  According  to  A Plan  thereof  made  & Presented 
by  our  said  Governours  orders  and  hereunto  annexed 
*1-162  Butted  & Bounded  as  follows — Viz — Begining  *At  A 
Tree  on  the  Bank  of  Connecticut  River  Marked  for  the 
North  West  Corner  of  Walepole  then  runs  south  78*  degrees  East 
three  Miles  & one  hundred  Rods  to  the  North  East  Corner  of  sd 
Walpole  from  thence  one  Mile  & Two  hundred  & Eighty  Eight 
Rods  East  by  the  needle  to  an  Angle  in  Newton  then  North  2d 
West  Eight  miles  & an  half  by  Newton  & Burnet  & to  an  Angle 
in  Buckingham  then  North  Seventeen  degrees  East  One  thousand 
& sixty  Rods  by  Buckingham  aforesaid  then  North  78d  West  up 
home  to  Connecticut  River  thence  Running  Down  Said  river  to 


CHARLESTOWN. 


539 


the  Bounds  first  mentioned  And  that  the  Same  Be  and  hereby  is 
Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Charlestown 
And  that  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  Shall  hereafter  Inhabit  the 
Said  Township  Are  hereby  Declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  & 
Intituled  to  All  & every  the  Previledges  & Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  our  Said  Province  by  Law  Exercise  & Enjoy  And 
further  that  the  Said  Town  as  Soon  as  there  Shall  be  fifty  families 
resident  thereon — Shall  have  the  Liberty  to  open  & keep  A Market 
one  or  more  Days  in  Each  Week  as  may  be  tho*  most  Advantagious 
to  the  Inhabitants  Also  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of 
Town  Officers  & Other  Affairs  Agreble  to  the  Laws  of  our  said 
Province  Shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  August  next 
which  Meeting  Shall  be  notifyed  by  Phineas  Stevens  Esq  who  is 
hereby  also  appointed  the  moderator  of  the  Said  first  meeting 
which  he  is  to  Notify  & Govern  Agreable  to  the  Law  & Custom  of 
our  Said  Province  And  thatthe  Annual  meeting  forever  hereafter 
for  the  Choice  of  Such  officers  for  the  Said  Town  Shall  be  on  the 
Second  Tuesday  in  March  Annually  To  have  & to  hold  the  Said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  Expressed  togeather  with  all  the  Previledges 
& Appurtenances  to  them  & their  respective  heirs  And  Assignes  for 
ever  upon  the  following  Conditions  Viz — That  every  Grantee  his 
heirs  or  Assigns  Shall  Plant  or  Cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land 
within  the  Term  of  five  years  for  every  fifty  Acres  Contained  in 
his  or  their  Shares  or  Proportion  of  Land  in  the  Township  And 
Continue  to  Improve  & Settle  the  Same  by  Additional  Cultivations 
on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or  Share  in  the  Said  Town- 
ship And  its  reverting  to  his  Majesty  his  heirs  & Successors  to  be 
by  him  or  them  Regranted  to  Such  of  his  Subjects  as  Shall  Effect- 
ually Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same  That  all  white  and  other 
*Pine  Trees  Within  the  Said  Township  fit  for  masting  our  *1-163 
Royal  Navy  be  Carefully  Preserved  for  that  use  & none 
to  be  Cut  or  felled  without  his  Majestys  Especial  Lycence  for  So 
Doing  first  had  & obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the 
right  of  such  Grantee  his  heirs  or  assignes  to  us  our  heirs  & 
Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penaltys  of  Any  Act  or 
Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  hereafter  Shall  be  Enacted 
Also  Reserving  the  Power  of  Adding  to  or  Divideing  the  Said 
Town  so  far  as  it  relates  to  Incorporations  only  to  us  our  heirs  & 
successors  when  it  Shall  Appear  necessary  & Convenient  for  the 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  thereof  That  before  any  further  Division 
of  the  said  Lands  be  made  to  and  amoungst  the  Grantees  A Tract 
of  Land  in  the  most  Comodious  Place  the  Land  will  admit  of  Shall 


54° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


be  reserved  & marked  out  for  Town  Lotts  one  of  which  Shall  be 
allotted  to  Each  Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  One  Acre  Yielding  & 
Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for  the  Space  of  ten 
years  to  be  Computed  from  the  Date  hereof  the  annual  rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  Com’encing  on  the  first  Day  of  January 
Ensueing  the  Date  hereof  & Every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant 
Shall  Yield  & Pay  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  Yearly  and  every 
Year  forever  from  & after  the  Expiration  of  the  Ten  years  from  the 
Date  hereof  Namely  on  the  first  Day  of  January  which  will  be  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  one  thousend  seven  hundred  & Sixty 
four  One  Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres 
he  so  owns  Settles  or  Posseses  and  So  in  Proportion  for  A Greater 
or  Lesser  Tract  of  the  Said  Land  which  money  Shall  be  paid  by 
the  Respective  Persons  abovesaid  their  heirs  or  assigns  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as 
Shall  be  Appointed  to  Recieve  the  same  and  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever — In  Wittness  whereof  we 
have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed 
Wittness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’ander 
in  ChiefF  of  our  Said  Province  the  Second  Day  of  July  in  the  year 
of  Our  Lord  Christ  1753  & in  the  27th  Year  of  our  reign. — 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sery  / 

Entered  & recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal  this  2d  July  1753 — 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secrr 


Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Charles  Town 


Joseph  Wells,  Phineas  Stevens,  Jonathan  Sage, 

Stephen  Farnsworth,  James  Farnsworth,  John  Sawyer, 

John  Sawyer  junr,  Nathaniel  Parker,  the  widow  & the 
*1-164  Heirs  of  Obediah  Sartwell,  deceasd  *Isaac  Amsden, 

Seth  Putnam,  Andrew  Gardner,  Silvanus  Hastings, 


John  Hastings  junr, 
James  Porter, 

Isaac  Parker, 
Joseph  Willard, 
James  Johnson, 
John  Hastings, 


Josiah  Willard, 
Obediah  Dickinson, 
Jonathan  Hubbard, 
Moses  Willard, 
David  Farnsworth, 
Ebenezr  Hindsdale 


Wm  Haywood, 
James  Kellog, 
Ebenezer  Putnam, 
Joseph  Billings, 
Thomas  Adams, 
Seth  Walker, 


CHARLESTOWN. 


541 


Simon  Sartwell, 
Lemuel  Hastings, 
Peter  Laboree, 
Jonathan  Wetherbe, 
Joseph  Woods, 


John  Spoffard 
Isaac  Holden, 
Benja  Allen, 
Abijah  Wetherbe, 


Thomas  Putnam, 
Moses  Wheeler, 
Dana, 

Samuel  Wetherbe, 


his  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  one  Tract  of  Land 
of  the  Contents  of  five  hundred  Acres  One  sixty  forth  part  of  the 
said  Tract  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  in  forreign  Parts  one  Sixty  fourth  Parte  for  the  first  Settled 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  said  Town  one  Sixty  fourth  Part  of  the 
Said  Tract  for  A Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law 
Established — 


Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Charter  for  Charlestown  the  2d 
Day  of  July  1753— 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


542 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


CHARLESTOWN. 


543 


Taken  from  the  Plan  on 
town  July  2d  1753 


the  back  of  the  Charter  for  diaries- 
'll Theodore  Atkinson  Se17 


[Olcott’s  Ferry,  1772.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire  *1-438 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the 
Faith  &c. 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come. 

Olcott’s  ) Greeting. 

Ferry.  $ Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
knowledge  & mere  Motion  (by  and  with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty 
and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  our  Governor  & 
Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England)  have  given  and  granted 
*and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  *1-439 
do  give  and  grant  unto  our  loyal  and  faithful  Subject 
Simeon  Olcott  of  Charlestown  in  our  said  Province  Esqr  the  Sole 
Right  of  keeping  a Ferry  and  of  keeping  using  and  Employing  a 
Ferry  boat  and  Boats  for  the  transporting  of  Men,  Horses,  Goods, 
Cattle  Carriages  &c.  from  the  Shore  of  Charlestown  nearly 
opposite  the  Mouth  of  Black  River,  so  called,  in  Springfield,  where 
it  enters  into  Connecticut  River,  across  the  said  River  Connecticut, 
to  the  opposite  Shore  of  said  Springfield,  and  from  thence  back 
again  to  the  Shore  of  Charlestown  aforesaid,  To  Hold  the  said 
Ferry  and  privilege  of  a Ferry,  with  all  ferry  age,  Advantages, 
Emoluments,  Perquisites  and  Profits  thereunto  belonging  to  him, 
the  said  Simeon  Olcott  his  Heirs,  Executors  Administrators  and 
Assigns  from  the  day  of  the  date  hereof,  to  his  and  their  only 
proper  use,  benefit  and  behoof  for  Ever,  upon  the  following 
Conditions.  Viz1.  That  he  and  they  shall  at  all  Times  keep  such 
Boat  or  Boats  and  give  such  Attendance,  and  behave  as  the 
now  (or  any  hereafter)  Laws  do  or  may  require ; On  Penalty 
of  forfeiting  this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors.  And  as  a further  Encouragement  to  the  said  Simeon 
Olcott  in  and  about  the  Promises,  We  Will  that  none  of  our  loving 
Subjects  do  presume  to  molest  or  interrupt  the  said  Simeon  Olcott 
in  his  said  Ferry,  or  set  up  any  other  Ferry  upon  or  across  the 


544 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  River  Counecticut  within  One  Mile  above  & three  Miles 
below  the  Ferry  of  the  said  Simeon  Olcott. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our 
aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  the  Thirteenth  day  of 
Tune  in  the  Twelfth  year  of  our  Reign,  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth 

By  his  Excellcy’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec1*' 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal,  this  22d  June  1772. 

Attest1 


CHATHAM. 

[Granted  Feb.  7,  1767,  to  Peter  Livius  and  others,  and  named  in  honor  of  Lord 
Chatham.  A tract  of  land  near  the  center  of  the  town  was  granted  by  Gov.  John 
Wentworth  to  his  private  secretary,  Thomas  McDonough,  July  2,  1772.  Samuel 
Gilman’s  grant,  on  the  north,  was  annexed  June  23,  1817.  The  farms  of  Jonathan 
Hardy  and  Edward  Shirley  were  severed  from  Conway  and  annexed  to  Chatham, 
June  26,  1823.  The  farm  of  Judah  Dana  was  annexed,  July  2,  1838.  A portion 
of  Chatham  was  annexed  to  Bartlett,  June  30,  1869.  Chatham  was  taken  from 
Cobs  County  and  annexed  to  Strafford,  and  so  remained  until  the  formation  of  Car- 
roll  County,  in  which  it  was  then  included. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  301  ; Index  to  Laws,  90;  sketch,  Fergusson’s 
History  of  Carroll  County,  1889,  p.  977;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p. 
600  ; Concerning  the  True  Name  of  Northern  Kearsarge,  1,  Appalachia,  152  ; The 
Baldface — Eastman  Range,  by  J.  R.  Edmands,  2 id .,  163;  Evans  Notch,  Royce, 
Baldface,  by  M.  M.  Pychowska,  3,  id.,  264;  Speckled  Mountain,  by  E.  B.  Cook, 
4,  id.,  ji  ; Report  of  the  Majority  of  the  Committee  on  the  Name  Kearsarge  by 
John  M.  Shirley,  1,  Proceedings  of  the  N.  H.  Historical  Society  1879,  1 73  ; In 
the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  39.] 


[Chatham  Charter,  1767.] 

*3-178  ^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

Chatham  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 


CHATHAM. 


545 


and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  in  New-England,  and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  seven  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New -Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
Twenty  five  thousand  Six  hundred  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  con- 
tain more  than  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an 
Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands 
by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty 
Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our 
said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office, 
and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begin- 
ning at  the  N : E : Corner  of  the  Township  of  Conway  on  the  di- 
viding line  between  the  province  of  Newhampsr  & the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  & from  thence  runing  N°  8 dgs  East  bounds  on  sd  Divid- 
ing Line  Ten  miles,  thence  turning  of  at  Right  Angles  & runing 
N°  82  dgs  West  four  miles  thence  turning  of  at  Right  Angles  & run- 
ing S°  8 d*  West  to  the  aforesd  Township  of  Conway  thence  S°  8 
dg8  East  bound8  on  said  Conway  to  the  bounds  first  mention’d 
And  that  the  same  be  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township 
by  the  Name  of  Chatham  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall 
hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be 
Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and 
Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs,  one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer 
than  the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  *3-179 
more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  ad- 


546 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


vantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince, shall  be  held  on  the  last  Monday  in  February  next  which 
said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Walter  Bryent  junr  Esqr  who  is 
hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting, 
which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  first  Monday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and 
to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together 
with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respect- 
ive Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1767 — 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year 
forever,  from  and  after  the  Expiration  often  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 


CHATHAM. 


547 


of  December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777 — One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu 
of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

I11  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Seventh  Day  of  February  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord 
Christ,  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  seven  And  in 
the  Seventh  Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 


By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

T : Atkinson  jr  Secr’y, — 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  February  9th  1767 — 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  under  the  Province 
Seal 

Attestd  ^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


*Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Chatham. — 


*3-180 


Peter  Livius  Esqr 
Jona  Moulton  Esqr 
Jonathan  Trickey 
Jona  Leavet 
Daniel  Pierce  Esqr 
Jacob  Tredwell  jr 


Tho3  Young  Esqr 
Tho3  Young  junr 
Jeremh  Folsom  jr 
Tho3  Tash  Esqr 
Jeremy  Bryent  Esqr 
John  Doe 


Capt : Nathaniel  Adams  U John  Burley 
Nath1  Frost  John  Burley  jr 

Capt:  Hubartis  Neal  Jeremh  Folsom 


George  Meserve 
James  Gooding 
Jona  Leavet  junr 
John  Bennet 
James  Cram 
David  Folsom  jr 
Bradstreet  Doe 


L*  Joseph  Young 
Zachariah  Foss 
Walter  Bryent  Esqr 
Col : Clem4  March 
Walter  Bryent  jr  Esq* 
Joseph  Mason 


L*  Joseph  Senter 
Nicholas  Doe 
Josiah  Hilton 
John  Bennet  jr 
William  Parker  Esqr 
John  Sullivan 
Sam1  Cutts 
Jona  Warner  Esqr 
John  Tash 
Joshua  Brackett 
Jn°  Johnson 
David  Hicks 
Barthw  Smart 
Dan1  Foster 
Tho3  Merill 


Jn°  Folsom — Greenland  James  Folsom 


Ammi  Ruhamah  Cutter  Capt:  Timothy  Walker  Maj.  Wm  Weeks 


54§ 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Edwd  Smith 
Richd  Shatswell 
John  Bryent 
Stephen  Willey 
Silas  Urine 
Ede  Hall  Bergin 
John  Dole 
Philip  Fowler  jr 


Timothy  Walker  jr  Benjn  Smith  Esqr 

Ichabod  Whiddon  Sam1  Livermore  Esqr 

L4  Sam1  Gilman  Noah  Emory  Esqr 

David  Gilman  Capt : Jn°  Clark 

Col : Winthrop  HiltonGeorge  Livius  & 

L4  Winthrop  Hilton  T : Atkinson  jr  Esqr 
Ichabod  Hilton 
L4  John  McDuffee 


Five  hundred  Acres  for  his  Excellency  Benn§  Wentworth  Esqr 
as  mark’d  B : W : in  the  plan  which  is  to  be  accounted  two  of  the 
within  Shares.  One  share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the 
Gospel  & one  share  for  a Public  School  in  said  Town  for  Ever — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  9th  Feb’1?  1767 — 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Prov- 
ince Seal 


T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


3U.r 


CHATHAM. 


549 


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55° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  hampsr  9th  Feb’ry  1767 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Chatham 
under  the  Prov  Seal — 

Attd  ^ T.  Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Grant  to  Henry  Bellew,  1772.] 

*4-121  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

Cap4  Bellews’  George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Grant.  Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come. 
Greeting. 

Whereas  we  have  thought  fit  by  our  Proclamation 
at  S4  James’s  the  Seventh  day  of  October  in  the  Third  Year  of  our 
Reign  Annoque  Domini  1763,  among  other  things  to  testify  our  Royal 
sense  and  Approbation  of  the  Conduct  and  Bravery  of  the  Officers 
and  Soldiers  of  our  Armies,  and  signified  our  desire  to  reward  the 
same,  and  have  therein  commanded  & Impowered  our  sev- 
*4-122  eral  Governors  of  our  Respective  Provinces  on  the  Conti- 
nent of  America  to  grant  without  fee  or  reward  to  such  re- 
duced Officers  as  have  served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War, 
and  to  such  Private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there, 
and  shall  Personally  apply  for  the  same,  such  quantities  of  Land 
respectively  as  in  and  bv  our  aforesaid  Proclamation  are  particu- 
larly mentioned  ; subject  nevertheless,  to  the  same  Quit  Rents  and 
Conditions  of  Cultivation  and  Improvement  as  other  our  Lands  are 
subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which  they  are  granted.  And  where- 
as Henry  Bellew  Esquire  had  our  Appointment  to  the  Com- 
mand of  one  of  our  Ships  of  War  ; (call’d  the  dispatch)  at  the  Re- 
duction of  Louisbourg,  and  served  in  the  late  War,  in  North  Ameri- 
ca, and  is  now  reduced,  and  he  having  personally  applied  & 
sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreeable  to  our  aforesaid  Proclamation. 
Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  & mere 
Motion  do  signify  our  Approbation  as  aforesaid,  and  for  encourag- 
ing the  Settlement  & Cultivation  of  our  Lands  within  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  Have,  (by  and  with 
the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  & 
of  our  Council,  agreeable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  Procla- 


CHATHAM. 


551 


mation,  and  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  hereafter  men- 
tioned) given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs 
and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Henry  Bellew  and 
to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever,  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of 
Land,  situate,  lying,  and  being  within  our  said  Province,  and  con- 
taining by  admeasurement  Five  thousand  three  Hundred  and 
Twenty  six  Acres,  out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for 
unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Mountains  and  Waters,  three  hun- 
dred and  Twenty  six  Acres  free,  according  to  a plan  or  Survey 
thereof,  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said 
Province,  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the 
Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereun- 
to annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Beginning  at  a 
Poplar  Tree  on  the  Province  Line,  Two  hundred  & Eighty  three 
Rods  from  the  North  East  corner  of  Conway,  said  Tree  being 
also  the  North  East  corner  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  for 
^Gregory  Purcell,  thence  North  eight  degrees  East,  One  *4-123 
thousand  and  Forty  Nine  Rods  to  a Hemlock  Tree 
marked  HB,  thence  North  Eighty  two  degrees  West  Seven  Hun- 
dred and  Twenty  one  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  marked  HB,  stand- 
ing on  the  side  of  a Mountain,  about  Forty  rods  from  the  Foot, 
thence  South  eight  degrees  West  to  Conway  Line,  thence  by  Con- 
way Line  three  Hundred  and  Thirty  Rods  to  the  South  west  cor- 
ner of  said  Purcell’s  Grant,  then  North  eight  degrees  East  to  a 
Beech  Tree,  which  is  the  North  wrest  corner  of  Purcell’s  Grant 
aforesaid  & from  thence  South  eighty  two  degrees  East  Three 
Hundred  & Eighty  two  Rods  to  the  Poplar  Tree  began  at.  To 
Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed, 
with  the  appurtenances  to  him  the  said  Henry  Bellew,  and  to  his 
Heirs  and  Assigns  for  ever  upon  the  following  Terms,  Viz4 

First.  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  & make  passable 
for  Carriages  &c,  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  at  any  Time  hereafter  be  directed  or  order’d  by  the  Gover- 
nor and  Council  aforesaid,  which  Road  shall  be  completed  in  one 
Year,  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  Direction  of  the  Governor  & 
Council  aforesaid,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  & and 
of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors. 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  Set- 
tled Five  Families  in  five  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant;  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. 


552 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Third.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees,  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  and  none  to 
be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  License  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee,  in 
the  Premises,  his  Heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present 
as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth.  That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be  well 
adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee  shall 
sow  & continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the  said 
Land,  not  less  than  Fifty  Acres  in  every  thousand  Acres,  with  that 
beneficial  Article  of  Produce. 

*4-124  *Fifth.  Yielding  and  Paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs 
and  Successors  on  or  before  the  day  of  17  , 

the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Sixth.  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
Year  for  ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the 
date  of  this  Grant,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ 
1782  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres 
he  so  owns  Settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater 
or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  ; which  Money  shall  be  Paid 
by  the  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler  in  our  Council  Chamber  in 
Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to 
receive  the  same  : And  these  to  be  in  lieu  oPall  other  Rents  and 

Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John 
Wentworth  Esqr  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief 
the  Twenty  first  day  of  November  in  the  13th  Year  of  our  Reign,  & 
in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  > 
with  advice  of  Council.  > 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secly 

Province  of  New  Hampshire.  21st  November  1772. 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal.  Attest1 

Province  of  New  Hampshire,  Portsmouth  12th  October  1772. 

This  Certifies  that  this  Plan,  Beginning  at  a Poplar  Tree,  stand- 
ing in  the  East  Boundary  Line  of  said  Province  283  rods,  from  the 


CHATHAM. 


553 


N.  E.  corner  of  Conway,  from  thence  running  N.  8°  E.  on  said 
Province  Line,  3 Miles  & 89  rods  to  a Hemlock  Tree  marked  HB. 
thence  N.  82°  W.  2 Miles  & 81  rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  mark’d  HB. 
thence  S 8°  W.  4 Miles  & 52  Rods,  to  the  Northerly  line  of  said 
Conway,  thence  on  said  Line,  S.  82°  E.  one  Mile  & 19  rods, 
thence  N.  8°  E.  283  rods,  thence  S.  82°  E.  1 mile  & 62  Rods 
to  the  Bound  first  mentioned,  Contains  5326  Acres  of  Land,  & is 
a true  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken 
& returned  to  me  by  Cap1  Henry  Young  Brown  Dty  Surv1 

Attest1  Is  : Rindge  S.  General. 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Gilman,  1770.] 

^Province  of  New  ) George  the  Third  by  the  grace  *1-370 
Hampshire  $ °f  God  of  Great  Britain  France 
and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  Faith  &c. 

To  ALL  TO  WHOM  THESE  PRESENTS  SHALL  COME. 

Greeting. — 

Whereas  we  have  tho’t  fit  by  our  Proclamation  at 
I } Sam1  Gilman’s  > Sfc  James’s  the  seventh  day  of  October  in  the 

Grant  $ Third  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini 

1763,  (among  other  Things  to  testify  our  Royal  sense  and  appro- 
bation of  the  Conduct  and  bravery  of  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of 
our  Armies  & signified  our  desire  to  reward  the  same,  & have 
therein  commanded  & impower’d  our  several  Governors  of  our 
respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America  to  Grant  without 
fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  officers  as  have  served  in  North 
America  during  the  late  War,  and  to  such  private  Soldiers  as  have 
been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there,  and  shall  personally  apply  for 
the  same,  such  quantities  of  Land  respectively  as  in  and  by  our 
aforsd  Proclamation  are  particularly  mentioned,  subject  nevertheless 
to  the  same  Quit  Rents  & conditions  of  Cultivation  and  Improve- 
ment as  other  our  Lands  are  subject  to  in  the  Province  in  which 
they  are  Granted.  And  whereas  Samuel  Gilman  of  New- 
market in  our  said  Province  Gentleman  had  our  Appointment  as 
Lieutenant,  and  served  during  the  late  War  and  is  now  reduced 
& he  having  personally  applied  and  solicited  for  such  Grant, 
agreable  to  our  aforesaid  Proclamation  Know  Ye  that  we  of  our 
special  grace  certain  knowledge  and  mere  motion  do  signify  our 
approbation  as  aforesaid  and  for  encouraging  the  settlement  & 
cultivation  of  our  Lands  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 


554 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


shire  in  New  England  Have  by  & with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty 
& well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  and  of  our  Council  of  the 
same  (agreable  to  our  aforesd  in  part  recited  Proclamation  and 
upon  the  Conditions  and  reservations  herein  after  mentioned,) 
given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Suc- 
cessors do  give  and  grant  unto  the  said  Samuel  Gilman  & to  his 
heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain  Tract  of  Land  containing  by 
admeasurement  Two  thousand  Acres  lying  and  being  within  our 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesd  Butted  & bounded  as  follows, 
Viz*.  Beginning  at  the  North  East  corner  bounds  of  Chatham  & 
running  North  Eight  degrees  East  Two  miles  Twenty  six  Rods  and 
Two  Thirds  on  the  Province  Line  to  a beech  Tree,  from  thence 
North  Eighty  two  Degrees  West  One  mile  and  one  half 
*1-371  to  a Beech  Tree,*  then  turning  off  at  right  Angles  and 
runing  South  Eight  degrees  West  Two  miles  Twenty  six 
Rods  and  two  thirds  to  a hemlock  Tree,  then  turning  off  again  at 
Right  Angles  and  running  South  Eighty  two  Degrees  East  One 
mile  and  an  half  to  the  bounds  first  began  at.  To  Have  and  to 
Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  Express’d  to  him  the  said 
Samuel  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  upon  the  following 
Terms  Conditions  and  Reservations  Viz* 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut,  clear  and  make  passable 
for  Carriages  &c  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  be  directed  or^order’d  by  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Council  aforesaid  which  Road  is  to  be  completed  in  Two 
years  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  direction  of  the  Governor  and 
Council  aforesd  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  it’s 
reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors. — 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  setled 
Six  Families  in  Five  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in  failure 
whereof  the  Promises  to  revert  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  to 
be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of  our  Sub- 
jects as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. — 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and  growing 
within  and  upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  masting  our  Royal 
Navy  be  carefully  preserv’d  for  that  use  and  none  to  be  cut  or 
fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  in 
the  said  Tract  his  heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  penalties  prescribed  by  any 
present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. — 


CHATHAM. 


555 


Fourth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors on  or  before  the  First  day  of  January  1778  the  Rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. — 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall  yield 
and  pay  unto  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  Year 
for  Ever,  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the 
abovesd  First  day  of  January  namely  on  the  First  day  of  January 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  Thousand  seven 
hundred  and  Seventy  Nine,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money 
for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns,  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so 
in  proportion  for  a greater  or  less  Tract  of  the  land  aforesd ; which 
money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Owner,  Setler  or  Proprietor 
as  aforesaid  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer 
or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same,  and  these  to 
be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever. — In  Testi- 
mony whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Province  to 
be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  aforesd 
Governor  and  Command1  in  chief  the  First  day  of  March  in  the 
Tenth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1770. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excelpy’3  Commd 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theo  : Atkinson  Sec^ 

""Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  under  the  *1-372 
Province  Seal,  this  9th  day  of  March  1770. — 

Att*  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


556 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


A 

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X • 

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h a.7-1.  Trxch. 

3 a 

/ 4 

....  1 

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— 

1 

1 rnr 

, = 

Province  of  New  Hampshire,  7th  Decr  1769. — 

These  Certify  that  this  plan  beginning  at  the  N.  E.  corner 
bounds  of  Chatham  & running  N.  8°  E.  2 miles  26  Rods  & §d3  on 
the  Province  Line  to  a Beech  Tree  from  thence  N.  82°  W.  One 
mile  and  one  half  to  a Beech  Tree,  then  turning  off  at  right 
Angles  and  runing  S.  8°  W.  2 Miles  & 26  rods  and  §d3  to  a hem- 
lock Tree,  then  turning  off  again  at  Right  angles  & running  S.  82° 
E.  one  mile  and  an  half  to  the  bounds  first  began  at.  contains 
2000  Acres  of  Land,  & is  a true  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or 
Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken  & returned  to  me  f)  Cap4  Hubartis 
Neal  Dy  Survr 


Attestd  ^ Is  : Rindge  Sr  Gen1 


tZ  • tY  /m*U  V-  /ioTPorf, 


CHATHAM. 


557 


[Grant  to  Samuel  Langdon,  1772.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *4-87 

Dr  Langdon’s  George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Grant.  Britn  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
knowledge  & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling 
and  cultivating  our  Lands  within  our  Province  aforesaid,  by  and 
with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same,  Have  (upon 
the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  particularly  recited  and 
expressed)  given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our 
Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  our  liege  and  loving 
Subject  Samuel  Langdon  of  Portsmouth  in  our  County  of  Rock- 
ingham and  Province  aforesaid  D.  D.  and  to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate  lying 
and  being  in  our  Province  aforesaid,  containing  by  Admeasure- 
ment Three  thousand  Four  Hundred  & Thirty  Acres,  being 
about  Fifty  Acres  each  to  the  number  in  the  Family  of  the  said 
Grantee,  exclusive  of,  and  out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  Highways  and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains 
& Waters  Nine  Hundred  and  Thirty  Acres  free,  according  to  a 
plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of 
Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & 
returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy 
whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  butted  bounded  as  follows.  Viz4 
Beginning  at  an  hemlock  Tree,  being  the  North  Easterly  corner 
Bounds  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  for  Henry  Bellew  Esqr  & 
running  North  Eight  Degrees  East  Two  Miles  and  Forty  Six 
Rods  to  a White  Pine  Tree,  from  thence  North  Eighty  two  Degrees 
West  Two  Miles  and  one  half  Mile  to  Two  Rock  Maple  Trees, 
from  thence  South  Eight  Degrees  West  Two  Miles  & Forty  Six 
Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  from  thence  South  Eighty  Two  Degrees 
East  Two  Miles  and  one  half  Mile  to  the  Bound  began  at.  To 
have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to 
him  the  said  Samuel  Langdon  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for 
Ever  upon  the  following  Terms  and  Conditions  Viz4 

First.  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  and  make  passable 


55§  CHARTER  RECORDS. 

for  Carriages  &c.  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed  or  Order’d  by 
*4-88  the  Governor  & Council*  aforesaid,  which  Road  shall  be 
completed  in  One  Year  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or 
Direction  of  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid  on  Penalty  of  the 
forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  it  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors. 

Secondly  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  Five  Families  in  Six  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  b}r  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

Thirdly  That  all  [white]  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  and  none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the 
Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as 
well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourthly  That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be 
well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee 
shall  sow  & continue  annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the 
said  Land,  not  less  than  One  Hundred  Acres  in  every  thousand 
Acres  with  that  beneficial  Article  of  Produce. 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
Year  for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the 
date  of  this  Grant,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid,  which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler 
in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  to  such  Officer  or  officers 
as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  : And  these  to  be  in  lieu 
of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  Our  Governor  & Com- 
mander in  Chief  aforesaid  the  Twelfth  day  of  June  in  the  12th 
Year  of  our  Reign  Anno  : Dom1  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellcy3  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  $ 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary. 


CHATHAM.  559 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  18th  June  1772. 

Attest1-  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Portsmouth  20th  May  1772.  *4-89 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  an  Hemlock  Tree 
being  the  North  Easterly  Corner  bound  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid 
out  for  Cap1  Henry  Bellew,  & running  North  Eight  degrees  East 
Two  Miles  & 46  Rods  to  a White  Pine  Tree,  from  thence  N.  82° 
W.  2 Miles  & 160  Rods  to  Two  Rock  Maple  Trees,  from  thence 
S.  8°  W.  2 Miles  & 46  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  from  thence  S.  82° 
E.  2 & % Miles  to  the  bound  began  at.  Contains  3430  Acres  of 
Land,  & is  a True  Copy  of  an  Original  plan  or  Survey  of  said 
Tract  as  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Vere  Royse  Dty  Survr 

attest.  Is:  Rindge  S.  G1 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


560 


[Grant  to  Thomas  McDonough,  1772.] 

*4-111  ^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace 
Hampshire  $ of  God  of  Great  Britain  France 
( Tho3  McDonogh  ) & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith, 

( Esqr  his  Grant  $ &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  Come.  Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  Settling  & Cultivating 
our  Lands  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  and  with 
the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  Our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province 
and  of  our  Council  of  the  same  Have  (upon  the  Conditions  & 
Reservations  herein  particularly  recited  & expressed)  given  and 
granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  do 
give  and  grant  unto  our  leige  & loving  Subject  Thomas  Mc- 
Donogh  of  Portsmouth  in  our  County  of  Rockingham  and 
Province  aforesaid  Esquire,  and  to  his  Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever 
a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  containing  by  Admeasurem* 
One  Thousand  Eight  Hundred  & Twenty  Nine  Acres  of  Land 
situate  lying  and  being  in  our  Province  aforesaid  as  by  a plan  or 
Survey  thereof  (exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for 
our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into 
the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is 
hereunto  Annexed)  may  more  fully  and  at  large  Appear,  butted  & 
bounded  as  follows,  Vizh  Beginning  at  a White  Pine  Tree  being 
the  North  Easterly  corner  bound  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  for 
Dr  Samuel  Langdon,  from  thence  running  North  Eight  degrees 
East  Three  hundred  & Sixty  Six  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  from 
thence  North  Eighty  two  degrees  West  Eight  hundred  Rods  to  a 
Stake,  from  thence  South  Eight  Degrees  West  Three  hundred  and 
Sixty  Six  Rods  to  two  Rock  Maple  Trees,  being  the  North 
Westerly  Corner  bound  of  said  Dr  Langdon’s  Tract,  from  thence 
by  said  Langdon’s  Land  South  Eighty  two  degrees  East  Eight 
hundred  Rods  to  the  bound  began  at.  To  have  and  to  hold 
the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  said  Thomas 
McDonogh  and  to  his  heirs  & Assigns  for  ever,  upon  the  following 
Terms,  Conditions  & Reservations.  Viz4 — 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut,  clear,  bridge,  & make 
passable  for  Carriages  &c.  a Road  of  Four  Rods  wide  thro’ 
the  said  Tract  as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed 


CHATHAM. 


561 

or  Order’d  by  the  Governor  *&  Council  aforesaid  ; which  *4-112 
Road  shall  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of 
such  Order  or  Direction  of  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid,  on 
Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  & of  its  reverting  to  us  our 
Heirs  & Successors. 

Secondly.  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
Settled  Three  Families  in  Five  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant ; 
in  failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  & Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  same. 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting 
our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  & none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  Special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained,  upon  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such 
Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  as  well 
as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as  well 
as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

[Fourth.]  That  any  part  of  the  said  Tract  appearing  to  be 
well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  Hemp  or  Flax,  the  said  Grantee 
shall  sow  & continue  Annually  to  cultivate  a due  proportion  of  the 
said  Tract,  not  less  than  Five  acres  in  every  Hundred  Acres  with 
that  beneficial  Article  of  Produce. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
Yield  & pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every 
year  for  Ever  from  & after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the 
date  of  this  Grant  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns,  Settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  ; which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler 
in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or 
Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  And  these  to  be 
in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esq1'  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  the  Second 
day  of  July  in  the  Twelfth  Year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini 
1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellcy’8  Command  ) 
with  Advice  of  Council.  y 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


35 


562 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


*4-113  ^Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the 
Province  Seal,  this  26th  day  of  August  1772. 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec1? 


[Grant  to  Sherburne,  Sherburne,  and  Knight,  1772.] 

*4-117  *Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of 
God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland 
King  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall 
come  Greeting. 

Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace 
certain  knowledge  & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of 
settling  & cultivating  our  Lands  within  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well 
beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  our  Govr  & Commander  in 
Chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & of  our  Council 
of  the  same  Have  upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations  herein  par- 
ticularly recited  & expressed)  given  and  granted  and  by  these  Pres- 
ents for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  in  Equal 
Shares  unto  our  leige  and  loving  Subjects  Daniel  Sherburne, 
Samuel  Sherburne  and  Temple  Knight  'all  of  Portsm0  in  the 
County  of  Rockingham  & Province  aforesaid,  Merchants,  & to 
their  respective  Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever,  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel 
of  Land,  situate,  lying  & being  in  our  said  Province,  containing  by 
Admeasurement  Two  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Eighty  Seven 
Acres,  being  about  Fifty  Acres  each  to  the  number  in  the  Familes 
of  the  said  Grantees,  exclusive  of,  and  out  of  which  an  Allowance 
is  to  be  made  for  Highways  and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks 
Mountains  and  Waters,  Seven  Hundred  & Eighty  Seven  Acres 
free,  according  to  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Survr 
General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s 
Order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said  Province, 
a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  butted  & bounded  as  fol- 
lows, Viz1.  Beginning  at  a Beech  Tree,  being  the  North  Easterly 
corner  bound  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Thomas  McDonogh 
Esqr  & running  North  Eight  Degrees  East  on  the  East  Boundary 
Line  of  our  said  Province,  Two  Miles  and  Two  hundred  & Fifty 


Mess3  Sherburnes  ) 
& Knight’s  Grant.  S 


CHATHAM. 


563 


Two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  being  the  South  Easterly  corner 
bounds  of  a Tract  of  Land  granted  to  Samuel  Gilman,  from  thence 
running  North  Eighty  Two  degrees  West  One  Mile  & One  Hun- 
dred & Eighty  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree,  from  thence  South  Eight 
degrees  West  Two  Miles  & Two  hundred  & fifty  two  Rods  to  a 
Rock  Maple  Tree,  from  thence  South  Eighty  Two  degrees  East 
One  Mile  & One  hundred  & Eighty  Rods  to  the  bound  began 
at. — To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as 
above  ^expressed  to  them  the  said  grantees  & to  their  *4-118 
Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever,  upon  the  following  Terms 
Conditions  & Reservations  Viz1. 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  bridge  and  make 
passable  for  Carriages,  &c.  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  through  the 
said  Tract  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or  Order’d  by 
the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid,  which  Road  shall  be  completed 
in  Two  Years;  from  the  date  of  such  Order  or  Direction  of  the 
Govr  & Council  aforesaid,  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant 
& of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors. 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  Settle  or  cause  to  be 
Settled  Three  Families  in  Seven  Years  from  the  date  of  this 
Grant;  in  failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs 
& Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to 
such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  & cultivate  the 
same. 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  & none  to  be  cut 
or  fell’d  without  our  Special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such 
Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any  present  as 
well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. — 

Fourthly  Yielding  and  Paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  First  day  of  January  1780,  the  Rent  of 
one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demended. 

Fifthly  That  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  shall 
Yield  & pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every 
Year  for  Ever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the 
date  of  this  Grant  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  owns,  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  propor- 
tion for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesaid  ; which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor,  Owner  or 
Settler  in  our  Council  Chambr  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or 


564 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  And  these  to  be 
in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  John  Went- 
*4-119  worth  *Esqr  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in 
Chief  the  Sixteenth  day  ofjulyinthe  12th  Year  of  our 
Reign  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellcy3  Command  > 
with  Advice  of  Council.  } 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  27th  day  of  August  1772. 

Attest'  Theodore  Atkinson  SecTy. 

[Taken  from  Vol.  5,  p.  305-6.] 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  20th  May  1772 

These  certify  that  this  plan  beginning  at  a Beech  Tree  being 
the  Northeasterly  corner  bound  of  a tract  of  land  laid  out  for 
Thomas  McDonough  Esqr  And  running  North  Eight  degrees  East 
on  the  east  boundary  line  of  said  Province  as  that  runs  Two  Miles 
and  two  hundred  & fifty  two  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  being  the 
Southeasterly  corner  bound  of  a tract  of  land  granted  to  Samuel 
Gilman  from  thence  running  North  Eighty  two  degres  West  one 
Mile  and  one  hundred  & eight}'  Rods  to  a Beech  Tree  from  thence 
South  Eight  degrees  west  two  Miles  & two  hundred  & Fifty  two 
rods  to  a Rock  Maple  tree,  from  thence  South  Eighty  Two  degrees 
East  one  mile  & one  hundred  & Eighty  rods  to  the  Bound  began 
at  contains  Two  Thousand  Seven  hundred  & Eighty  Seven  Acres 
& an  half  of  Land.  And  is  a true  Copy  of  an  Original  plan  or 
Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken  and  returned  to  me  by  Vere  Rovse 
D*  Sr 

Attest  Is  Rindge  Sr  G1 

N.  B.  The  Surveyor  that  laid  out  this  land  certifies  that  said 
tract  contains  no  more  than  Two  Thousand  Acres  of  improvable 
land  the  remaining  Seven  hundred  & Eighty  Seven  Acres  & an 
half  Acre  are  un-improveable  Mountains  & Swamps. 

Attest.  Is  Rindge  Sr  G1 

Recorded  according  to  the  original 


Attest  E Thompson  Scy 


A 'Ridqe  of  777  o ix.rxia. 
SP0<*L  -M.  oS 


CHATHAM 


565 


S66 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


CHESTER. 

[Granted  as  Cheshire , Aug.  26,  1720.  Regranted  May  8,  1722,  to  Capt.  Henry 
Sherburne  and  others,  and  incorporated  as  Chester.  Candia  was  set  off  and  in- 
corporated Dec.  15,  1763.  Raymond  was  set  off  and  incorporated  May  9,  1764. 
A considerable  portion  was  included  in  what  is  now  Manchester.  A portion  of  the 
town  was  combined  with  parts  of  Goffstown  and  Dunbarton,  to  make  up  the  town 
of  Hooksett,  July  2,  1822.  Auburn  was  set  off  and  incorporated  June  23,  1845. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  101  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  304;  Index  to 
Laws,  92;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  142;  Facts 
Relating  to,  by  Charles  Bell,  7,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  341  ; 
sketch,  by  Benjamin  Chase,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  139;  History,  by  Benjamin 
Chase,  1869,  pp.  702  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  27.] 


[Chester  Charter,  1722.] 

*George  by  the  grace  of  God  of  Great  Brittain 
ffrance  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith  &ca 
To  All  People  to  Whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Come  Greeting 

Know  ye  that  we  of  our  Special  knowledge  & 
Chester  Charter  mere  motion  for  the  Due  Encouragem1  of 
Settling  A New  Plantation  by  & with  the  .Advice  & Consent  of 
Our  Council  have  given  & granted  and  by  these  Presents  as  far  as 
in  us  Lyes  do  give  & Grant  in  Equal  Shears  unto  Sundry  of  ouij 
beloved  Subjects  whose  names  Are  Entred  in  A Schedule 
hereunto  annexed  that  Inhabit  or  Shall  Inhabit  within  the  sd 
Grant  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  All  that  Tract  of 
Land  within  the  following  Bounds  (Viz)  to  begin  at  Exeter 
South1?  Corner  bounds  & from  thence  run  upon  A West  & by 
North  Point  Two  Miles  Along  Kingstown  Northerly  Line  to 
Kingstown  North  Corner  bounds  then  upon  A South  Point  three 
miles  along  Kingstown  head  line  to  Kingstown  South  Corner 
Bounds  and  from  thence  upon  A West  North  West  Point  Ten 
Miles  into  the  Country  then  to  begin  Again  at  the  Afore  Sd  Exter 
South1?  Corner  bounds  & run  Seven  Miles  upon  Exeter  head  line 
upon  A North  East  Point  half  a Point  more  Northerly  Then 
fourteen  Miles  into  the  Country  upon  a West  North  West  Point  to 
the  River  Merrimack  & from  thence  upon  a Straight  Line  to  the 
End  of  the  aforesd  Ten  Mile  Line  And  that  the  Same  be  A Town 


i-37 


In  loc 
Prove  Sig 


CHESTER. 


567 


Corporate  by  the  name  of  Chester  to  the  Persons  aforesd  forever 
To  have  & to  hold  the  sd  Land  to  the  grantees  their  heirs  And 
Assignes  forever  and  to  Such  Associates  as  they  Shall  Admit  upon 
the  following  Conditions 

Ist  That  every  Proprietor  build  a Dwelling  House  within  Three 
years  and  Settle  a family  therein  and  brake  up  three  Acres  of 
Ground  and  Plant  or  Sow  the  Same  within  four  years  and  Pay  his 
proportion  of  the  Town  Charges  when  & So  often  as  occasion 
Shall  require  the  Same — 

2dly  That  a Meeting  House  be  built  for  the  Publick 
Worship  of  *God  within  the  Said  Term  of  four  years — *1-38 

3dly  That  upon  the  Default  of  any  Perticular  Proprietor 
in  complying  with  the  Conditions  of  this  Charter  upon  his  Part 
Such  Delinquent  Proprietor  Shall  forfeit  his  Share  to  the  other 
Proprietors  which  Shall  be  Disposed  of  According  to  the  Major 
Vote  of  the  Sd  Com’oners  at  a Legall  Meeting — 

4ly  That  A Proprietors  Share  be  reserved  for  a Parsonage 
another  for  the  first  minister  of  the  Gospel  Another  for  the  benefit 
of  the  School  Provided  nevertheless  that  the  Peace  with  the  Indians 
Continue  Duering  the  AforesdTerm  of  three  years  but  if  it  Should 
So  happen  that  A War  with  the  Indians  Should  Comence  before 
the  Expiration  of  the  Aforesd  Term  of  Three  years  The  aforesd 
Term  of  three  years  Shall  be  Allowed  to  the  Proprietors  after  the 
Expiration  of  the  War  for  the  Performance  of  the  aforesd  Conditions 
rendring  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  or  Such 
other  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to  receive  the  Same 
the  Annual  Quit  Rent  or  Acknowledgrffi  of  one  Pound  of  good  Mer- 
chantable Hemp  in  the  sd  Town  on  the  Twentyeth  Day  of  December 
yearly  for  ever  reserving  alsoe  unto  us  Our  heirs  & Successors  all 
mast  Trees  Growing  on  Sd  Land  According  to  Act  of  Parliament 
in  that  behalf  made  & Provided  and  for  the  better  order  rule  & 
Governm*  of  the  Sd  Town  we  do  by  these  Presents  Grant  for  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  unto  the  sd  men  & Inhabitants  or  those 
that  Shall  Inhabit  the  Said  Town  That  yearly  & every  year  upon 
the  Last  Thursday  in  March  for  ever  they  Shall  meet  to  Ellect  & 
Chuse  by  the  Major  Part  of  them  Constables  Select  men  and  all 
other  Town  Officers  According  to  the  Laws  & usage  of  Our  aforesd 
Province  for  the  year  insueing  with  Such  Power  Previledges  & 
authority s as  other  Town  Officers  within  our  aforesd  Province  have 
& Enjoy  In  Wittness  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Sd 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Annexed  Wittness  Sam11  Shute  Esq  Our 
Governour  & Comander  in  Chieffe  of  Our  Sd  Province  at  our  Town 


S68 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  Portsmouth  the  Eighth  day  of  May  in  the  Eighth  year  of  Our 
Reigne  Annoq  Domini  1722 

Sam11  Shute 

*1-39  *By  his  Excelencys  Comand  with  Advice  of  the  Council 

Richd  Waldron  Cler  Con 
A True  Copy  Richd  Waldron  Sec1? 

The  above  Copy  was  Entred  & recorded  the  10th  Day  of  March 
1746/7— 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec^ 


A Schedule  of  the  Proprietors  names  of  the  Town  of  Chester 


Cap1  Henry  Sherburne  Benja  Gambling  Esq 
Cap1  Josha  Peirce  Coll  Peter  Wear 

Clem1  Hughes  Cap1  Tho8  Peirce 

Cap1  Archibald  Mcpheadris  Ephm  Dennet 
Cap1  Ebenezr  Wentworth  Cap1  Richard  Kent 


Eleazr  Russell 
Sam11  Shackford 
Sam11  Ingalls 
Jethro  Tilton 
Susanah  Small 
Enoch  Sanburne 


Jeha  Robie 
John  Shackford 
Michail  Whidden 
Amos  Cass 
Wm  Halley 
Josiah  Batcheldor 


Nath11  Batcheldor  junr  Benony  ffogg 


James  ffogg 
Robert  Row 
Ebenezr  Dearbon 
Henry  Works 
Jona  Plumer 


1 -40 7 


Ebenez1  Eastman 
Philip  Tole 
Benja  Tole 
Jere  : Sanburn 
John  Cram 

Abraham  Brown  John  Prescut  Senr 
John  Pecker  John  Silly 
Sam11  Page  Nath11  Sherburn 
Nathu  Batcheldor  SenrDavid  Tilton 


Elisha  Smith 
Abner  Drake 
Jos  : Sherburne 
Benja  Sanburn 
Jacob  Garland  Senr 
Stephen  Sweat 
Nath11  Drake 
Wm  Crosswent 
Clem1  Messerve 


Sam11  Smith 
Cap1  Josha  Winget 
Ruben  Sanburn 
Benja  Smith 
Moses  Blake 
Jona  Brown 
John  Sanburn 
Henry  Sloper 
James  Boid 


Tho3  Phipps  Esq 
Revd  Nathu  Rogers 
Cap1  Joseph  Sherburne 
Ben§  Wentworth 
George  Peirce 
Revd  Tho8  Syms 
Wm  White 
Wm  Rymes 
James  Perkins 
Zachr  Clifford 
Sam11  Prescot 
Richd  Clifford 
Ebenr  Loverill 
Wm  Godfry 
Edward  Sanburn 
Caleb  Tole 
John  Prescut  junr 
Joseph  Batcheldor 
*Thomas  Levit 
James  Prescut 
Jona  Emerson 
Jona  Dearbon 
Sam11  Blake 
George  Brownell 
Cap1  Jona  Sanburn 
Jacob  Bassford 
Philem11  Blake 
Sam11  Maston  junr 
Thomas  Smith 
Jos : Young 


CHESTERFIELD. 


569 


Jacob  Gilman 
Tho8  Dean 
Majr  John  Gilman 
Steph11  Webster 
Tho8  Whiteing 
Jona  Clough 
Wm  Daniel 
Richd  Jaquish 


Luther  Morgan 
Sam11  Sherburne 
Sam11  Shaw 
Sam11  Thompson 
Edward  Emerson 
John  Littlehall 
Robert  fFord 
Steph11  Johnson 
James  Fales  John 
Benj! 


Richd  Hasleton 
Edward  Gillman 
John  Calf 
Jona  Kimball 
Tho8  Silver 
Ephm  Guile 
John  Jaquish 
Nath11  Webster 
Cutt  > one  Propri18 
Acreman  $ share 


Province  of  N Hampr  May  10th  1722 

His  Excelency  the  Governour  And  the  Honble  L1  Governour  And 
Council  Entred  Associates  with  the  within  Persons  (Viz)  his 
Excelency  a farm  of  500  Acres  & A home  Lott  The  Leiu1  Governr 
the  Same — 

Sam11  Penhallow  Esq  A Propr  Share  Richd  Wibird  Esq  Ditto 
Mark  Hunking  Esq  ditto  Tho8  Packer  Esq  Ditto 

George  Jaffrey  Esq — ditto  Tho8  Westbrook  Esq  Ditto 

Sha  Walton  Esq — ditto 

True  Copy  ^ Richd  Waldron  Secry 


Entred  & recorded  from  the  Copy  this  10th  March  1746/7 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


CHESTERFIELD. 

[This  town  was  Number  1 in  the  line  of  towns  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut 
River,  granted  by  Massachusetts,  Dec.  31,  1735.  Granted  by  New  Hampshire, 
Feb.  11,  1752,  to  Josiah  Willard  and  others.  The  charter  was  renewed  June  11, 
1760. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  120 ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  398, 
400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI,  Ham- 
mond Town  Papers,  325  ; Index  to  Laws,  93  ; sketch,  by  O.  E.  Randall,  Hurd’s 
History  of  Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  123;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Cheshire 
County,  1885,  p.  91;  History,  by  O.  E.  Randall,  1882,  pp.  525;  Description, 
by  L.  G.  Mead,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  277;  Baptist 
Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  8,  15  ; Stevens’s  Memorials  of 
Methodism,  1848,  p.  359;  Lawrence's  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  254.] 


57o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Chesterfield  Charter,  1752.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire 

George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God  of 
Great  Brittain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of 
the  Faith  &ca — 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
come  Greeting — 

SeePage  (226)  Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  Especial  Grace  certain 
an  Alteration  Knowledge  and  mere  motion  for  the  due  Encour- 
agement of  Settling  A New  Plantation  within  our  Province  By  & 
with  the  Advice  of  our  Trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Went- 
worth Esq  our  Governour  & Commander  in  Chieff  of  our  Said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  America  & of  our  Council  of  the 
Said  Province  Have  upon  the  Conditions  & reservations  hereafter 
made  Given  & Granted  & by  these  Presents,  for  us  our  heirs  & 
Successors  do  give  & Grant  in  Equal  Shares  .unto  our  Loveing 
Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  & 
his  Majesties  other  Governments  & their  heirs  and  assigns  forever 
whose  names  Are  Entred  on  this  Grant  to  be  Divided  to  & amoung 
them  into  Seventy  Equal  Shares  all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land 
Scituate  Lying  & being  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
Containing  by  Admeasurement  Twenty  three  thousand 
*1-88  & forty  Acres  which  Tract  *is  to  Contain  Six  miles 

Square  & no  more  out  of  which  an-'  Allowence  is  to  be 
made  for  High  ways  & unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains 
Ponds  & Rivers  One  thousend  & forty  Acres  free  According  to  a 
Plan  thereof  made  & Presented  by  our  Sd  Governors  orders 
& hereunto  Annexed  Butted  & Bounded  as  follows  (Viz) 
Begining  & adjoyning  to  A Stake  & Stones  near  the  Bank 
of  Connecticut  River  which  is  the  North  Westerly  Corner  Bounds 
of  A Place  Called  Wenchester  thence  running  South  Seventy 
Eight  degrees  East  upon  Wenchester  Line  afore  Said  till  it 
meets  with  the  Western  Line  of  the  Lower  Ashuelot  So  called 
then  carrying  all  the  breadth  of  Land  between  the  River  of  Con- 
necticut aforesd  and  the  Said  Ashuelot  So  far  up  Notherly  as  will 
make  the  Contents  of  Six  miles  Square  bounding  at  this  Extent  by 
a Stake  and  Stones  near  the  bank  of  the  River  & thence  running 
South  Seventy  Eight  degrees  East  till  it  meets  with  the  Ashuelot 
aforesaid  and  that  the  Same  be  & is  Incorporated  into  a 
Township  by  the  Name  of  Chesterfield  and  that  the  In- 


*1-87 


i L:P:S 
Chesterfield 


CHESTERFIELD. 


571 


habitants  that  do  or  Shall  hereafter  Inhabit  Sd  Township  Are 
hereby  Declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with,  & Entitled  to,  all 
& every  the  Previledges  & Immunities  that  other  Towns  within 
our  Said  Province  by  Law  Exercize  & Enjoy  And  further  that 
the  Said  Town  as  Soon  as  there  Shall  be  fifty  families  resident  & 
Settled  thereon  Shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  fairs  one  of 
which  Shall  be  held  on  the  And  the  Other  on  the 

Annually  which  fairs  Are  not  to  Continue  & be 
held  Longer  than  the  respective  Days  following 

the  sd  respective  Days,  and  as  Soon  as  the  Said  Town  Shall 
Consist  of  fifty  families  A market  Shall  be  opened  & kept  one  or 
more  days  in  each  week  as  may  be  tho1  most  Advantagious  to  the 
Inhabitants  also  that  the  first  meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town 
officers  Agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  Said  Province  Shall  be  held 
on  the  first  Wednesday  in  march  next  which  meeting  Shall  be 
Notifyed  by  Josiah  Willard  Esq  who  is  hereby  also  Appointed 
Moderator  of  the  said  first  meeting  which  he  is  to  Notify  & Govern 
Agreable  to  the  Laws  & Customs  of  our  Said  Province  And  that 
the  Annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  Such 
officers  of  Said  Town  Shall  be  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  March 
Annually  To  have  & to  hold  the  sd  Tract  of  Land  as  above 
Expressed  togeather  with  all  the  Previledges  & Appur- 
tenances to  them  & thier  respective  *Heirs  And  Assignes  *1-89 
for  ever  upon  the  following  Conditions  (Viz)  that  every 
Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assigns  Shall  Plant  or  Cultivate  five  Acres  of 
Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every  fifty  Acres  Containd 
in  his  or  thier  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land  in  Said  Township  And 
Continue  to  Improve  & Settle  the  Same  by  Additional  Cultivations 
on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  or  Share  in  the  Said 
Township  and  its  reverting  to  his  Majesty  his  heirs  & Successors 
to  be  by  him  or  them  regranted  to  Such  of  his  Subjects  as  Shall 
Effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same  That  All  white  & other 
Pine  Trees  within  the  Said  Township  lit  for  Masting  our  Royal 
Navy  be  carefully  Preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be  cut  or  felld 
without  his  Majesties  especial  Lycence  for  So  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  Such 
Grantee  his  heirs  or  Assigns  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  as 
well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalty  of  Any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment that  now  Are  or  hereafter  Shall  be  Enacted  That  before  Any 
Divission  of  the  Said  Lands  be  made  to  & amoung  the  Grantees  A 
Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Center  of  the  Township  as  thee  Land 
will  admit  of  Shall  be  reserved  & Marked  out  for  Town  Lotts  one 


572 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  which  Shall  be  Allotted  to  Each  Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one 
Acre  Yeilding  & Paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  & Successors  for 
the  Space  of  Ten  years  to  be  Computed  from  the  Date  hereof  the 
rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  on  the  first  day  of  January 
Annually  if  Lawfully  Demanded  the  first  Payment  to  be  made  on 
the  first  Day  of  Janry  after  the  Date  hereof  Every  Proprietor  Settler 
or  Inhabitant  Shall  Yield  and  Pay  unto  us  our  heirs  & Successors 
Yearly  & every  year  forever  from  & After  the  Expiration  of  the 
Ten  years  from  the  Date  hereof  namly  on  the  first  day  of  January 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  thousand  Seven 
hundred  & Sixty  Two  One  Shilling  Proclamation  money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  And  so  in  Propor- 
tion for  A Greater  of  Lesser  Tract  of  the  Sd  Land  which  money 
Shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons  above  Sd  thier  heirs  or 
Assigns  In  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  Such  Officer  or 
officers  as  Shall  be  Appointed  to  recieve  the  Same  & this  to  be  in 
Lieu  ot  all  other  rents  & Services  whatsoever  In  Testimony  hereof 
We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  Our  Sd  Province  to  be  hereunto 
affixed  Wittness  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’- 
ander  in  Chieflf  of  our  Sd  Province  the  Eleventh  of  February  in 
year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1752  & in  the  25th  year  of  our  reign — 


By  his  Excelencys  Com’and 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 


B Wentworth — 


Entred  & recorded  According  to  the  Original  charter  under  the 
Prove  Seal  this  13th  day  Febry  1752 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


CHESTERFIELD. 


573 


*The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Chesterfield  Viz — 


Josiah  Willard 
John  Armes 
Oliver  Willard 
Nathan  Willard  junr 
Will1"  Willard 
John  Hunt 
Samuel  Kennada 


Nathan  Willard 
John  Armes  junr 
Oliver  Willard  junr 
Wilder  Willard 
Caleb  Trobridge 
Simon  Hunt 
Solmon  Willard 


*1-90 

Valentine  Buttler 
Oliver  Buttler 
Josiah  Willard  junr 
John  Moore 
William  Lawrence 
Jonathan  Hubbard 
Billy  Willard 


574 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Simon  Cooley  Joseph  Willard  Willm  Deen 

Simon  Stone  Peter  Oliver  David  Hubbard 

Thomas  Pain  John  Wheelwright  Nathaniel  Wheelwright 

Joseph  Wheelwright  Jeremiah  WheelwrightSimon  Willard 


Benja  Lynd 
Sam11  Davis 
Elias  Alexander 
Abraham  Kendel 
Ebenezr  Day 
Willm  Spalding 
Robert  Fletcher 
David  Sterns 


Silas  SpafFord 
Joanna  Wetherby 
James  Whitney 
Josiah  Brown 
Sam11  Greeley 
Willm  Down 
Sam11  Field 
Daniel  Kendell 


John  SpafFord 
Phineas  Wait 
John  Brooks 
Benja  French 
John  French  jun1 
Moses  Gould 
David  Field 
John  Kendel 
James  Stootley 

His  Excelency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  one  Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  five  hundred  Acres,  One  whole  Share  for  the  Incorpor- 
ated Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  forreign  Partes, 
one  whole  Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Said 
Town,  one  whole  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Ministry  of  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established,  Samuel  Wentworth  of 
Boston  Theodore  Atkinson  Richard  Wibird  Samuel  Smith,  John 
Downing  Sampson  SheafFe  Jn°  Wentworth 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Entred  & recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Charter  for  Chesterfield 
this  13th  Day  of  Febry  1752 — 

*59  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[Chesterfield  Charter  Renewed,  1760.] 

*1-226  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire 

Chesterfield  Chartr  George  the  Second  by  the  Grace  of  God 
Lengthned  Out  of  great  Britain  France  & Ireland  King  De- 
fender of  the  faith  &c 

To  All  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
come  Greeting 

Whereas  We  of  our  Special  Grace  & Mere  Motion 
SeePage  (87)  for  the  due  encouragment  & Settling  of  a New 
Plantation  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  our  Letters 
Patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province  dated  the 
Eleventh  Day  of  Febry  in  the  Twenty  fifth  Year  of  our  reign 


CHESTERFIELD. 


575 


Granted  a Tract  of  Land  equal  to  Six  Miles  Square  bounded  as 
therein  Expressed  to  A Number  of  our  Loyal  Subjects  whose 
Names  are  Entered  thereon  to  hold  to  them  their  Heirs  and  assigns 
on  the  Conditions  therein  declared  to  be  A Town  Corporate  by  the 
Name  of  Chesterfield  as  by  referrence  to  said  Charter  may  more  fully 
Appear — 

And  Whereas  the  Said  Grantees  Have  represented  That  by 
the  intervention  of  an  Indian  Warr  since  the  making  the  Said 
Grant  it  has  been  Impracticable  to  Comply  with  & fullfill  the  Con- 
ditions aforesaid  & Humbly  Supplycated  as  not  to  take  advantage 
of  the  Breach  of  Said  Conditions  but  to  Lengthen  out  & Grant 
them  some  reasonable  Term  for  the  Performance  thereof  after  the 
Said  Impediment  Shall  Cease 

Now  Know  Ye  that  We  being  Willing  to  Promote  the  End  Pro- 
posed have  of  Our  Farther  Grace  & favour  Suspended  our  Claim 
of  the  forfeiture  which  the  Said  Grantees  may  have  incurrd  and 
by  these  Presents  do  grant  unto  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  the  Term  of  one  Year  for  Performing  & fullfilling  the 
Conditions  Matters  & things  by  them  to  be  done — which  term  is  to 
be  renewd  annually  until  his  Majty3  Plenary  Instructions  Shall  be 
receivd  relative  to  the  Incident  that  has  Prevented  a Complyance 
with  the  Charter  According  to  the  True  Intent  & meaning  thereof 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  Our  Said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  Our  Governour  and  Commander  in  Chieff  the  Eleventh  Day 
of  June  in  the  33d  Year  of  Our  Reign  Annoq  Domini  1760 — 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellenc}^  Com’and 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampr 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  under  the  Province  Seal  the 
12th  Day  of  June  1760 


Theodore  Atkinson  Se17 


576 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


CHICHESTER. 

[Granted,  May  20,  1727,  to  Nathaniel  Gookin  and  others,  and  named  from  an 
English  town.  Pittsfield  was  set  off  and  incorporated  March  27,  1782. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  123  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  352  ; Index  to 
Laws,  93  ; sketch,  by  D.  T.  Brown,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p. 
235  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  7,  9;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  362;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p. 
375-] 


[Chichester  Charter,  1727.] 

*George  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brittain 
France,  and  Ireland,  King  Defender  of  the  faith  &ca 
To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall 
Come  Greeting — 

Know  Yee  that  we  of  our  Special  Knowledge 
and  mere  motion  for  the  Due  Encouragement  of 
Settling  a New  Plantation  By  & with  the  advice  & 
Consent  of  Our  Council  Have  given  granted  And  by  these  presents 
as  far  as  in  us  Lyes,  do  give  & Grant  in  Equal  Shears  unto  Sundry 
of  our  beloved  Subjects  whose  names  are  Entred  in  A Schedule 
hereunto  Annexed  that  Inhabit  or  Shall  Inhabit  within  the  Sd  Grant 
within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  all  That  Tract  of  Land 
within  the  following  Bounds  Viz — to  begin  on  the  South  West  Side 
of  the  Town  of  Barnstead  and  from  thence  running  South  Westerly 
on  the  head  of  the  town  of  Nottingham  untill  Eight  miles  be 
*1-4  Accomplished  And  *Then  North  West  Eight  miles,  Then 
North  East  Eight  Miles  Then  South  East  by  the  Sd  Town 
of  Barnstead  to  the  place  where  it  first  began  & that  the  Same  be  A 
Town  Corporate  by  the  name  of  Chichester  to  the  Persons  aforesd 
forever  To  have  & to  Hold  the  sd  Land  to  the  Sd  Grantees  & 
their  heirs  And  Assignes  forever  and  to  Such  associates  as  they 
shall  admit,  upon  the  ffollowing  Conditions  (1)  That  the  Pro- 
prietors within  three  years  build  or  Cause  to  be  built  Sixty  Dwell- 
ing Houses  & Settle  families  in  the  Same  & Clear  Three  Acres  of 
Ground  fit  for  Planting  or  mowing  & that  Each  Proprietor  pay  his 
Proportion  of  the  Town  Charges  when  & So  often  as  Occasion 
Shall  require  the  Same — 


t-3 


PROVe 

Seal 


Chichester 


CHICHESTER.  577 

2dJy  That  A meeting  house  be  built  for  the  Publick  Worship  of 
God  within  the  term  of  four  years — 

3)  That  upon  Default  of  any  Perticular  Proprietor  in  Complying 
with  the  Conditions  of  this  Charter  upon  his  part,  Such  Delin- 
quent Proprietor  Shall  forfiet  his  Shear  of  the  Sd  Land  to  the  Other 
Proprietors  which  Shall  be  Disposed  off  According  to  the  Majr  Vote 
of  the  Sd  Proprietors  At  A Legal  Meeting — 

4)  That  A Proprietors  Shear  be  reserved  for  a Parsonage  and 
another  for  the  first  Minister  of  the  Gospell  that  Shall  be  there 
Settled  & ordained  And  Another  Proprietors  Shear  for  the  Bennifit 
of  A School  in  sd  Town — 

Provided  nevertheless  that  the  Peace  with  the  Indians  Continue 
for  the  Space  ofThree  years  but  if  it  Should  Happen  that  A War 
with  the  Indians  Should  Com’ence  before  the  Expiration  of  the 
afore  Sd  Tearm  ofThree  Years  That  then  the  Sd  Tearm  of  three 
years  Shall  be  Allowed  the  Proprietors  after  the  Expiration  of  the 
War  for  the  Performance  of  the  afore  Sd  Conditions,  rendring  & 
paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors,  or  Such  officer 
or  officers  as  Shall  be  appointed  to  recieve  the  Same  *The  *1-5 
Annual  Quit  rent  or  Acknowledgement  of  One  pound  of 
Hemp  in  the  Sd  Town  on  the  Last  Wednesday  in  March  Yearly 
forever  (if  Demanded)  reserving  alsoe  unto  us  our  heirs  & Succes- 
sors all  mast  Trees  growing  on  on  Sd  Tract  of  Land,  According 
to  Acts  of  Parliament  in  that  Case  made  & Provided  And  for  the 
better  order  rule  & Governm*  of  the  Sd  Town  : We  do  by  these 
Presents  for  our  Selves  our  heirs  and  Successors  Grant  unto  the 
Sd  men  & Inhabitants,  or  those  that  Shall  Inhabit  Sd  Town  That 
yearly  & Every  year  upon  the  Second  Wednesday  in  March  for- 
ever Shall  meet  to  Ellect  & Chuse  by  the  Major  part  of  the  Pro- 
prietors then  Present  Constables,  Selectmen,  & other  Town  officers 
According  to  the  Laws  & usages  of  our  aforesd  Province  with  Power 
Previleges  & Authority  as  other  Town  officers  with  our  afforesd 
Province  have  & Enjoy : & for  the  Notifying  & Calling  the  first 
Town  meeting  we  do  hereby  appoint  Peter  Wear  Esq  John  San- 
burn  & Jacob  ffrees  to  be  the  first  Selectmen  & they  to  Continue 
in  Sd  respective  office  as  Selectmen  untill  the  Second  Wednesday 
in  the  month  of  March  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  one 
thousand  Seven  hundred  & Twenty  Eight  & untill  other  Select  men 
Shall  be  Chosen  & Appointed  in  their  Steed  in  Such  manner  as  is 
in  these  Presents  Expressed  In  Testimony  whereof  we  have 
Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Sd  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witt- 
ness  John  Wentworth  Esq  our  Leiutenant  Governor  & Comander 

36 


S7§ 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in  ChiefFin  & over  our  sd  Province  at  our  Town  of  Portsmouth  in 
our  sd  Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  Twenteth  day  of  may  in 
the  Thirteenth  year  of  Our  reigne  Anno  Domini  1727 

J Wentworth 

By  order  of  his  Honr  the  L1  Govr 
with  advice  of  the  Council 

R Waldron  Cler  Con 


A Schedule  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Chichester 

Nathau  Googins  John  Odlin  Christ0  Page 

Peter  Wear  Junr  Eadward  West  Nathu  Heally 

Jabez  Smith  Josiah  Batchelor  Jona  ffifield 

Pain  Wingat  Nich0  Gillman  Natha11  Lock 

*1-6  *William  Stanford  Shuball  Sanburn  John  Webster 
Benja  Thomas 
Mathias  Plant 
Benja  Sanburne 
Minister  Whipple 
John  Sherburn 
Charles  Steward 
John  Sweat 
Abram  Drake 
Samuel  Thing 
Sam11  Gillman 
Joseph  Dearborn 
Josiah  Moulton 
Bezaleel  Tappan 
Cypryan  Jaffry 
John  Wentworth 
Jethro  Tillton 
Stephen  Sanburn 
George  Jaffrey  Junr 
Ebenezr  Wear 
Joseph  Readman 
Thomas  Cram 
Jona  Cushing 
John  Jenness 
John  Plaisted 
Andrew  Wiggins 
Wm  ffellows 
Theodore  Atkinson 
Richard  Jennes 


Joseph  Taylor 
Jonathan  Garland 
Daniel  Wear  . 
Joshua  Wingate 
John  flilbrook 
Charles  Tredwell 
Moses  Blake 
John  Readman  JunT 
Thomas  Webster 
Peter  Gillman 
John  Robinson 
John  Batchelor 
Jarvis  Ring 
Benning  Wentworth 
Wm  Wentworth 
John  Cram 


Samuel  Marston 
Jacob  fFrees  Junr 
John  Prescot 
Nath11  Wear 
Benja  Perkins 
Nath11  Longfellow 
Jacob  fFrees 
Natha11  Drake 
Bar1  Thing 
James  Levit 
Benja  Lampreve 
Sam11  Palmer  Junr 
Cap1  Currier 
Hunking  Wentworth 
J erem  : S anburn  71 T. : 
Broadstreet  Wiggin 
Richd  Wibird  Junr 


Benja  Cram 
Richard  Waldron  Junr  Benja  Gamblin 
Thomas  Peirce  Wintrop  Hillton 

James  JefFry  Junr 
John  Derburn  Junr 
John  Broadstreet 
John  Gerrish  :B  :son 
James  Davis 


Cap1  John  Gillman 
Sam11  Tibits 
Ebenezr  Stevens 
James  JefFry 


John  Readman 
Henry  Rust 
Hezekiah  Jennes 
Peter  Wear  Esq 
John  Gillman  Esq 
John  Downing 
Mr  Eph  Dennet 
Cap1  Paul  Gerrish 
John  Sandburn 


CLAREMONT. 


579 


George  fFrost  Wilem  Odiorne  Wm  Pepperrell  Junr 

Joseph  fFrost  John  Took  Junr 

Addmitted  Associates  his  Excelency  & Honr  — Samuel  Shute 
Esq  John  Wentworth  Esq  Each  of  them  500  Acres  & a home  Lot — 
Coll  Mark  Hunking  Coll  Shadh  Walton  George  JafFrey 
Richd  Wibird  Coll  Tho8  Westbrook  Archd  Mcpheadris 

John  fFrost  Jonathan  Odiorne  Esqrs 

Each  a Proprietors  Shear 
Chichester  Schedule  Certifyed — 

^ R Waldron  cler  Con 

Entred  & Recorded  According  to  the  Original  this  25th  Day  of 
November  1742 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec1-? 


CLAREMONT. 

[Granted  Oct.  26,  1764,  to  Josiah  Willard  and  others,  and  named  from  the 
country  seat  of  Sir  Robert  Clive.  The  Governor’s  reservation  in  the  southwest 
corner  was  granted  by  him  to  Col.  Joseph  Wait  Feb.  12,  1772. 

See  X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  394,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in 
movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  363  ; 
Index  to  Laws,  105;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan  County,  1886,  p.  40; 
History,  by  O.  F.  R.  Waite,  in  preparation;  sketch,  by  J.  N.  McClintock,  3, 
Granite  Monthly,  173;  Early  History,  by  O.  F.  R.  Waite,  14,  Granite  Monthly, 
1 12  ; same,  in  pamphlet,  1893  ; The  Tories  of  1766  and  1776,  by  F.  A.  Briggs,  4, 
Granite  Monthly,  173;  By  the  Beautiful  Mountain,  sketch,  by  G.  H.  Moses,  16,  id, 
103;  War  History,  by  O.  F.  R.  Waite,  1868,  pp.  300;  Dedication  of  Soldiers’ 
Monument,  1869,  pp.  48;  Industries,  by  Simeon  Ide,  1879,  PP-  36 ; Batchelder’s 
History  of  the  Eastern  Diocese,  P.  E.  Church,  1876,  p.  172;  Centenary  P.  E. 
Church,  1871,  pp.  19  ; Historical  Sketch  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  by  M.  V.  B.  Knox, 
1882,  pp.  49;  Rededication,  sketch,  by  O.  F.  R.  Waite,  1892;  Baptist  Churches 
in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  11,  18;  History  of  the  Catholic  Church 
in  America,  by  John  G.  Shea,  1890,  vol.  3,  pp.  119,  144,  465  ; Memoirs  to  Serve 
for  the  Future  Ecclesiastical  History  of  the  Diocese  of  Boston,  by  Bishop  Fenwick  ; 
Catholic  Memoirs  of  N.  H.  and  Vt.,  by  Bishop  DeGoesbriand,  1886,  p.  24; 
Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  428  ; Manuals  of  Congregationalists,  Baptists, 
and  Universalis ts ; Centennial  of  Union  Church,  1871  ; Historical  Sketches  by  C. 
B.  Spofford,  pp.  16;  Revolutionary  Soldiers  of  Claremont,  by  same,  in  press; 
Grantees  of  Claremont,  pp.  23,  (also  15,  Granite  Monthly,  206,  241,  282,  318,) 
and  Chronological  List  of  Town  Officers,  etc.,  1767-1893,  pp.  15,  comp,  by  same, 
1893;  Monograph  of  Union  Mark  Lodge,  by  same,  1891,  pp.  26;  History  of 
Sullivan  Lodge,  by  same,  1891  ; Col.  Samuel  Ashley,  by  same,  1892.] 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


580 


[Claremont  Charter,  1764. J 
*3-130  ^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

Claremont  GEORGE,  The  Third,  Ity  the  Grace  of  God,  of 
Great-Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  King,  Defender 
of  the  Faith,  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come, 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We,  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  five  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New-Ham-p shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
Twenty  four  Thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  about  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free, 
according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said 
Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and 
hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begining 
at  a Marked  Tree  standing  on  the  Easterly  Bank  of  Connecticut 
River  which  is  the  North  Westerly  Corner  Bounds  of  Charlestown 
from  thence  runing  South  Seventy  Eight  Degrees  Easterly  about 
Six  Miles  & one  half  Mile  to  the  South  Westerly  Angle  of  New- 
port from  thence  turning  off  & runing  North  Eight  Degrees 
Easterly  about  five  Miles  & Seven  Eights  of  a Mile  by  Newport 
aforesaid  to  the  South  Easterly  Angle  of  Cornish  then  turning  off 
again  & runing  North  Seventy  Seven  Degrees  Westerly  about  Six 
Miles  by  Cornish  afore  Said  to  Connecticut  River  aforesd  thence 
down  the  sd  river  as  that  runs  to  the  Bounds  began  at  togeather 
with  the  Islands  Lying  in  the  Said  River  opposite  to  the  Premisses — 


CLAREMONT. 


581 

And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Town- 
ship by  the  Name  of  Claremont  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or 
shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to 
be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges 
and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law 
Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as 
there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall 
have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held 
on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than 
the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall 
consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and  *3-131 
kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  bethought 
most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting 
for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said 
Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  March  Next 
which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Samuel  Ashley  who  is 
hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting, 
which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and 
to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with 
all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  or 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such 
of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the 
Forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to 
Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the 
Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  here- 
after shall  be  Enacted. 


582 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December,  1764 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1774  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  Of  Our  said  Province, 
the  Twenty  Sixth  Day  of  October  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Four  And  in  the  Fifth 
Year  of  Our  Reign. — 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodr  Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Province  of  New  Hampr  this  10th  Janry  1765 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Patent  under  the  Province 
Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


*3-132  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Claremont  (Viz — ) 

Josiah  Willard  Esq  Samuel  Ashley  Jeremiah  Hall 

Josiah  Willard  Junr  Thos  Frink  John  Ellis 

Sampson  Willard  Abraham  Scott  Henry  Foster 


CLAREMONT. 


583 


Solomon  Willard 
Printice  Willard 
Jonathan  Willard 
Sam11  Scott 
Micha  Lawrence 
Clement  Sumner 
Ephraim  Dorman 
Jerahmael  Powers 
John  Hawkes 


Jonathan  Hammond 
Joseph  Hammond 
Samuel  Ashley  Junr 
Oliver  Ashley 
Abell  Lawrence 
Abel  Willard 
Joseph  Lord 
John  Armes 
Samuel  Field 


Simeon  Chamberlain  Elijah  Alexander 


John  Cass 
Gideon  Ellis 
Joseph  Cass 
John  Peirce 
Timothy  Taylor 
John  Searle 
Phineas  Wait 
William  Smeed 


Joshua  Hide 
Joseph  Ellis 
John  Scott 
Tho8  Lee 

Benjamin  Freeman 
Oliver  Farwell  Junr 
Samuel  Wells 


William  Heaton 
Willm  Grimes 
James  Scott 
Abijah  Willard 
Lemuel  Hodge 
Michael  Medcalf 
William  Willard 
David  Field 
Henry  Bond 
Ebenezer  Dodge 
Nathaniel  Heaton 
John  Grimes 
William  Richardson 
Stephen  Putnam 
Oliver  Farwell 
Ephraim  Addams 
John  Hunt 
Dan11  Jones  Esq 


Coll  John  Gofie  Esq 
The  Honble  John  Temple  Esq  Theodore  Atkinson  Esq  Mk  Hunks 
Wentworth  Esq  Theodr  Atkinson  Junr  Esq  Coll  Wm  Symes  Simon 
Davis — 

His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  to 
contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B-  W-  in  the  Plan  and 
also  a Small  Island  Lying  in  the  river  opposite  to  the  Said  five 
Hundred  Acres  which  are  to  be  accounted  two  of  the  within 
Shares — One  whole  Share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  Parts — one  whole  Share  for 
A Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established — one 
Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel — and  one  Share 
for  the  Benefit  of  A School  in  Said  Town  forever 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal  this  10th  Janry  1765 


^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


584 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Copy’d  of  the  Plan  taken  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter 
of  Claremont  under  the  Prov  Seal  Janry  10th  1765 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Grant  to  Joseph  Wait,  1772.] 

*1-414  ^Province  of  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of 

New  Hampshire  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
land King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 
To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
Knowledge  & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of 


CLAREMONT. 


585 


settling  & cultivating  our  Lands  within  our  Province  aforesaid 
by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John 
Wentworth  Esqr  our  Govr  & Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & of  our  Council  of  the  same 
Have  (upon  the  Conditions  & Reservations  herein  particularly 
recited  & express’d)  given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us 
our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  & grant  unto  our  leige  and 
loving  subject  Joseph  Wait  of  Windsor  in  the  County  of  Cumber- 
land and  Province  of  New  York  Esquire  and  to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  Ever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  containing  by 
Admeasurement  Five  Hundred  Acres  situate  lying  & being  in 
our  said  Province,  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof  (exhibited  by  our 
Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Gov- 
ernor’s Order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  our  said 
Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  here  unto  annexed)  may  more  fully 
& at  large  appear,  Butted  & bounded  as  follows  Viz4  Beginning  at 
a Stake  & Stones  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut  River,  being  the 
Southwesterly  Corner  Bounds  of  Claremont,  from  thence  running 
South  78  Degrees  East  458  Rods  to  a Stake,  from  thence  North 
12  Degrees  East  200  Rods  to  a Stake,  from  thence  North  78 
Degrees  West  342  Rods  to  a Butternut  Tree  standing  on  the  bank 
of  Connecticut  River  aforesaid,  from  thence  down  the  River  as  that 
tends  to  the  Bounds  first  mentioned.  Also,  Three  Islands  in  Con- 
necticut River  aforesaid,  near  the  Premises,  containing  in  the 
whole  Twenty  Acres  two  Roods  & Thirty  four  Perches,  which 
will  more  fully  appear  by  the  Plan  annexed,  referrence 
thereto  being  had.  *To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  above  *1-415 
Described  Premises  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  said 
Joseph  Wait  and  to  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever,  upon  the 
following  Terms  Conditions  & Reservations  Viz4 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  & make  passable 
for  Carriages  &c.  a Road  of  Three  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract 
as  shall  be  at  any  Time  hereafter  directed  or  Order’d  by  the 
Governor  & Council  aforesaid  ; which  Road  shall  be  completed  in 
One  Year  from  the  Date  of  such  order  or  Direction  of  the  Gover- 
nor & Council  aforesaid ; on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant 
& of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors. — 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  Settled 
Two  Families  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant ; in  failure 
whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  to  be 
by  us  or  them  entd  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our  Subjects  as 
shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. — 


586 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Third  That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to  be  cut 
or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the 
Grantee  in  the  Premises  his  Heirs  & assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  & 
Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by 
any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth  Yielding  & paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & Succes- 
sors on  or  before  the  25th  day  of  December  1773,  the  Rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  assigns  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  & every  year  for 
Ever  from  & after  the  expira  of  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  this 
Grant  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred 
Acres  he  so  Owns  Settles  or  Possesses  & so  in  proportion  for  a 
greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Land  aforesd  which  Money  shall  be 
paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler  in  our  Council 
Chambr  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  receive  the  same  : And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  & Services  whatsoever.  In  Testimony  wherof  we  have 
Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Provce  to  be  hereunto  affixd  Witness 
John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  aforesd  Govr  & Command'  in  Chief 
the  13th  day  of  Feb?  in  the  12th  year  of  Our  Reign  Annoque  Dom- 
ini 1772. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council. 

Thedore  Atkinson  Sec17 

Recorded  according  to  the  Orig1  Grant  under  the  Provce  Seal 
this  13.  Feby  1772 

Attest' 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  12th  February  1772. 

These  may  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  a stake  & Stones 
on  the  bank  of  Connecticut  River  being  the  South  westerly  Corner 
Bounds  of  Claremont,  from  thence  running  South  78°  E.  458  Rods 
from  thence  North  120  E.  200  Rods  to  a Stake,  from  thence  N. 
78°  W.  342  Rods  to  a Butternut  Tree,  standing  on  the  bank  of 
Connec1  River  aforesaid,  from  thence  down  the  River  as  that  tends 
to  the  Bound  first  mentioned,  Contains  500  Acres  of  Land  And  the 
3 Islands  represented  by  said  Plan  lying  in  Con1  River  aforesaid 
contain  20  Acres  & an  Half  & 34  Rods  of  Land  & is  a True  Copy 


CLARKSVILLE.  587 

of  said  Tract  & Islands  as  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Mr  Benja- 
min Sumner  Dy  Survey1 

attest:  Is.  Rindge  Surv.  Gen1 


CLARKSVILLE. 

[Formerly  known  as  Dartmouth  College  Grant.  Incorporated  as  Clarksville, 
June  30,  1853,  and  named  in  honor  of  Benjamin  Clark. 

See  Index  to  Laws,  108;  sketch,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cods  County,  1888,  p. 
689;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  604.] 


[Grant  to  Dartmouth  College,  1792.] 

*State  of  New  Hampshire.  *4-255 

v To  all  People  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come 
r — Greeting — 

C Whereas  the  Legislature  on  the  Fifth  day  of  Feb- 
* ruary  A.  D.  1789,  passed  an  Act  for  the  motives  & 
considerations  mentioned  in  the  preamble  of  the  same,  granting  a 
tract  of  land  equal  in  quantity  to  eight  miles  square  to  the  Trustees 


588 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


of  Dartmouth  College,  their  Successors  & Assigns  for  the  use  & 
benefit  of  said  College  forever,  and  making  it  the  duty  of  the 
Surveyor  General  who  shall  be  appointed  to  locate  the  same  in 
one  parcel  or  body  bounding  on  Connecticutt  River  & Stuart 
Town  in  the  Northerly  part  of  the  State  as  nearly  in  a square  of 
eight  miles  as  may  be  to  the  approbation  of  the  said  Trustees  pro- 
vided said  Location  shall  not  interfere  with  any  tract  of  land  here- 
tofore granted  by  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
directing  and  empowering  the  President  of  the  State  for  the  time 
being  with  advice  of  Council  to  give  a charter  of  the  same  under 
the  seal  of  the  State  when  so  located  to  said  Trustees,  their  heirs 
and  assigns  forever,  and  a survey  of  the  aforesaid  tract  having 
been  made,  and  by  a vote  of  the  Legislature  passed  the  sixteenth 
day  of  January  A D 1790  approved  and  accepted;  Therefore 
Know  Ye  that  pursuant  to  the  above  recited  Act,  We  do  give  and 
grant  unto  the  said  Trustees,  their  Successors  and  Assigns  for  the 
use  and  benefit  of  said  College,  all  that  tract  of  land  lying  in  the 
northerly  part  of  the  said  State,  beginning  at  the  northwesterly 
bound  of  Stuart  Town  at  a maple  tree  on  the  South  East  bank  of 
Connecticut  River  marked  S N W corner  1770  thence  on  said 
Stuart  line  eight  miles  & two  hundred  rods  to  the  back  line 
thereof  thence  the  same  course  five  miles  & two  hundred  & eight 
rods  to  a stake  & stones,  thence  turning  North  twenty 
*4-256  degrees  East  four  miles  & one  half  to  a Fir  tree  marked  *M. 

4.  1789,  thence  North  seventy  degrees  West  five  miles 
and  two  hundred  & forty  rods  to  a Fir  tree  marked  N.  W.  corner 
J.  W.  J E standing  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut  River,  thence 
down  said  River  to  the  first  mentioned  Bounds  ; containing  forty 
thousand,  nine  hundred  and  sixty  Acres  : To  Have  and  to  Hold 

the  said  described  and  granted  premises  to  them  the  said  Trus- 
tees, their  Successors  & Assigns  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said 
College  forever,  and  the  same  shall  be  exempt  from  all  public 
Taxes  so  long  as  it  shall  remain  the  property  of  said  College. — 

In  Testimony  whereof,  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
State  to  be  hereunto  affixed : Witness  Josiah  Bartlett  Esquire 
President  of  our  said  State  the  twenty  eighth  day  of  February  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  & ninety  two 
and  in  the  sixteenth  Year  of  American  Independence 

Josiah  Barttlett 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


COLEBROOK. 


589 


Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  State 
Seal  Feby  29th  1792. 


^ Joseph  Pearson  Sec7 


COLEBROOK. 

[Granted  as  Dryden,  June  26,  1762,  to  Samuel  Averill  and  others.  Regranted 
Dec.  1,  1770,  to  Sir  George  Colebrooke,  Sir  James  Cockburne,  and  John  Stewart, 
Esq.,  of  London,  Eng.,  and  John  Nelson,  Esq.,  of  Grenada,  West  Indies.  Called 
Colebrook  Tow7i  in  honor  of  Sir  George  Colebrooke,  and  occasionally  Colburn.  In- 
corporated as  Colebrook  June  11,  1796. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  385;  Index  to  Laws,  1 1 3 ; sketch,  by  J.  H. 
Dudley,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cobs  County,  1888,  p.  583;  Lawrence’s  N.  H. 
Churches,  1856,  p.  601  ; History  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  Lucy  Crawford,  1845, 
chap.  1 ; Town  of  Colburne,  17,  N.  E.  Hist.  Register,  105,  372.] 


[Dryden  Charter,  1762.] 

^Province  of  New-Hampshire.  *2-369 

Dryden  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire , and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  oi  New-Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement  Twen- 


59° 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ty  Three  Thousand  & Forty  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  ac- 
cording to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Gover- 
nor’s Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereun- 
to annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Beginning  at  a 
Tree  Marked  standing  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Connecticut  River 
at  a Place  called  the  upper  Coos  & is  the  North  Westerly  corner 
Bound  of  Preston,  thence  runing  up  North  Easterly  as  the  said 
River  trends,  untill  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  upon  a Streight  Line 
be  Accomplished  thence  carrying  That  bredth  of  six  Miles  back 
South  Easterly  so  far  as  that  a Parralell  Line  with  the  streight 
Line  aforesaid  will  make  the  contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  And 
that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by 
the  Name  of  Dryden  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  here- 
after inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  En- 
franchized with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and 
Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exer- 
cise and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there 
shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have 
the  Liberty  of  holding  Two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  on 
the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than 
the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  ghall  consist  of  Fifty 
*2-370  Families,  a Market  may  be  *opened  and  kept  one  or  more 
Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious 
to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of 
Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall 
be  held  on  the  first  Thursday  in  August  next  which  said  Meeting 
shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Edward  Burling  who  is  hereby  also  ap- 
pointed the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to 
Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said 
Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  forever  hereafter  for  the 
Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and 
Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 


COLEBROOK. 


591 


every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same 
by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted  to 
such  of  Our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the 
Date  hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the 
twenty-fifth  day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the 
first  Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December . 
1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One  shil- 
ling Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Portsmouth,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Wittness  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  26th  Day  of  June  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One  Thou- 


592 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


sand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  two  And  in  the  Second  Year  of 
Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

T Atkinson  Junr  Sec17 

Province  of  New  Hampr  June  26,  1762 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Prov- 
ince Seal. 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Sec17 


2-371 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees 


Sam1  Averill 
Sam1  Hungerford 
Edwd  Burling 
Elias  Onjevine 
Jacobus  Bleecker 
David  Lespinard 
Dan1  Hawxhurst 
Willm  Ames 
James  Besley 
Henry  Coutant 
James  Fowler 
Peter  Huggeford 


Timoy  M’Carthy 
Will™  Procktor 
Carden  Procktor 
Tho3  Miller 
Christor  Miller 
Vinant  Mathews  Junr 
Tho3  Matthews 
Peter  Farmer 
John  Gibbs 
Benja  Ferriss 
Aaron  Quimby 
Josiah  Quinby 


Tho3  Seymore  Senr  Josh  Cornnell 
Tho3  Seymore  Junr  Joseph  Cornnell  Jr 
David  Mathews  Drake  Palmer 

John  Beckman  Aaron  Palmer 

Henry  Van  Vleck  Nathan  Palmer 
Cornelius  Cuyper  Benja  Cornell 
James  Beckman  Junr  Jacob  Deyckman 
John  Beckman  John  Abeel 
Gerandus  Beckman  James  Abeel 
Tho3  Beckman  Gerril  Abeel 
Theo113  Beckman  Edwd  Burling  Junr 


of  Dryden  (Viz) 

Jona  Quinby 
Jacob  Underhill 
Joseph  Farrington  Junr 
Uriah  Field 
John  Cornnell 
Josiah  Quinby 
Isaac  Underhill 
John  Hallock 
Andw  Abrames 
Anthony  Fispenard 
Richd  Burling 
Tho3  Marston 
Leonard  Lispenard 
Anthy  Abrames 
Hon  : John  Temple  Esq 
U G. 

Theore  Atkinson  Esq 
Mark  H§  Wentworth  Esq 
& John  Nelson  Esq — 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B-W-  in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares,  one  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  For- 
eign Parts,  one  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as 
by  Law  Established,  one  Share  for  the  first  settled  Minister  of  the 
Gospel  & one  Share  for  the  benefit  of  a School  in  sd  Town 


COLEBROOK. 


593 


Province  of  New  Hampr  June  26  1762 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  ]unr  Secry 


[Colebrooke-Town  Charter,  1770.] 

•Province  of  New  ) George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of  *4-42 
Hampshire  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
(Colebrooke  Town)  land  King  defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 
To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come.  Greeting 
Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  & 
37 


594 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


meer  motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  Planta- 
tion within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England 
by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  John 
Wentworth  Esq : our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  in 
& over  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  of  our  Council 
of  the  same,  Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made  given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our 
heirs  and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  our  leige  and  loving 
Subjects  Sir  George  Colebrooke  Baronet,  Sir  James  Cockburne 
Baronet  both  of  London  in  our  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  John 
Stuart  Esq  : of  London  aforesaid  Merchant  and  John  Nelson  Esq  : 
of  our  Island  of  Granada  in  the  West  Indies  Merchant  who  have 
made  application  to  us  for  the  same  setting  forth  their  readiness 
to  enter  upon  and  improve  the  Premises  immediately  and  to  the 
respective  heirs  and  Assigns  of  the  said  Grantees  for  Ever  to  be 
equally  divided  to  and  amongst  them  A certain  tract  or  parcel  of 
Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  containing  Six  miles  square  and  is  by  admeasurement 
Twenty  three  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  being  about  Fifty  Acres 
Each  to  the  number  in  the  respective  Families  of  the  said  Grantees 
(exclusive  of,  and)  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for 
Highways  and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  and 
Waters  One  thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free  according  to  a Plan 
thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Land  for  our  said 
Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the  Secre- 
tary’s Office  of  our  said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  an- 
nexed, Butted  and  Bounded  as  follows  Videlicet  Beginning  at  the 
South  Westerly  Corner  of  Stuart  Town  on  the  Easterly  bank  of 
Connecticut  River  and  running  South  seventy  degrees  East  on  the 
Southerly  line  of  said  Town  to  the  South  Easterly  corner  thereof, 
from  thence  South  Twenty  degrees  West  Two  Miles  & Two  Hun- 
dred and  Twenty  seven  Rods,  from  thence  South  Seventy  degrees 
West  One  mile  and  ninety  Eight  Rods,  from  thence 
*4-43  *South  Twenty  degrees  West  One  hundred  and  Fifty 
Rods  from  thence  North  Seventy  degrees  West  to  Con- 
necticut River  aforesaid,  from  thence  up  said  River  as  that  tends 
to  the  South  Westerly  corner  of  Stuart  Town  first  mentioned.  To 
have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  Expressed  to- 
gether with  all  Priviledges  and  Appurtenances  to  them  the  said  Sir 
James  Cockburne,  Sir  George  Colebrooke,  John  Stuart  and  John 
Nelson  and  to  their  respective  heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  by  the 
Name  of  Colebrooke  Town,  upon  the  following  Terms  Videlicet — 


COLEBROOK. 


595 


First  That  the  said  Grantees  at  their  own  cost  shall  cut,  clear, 
bridge  and  make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road  of  Five 
rods  wide  through  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted,  which  said 
Road  shall  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date  of  this 
Grant,  on  failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof 
shall  be  forfeited  and  revert  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  to  be 
by  us  or  them  reenter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  loving 
Subjects. 

Second  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  set- 
tled Fifteen  Families  by  the  First  day  of  January  1772,  who  shall 
be  actually  cultivating  some  part  of  the  said  Land  and  resident  on 
the  same,  and  to  continue  making  further  and  additional  Improve- 
ment Cultivation  and  Settlement  of  the  Premises  so  that  there  shall 
be  actually  settled  thereon  Sixty  Families  by  the  First  day  of  Jan- 
uary 1780  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  any  and  every  delinquent’s 
Share  and  of  such  Share  or’  Shares  reverting  to  us  our  heirs  and 
Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  Enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such 
of  our  subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and  grow- 
ing within  and  upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  and  that  none  be  cut 
or  felled  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained,  upon  the  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such 
Grantee  his  heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  Enacted. 

Fourth  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to 
and  among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  land  will  admit  of  shall  be  reserved  and 
mark’d  out  for  Town  Lots  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  Four  Acres. 

Fifth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs 
and  Successors  *on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  1780,  *4-44 

the  Rent  of  One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  Lawfully  de- 
manded. 

Sixth.  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
and  pay  unto  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  year 
for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  Year  from  the  above- 
said  First  day  of  January,  namely  on  the  first  day  of  January 
which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1781.  One  Shilling 
Proclamation  money  for  every  hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles 
or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the 


596 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  Land,  which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons 
aforesaid  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  in  our  Council  chamber  in  Portsm0 
or  to  such  officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the 
same  ; and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  services  what- 
soever.— 

In  Testimony  whereof,  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  aforesaid  the  Ist  day  of  de- 
cember  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1770  and  in  the  Eleventh 
year  of  our  Reign. 

By  his  Excellcy’3  Command  ) J’ 
with  Advice  of  Council  5 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Enter’d  and  Recorded  according  to  the  Original  under  the  Prov. 
Seal  the  10th  Decr  1770 


l.  s. 


Wentworth. 


Attest"  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


lh  7ac 


COLEBROOK 


597 


598 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


COLUMBIA. 

[Granted  as  Preston  June  26,  1762,  to  William  Cock  and  others.  Regranted 
Dec.  1,  1770,  to  the  same  grantees  as  was  Colebrook,  and  named  Cockburne  Town , 
for  Sir  James  Cockburne.  Incorporated  as  Cockburne  Dec.  16,  1797.  The  name 
was  changed  to  Columbia  June  19,  1811.  Wales’s  Location  was  annexed  Nov.  30, 
1804. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  386;  Index  to  Laws,  114;  sketch,  by  W.  B. 
Cone,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cobs  County,  1888,  p.  721  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H. 
Churches,  1856,  p.  602.] 


[Preston  Charter,  1762.] 

*2-365  ^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

Preston  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire , and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New- Phamf  shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement  Twen- 
ty Three  Thousand  & Forty  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  ac- 
cording to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Governor’s 
Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  an- 
nexed, butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begining  at  a Tree 
Marked  Standing  on  the  Easterly  side  of  Connecticut  River  at  a 


COLUMBIA. 


599 


Place  called  the  upper  Co’os  & is  the  North  Westerly  Corner 
bound  of  Woodbury,  thence  runing  up  North  Easterly  as  the  said 
River  tends  till  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  upon  a Streight  Line  is 
Accomplish’d,  thence  carrying  that  bredth  of  Six  Miles  back  South 
Easterly  so  far  as  that  a Parralell  Line  with  the  Streight  Line 
aforesd  will  make  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  And  that  the 
same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name 
of  Preston  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit 
the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with 
and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that 
other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy : 
And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty 
Families  resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of 
holding  Two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  be  held  on  the 

And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 
following  the  said  and  that 

as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty  families,  a 
Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  *2-366 
each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious  to  the 
Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town 
Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held 
on  the  first  Fryday  in  August  next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be 
Notified  by  Mr  Sam  : Willis  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the 
Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and 
Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; 
and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of 
such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday 
of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenanc- 
es, to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon 
the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted  to  such  of  Our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 


6oo 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and  among 
the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  'as  near  the  Centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December . 176 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
of  December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  177  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Comander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  26th  Day  of  June  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  two  And  in  the  Second 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 


By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

T : Atkinson  junr  Sec*? 

Province  of  New  Hampr  June  26  1762 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal 

f T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


COLUMBIA. 


601 


The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Preston  (Viz)  *2-367 


Will”  Cock 
Sam1  Willis 
James  Townsend 
Zebn  Seaman 
Tho8  Willits 
Benja  Townsend 
Willits  Kirbee 
Thos  Jackson 
Jacob  Kirbe 
Willm  Kirbe 
David  Seaman 
Richd  Willitts 
James  Tripp 
Rob1  Seaman 
Willm  Seaman 
Jacob  Seaman 
Willm  Mott 
Adam  Mott 
Stephn  Mott 
John  Willis 
Richd  Doty 
Jeremiah  Robbins 


Will™  Hopkins 
Moses  Doty 
John  Carpenter 
Tim0  Townsend 
Tho8  Seaman  Junr 
Tho8  Pearsall 
Israel  Pearsall 
Obediah  Seaman 
Benja  Robbins 
Anemias  Downing 
Jacob  Seearing 
George  Downing 
Daniel  Coles 
Joseph  Wood  Junr 
Benja  Wolsey 
Rem  Hagerman 
Isaac  Seaman 
Richd  Valentine  Junr 
John  Anderson 
Richd  Kirk  & 

Josh  Thornicraft 
Jonas  Wood — 


Derrick  Thornicraft 
Mich1  Mudge 
Silas  Smith 
Peter  Demitt 
Daniel  Hopkins 
Sam1  Titus 
Peter  Vandewater 
Harmon  Lifford 
Giles  Seaman 
Austen  Seaman 
Jona  Pratt 
Sam1  Hungeford 
Sam1  Averill 
Adrian  Hegeman 
Dr  John  Hale 
Majr  Josh  Blanchard 
Honble  John  Downing 
Richd  Wibird  Esq  [Esq 
Dan1  Warner  Esq 
Josh  Newmarch  Esq 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq.  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B-W-  in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares,  one  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in 
Foreign  Parts,  One  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England 
as  by  Law  Establish’d,  one  Share  for  the  First  Settled  Minister 
of  the  Gospel  & one  Share  for  the  benefit  of  a School  in  said  Town 


Province  of  New  Hampr  June  26  1762 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal 


T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


602 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  June  26th  1762  / 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Pro- 
vince Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


[Cockburne-Town  Charter,  1770.] 

*4-45  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

(Cockburne  Town)  George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of  God 

of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  Faith  &c  : — 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come.  Greeting. 
Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  & 
mere  motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  planta- 
tion within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England 
by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Went- 
worth Esq : our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over 


COLUMBIA. 


603 


our  said  province  of  New  Hampshire  and  of  our  Council  of  the 
same,  Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  after 
made  given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs 
and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  unto  our  leige  and  loving  Sub- 
jects Sir  James  Cockburne  Baronet,  Sir  George  Colebrooke  Baro- 
net both  of  London  in  our  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  John  Stuart 
Esq  : of  London  aforesaid  Merchant  and  John  Nelson  Esq  : of  our 
Island  of  Granada  in  the  West  Indies  Merchant  who  have  made  ap- 
plication to  us  for  the  same  setting  forth  their  readiness  to  enter  upon 
and  improve  the  Premises  immediately  and  to  the  respective  heirs 
and  Assigns  of  the  said  Grantees  for  Ever,  to  be  equally  divided 
to  and  amongst  them  A certain  Tract  or  parcel  of  Land  situate, 
lying  & being  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  con- 
taining Six  miles  square  and  is  by  admeasurement  Twenty  three 
Thousand  & Forty  Acres  being  about  Fifty  Acres  Each  to  the 
number  in  the  respective  Families  of  the  said  Grantees  (exclusive 
of,  and)  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  highways 
and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Mountains  and  Waters  One 
thousand  and  forty  Acres  Free,  according  to  a plan  thereof  ex- 
hibited by  our  Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province  by 
our  said  Governor’s  Order  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office 
of  our  said  Province,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed  Butted 
and  Bounded  as  follows  Videlicet  Beginning  at  an  Elm  Tree 
standing  on  the  Easterly  Bank  of  Connecticut  River  at  the  mouth 
of  a stony  Brook  thence  running  East  three  miles  and  One  hun- 
dred and  thirty  six  Rods  to  a Maple  Tree,  from  thence  South  seventy 
degrees  East  Six  miles  to  a Fur  Tree,  from  thence  turning  off  at 
right  angles  and  running  North  Twenty  degrees  East  Three  miles 
and  Two  hundred  and  Fifty  two  Rods,  from  thence  turning  off  at 
right  angles  and  running  North  seventy  degrees  West  to  the  said 
Easterly  bank  of  said  River,  from  thence  down  said  River  as  that 
runs  till  it  comes  to  the  Elm  Tree  first  mentioned,  being  the  Bounds 
began  at.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
as  above  express’d  together  with  all  *Priviledges  and  Ap-  *4-46 
purtenances  to  them  the  said  Sir  James  Cockburne,  Sir 
George  Colebrooke,  John  Stuart  and  John  Nelson  & to  their  Re- 
spective Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever  by  the  Name  of  Cockburne 
Town  upon  the  following  Terms  Videlicet — 

First  That  the  said  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut,  clear, 
bridge  and  make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road  of 
Five  Rods  wide  through  the  said  Tract  hereby  Granted,  which  said 
Road  shall  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant, 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


604 

on  failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be 
forfeited  and  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  [us] 
or  them  reenter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  loving  Subjects. 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  set- 
led  Fifteen  Families  by  the  first  day  of  January  1772,  who  shall  be 
actually  cultivating  some  part  of  the  said  Land  and  resident  on  the 
same  and  to  continue  making  further  and  additional  Improvement, 
Cultivation  and  settlement  of  the  Premises  so  that  there  shall 
be  actually  settled  thereon  Sixty  Families  by  the  first  day  of  Janry 
1780,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  any  and  every  Delinquents 
share  and  of  such  share  or  Shares  reverting  to  us  our  heirs  and 
Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  Enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such 
of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. — 
Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and  growing 
within  and  upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  masting  our  Royal 
Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use,  and  that  none  be  cut  or 
fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  such 
Grantee  his  heirs  and  x\ssigns  to  us  our  heirs  and  successors  as 
well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  Enacted. — 

Fourth  That  before  any  division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a tract  of  Land  as  near  the  centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  & marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  ye  Contents  of  Four  Acres. — 

Fifth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  1780,  the  rent  of  one 
Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  Lawfully  demanded. — 

Sixth  That  every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every  year 
for  Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  above- 
said  First  day  of  January  namely  on  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
*4-47  uary  which  *will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1781, 
One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  hundred 
Acres  he  so  owns,  settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a 
greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land;  which  Money  shall  be 
paid  by  the  respective  Persons  aforesaid,  their  heirs  or  Assigns  in 
our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  these  to  be  in  lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  services  whatsoever. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 


COLUMBIA. 


605 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness 
Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  aforesaid  the  isfc  day  of  De- 
cember in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1770  and  in  the  Eleventh 
year  of  our  Reign. — 

By  His  Excellency’s  command  ) J’  < l.  s.  > Wentworth. — 
with  advice  of  Council  $ ^ ^ 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


Enter’d  and  Recorded  according  to  the  Original  under  the  Prov- 
ince Seal  the  10th  Decr  1770 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


ii 

I 


6o6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  > 

Hampshire  ) Portsmouth  i9t  December  1770 
These  Certify  that  this  Plan  of  Cockburne  Town  Beginning 
at  an  Elm  Tree  standing  on  the  Easterly  banks  of  Connecticut 
River  at  the  Mouth  of  a Stony  Brook,  thence  running  East  3 
Miles  & 136  Rods  to  a Maple  Tree,  from  thence  South  70  degrees 
East  Six  Miles  to  a Fir  Tree,  from  thence  turning  off  at  Right 
Angles  & rung  North  20  degrees  East  3 Miles  & 252  Rods,  from 
thence  turning  off  at  Right  Angles  & running  North  Seventy 
Degrees  West,  to  the  said  Easterly  bank  of  said  River,  from 
thence  down  said  River  as  that  runs  ’till  it  comes  to  ye  Elm  Tree 
first  mention’d,  being  the  bounds  began  at,  Contains  23040  Acres 
of  Land  & is  a true  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said 
Township  as  taken  and  returned  to  me  by  Mr  Benja  Whiting  D? 
Survey1 

Attest"  Is.  Rindge  S G1 


[Grant  to  Seth  Wales  and  Others,  1773.] 

*4-168  ^Province  of  > 

New  Hampshire  $ George  the  third  by  the  grace  of 
Seth  Wales  God  of  Great  Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defen- 
ce al  Grant  der  of  the  Faith  &ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  greeting 
Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain 
knowledge  & meer  motion  for  the  due  encouragement 
of  settling  a new  Plantation  within  our  said  Province 
by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  trusty  & well  beloved  John  Went- 
worth Esquire  our  Governor  & Commander  in  chief  of  our  said 
Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  and  of  our  Council 
of  the  said  Province  have  upon  the  Conditions  and  reservations 
herein  after  made  given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us 
our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  shares  unto 
our  loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  and  our  other  Dominions  who  have  petitioned  us  for 
the  same  setting  forth  their  readiness  to  make  immediate  Settle- 
ment and  to  their  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  whose  Names  are 
entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and  amongst  them  into 
eighteen  equal  Shares  all  that  Tract  or  parcel  of  Land  situate 
lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
containing  by  admeasurement  Five  thousand  eight  hundred 


COLUMBIA.  607 

& twenty  *two  Acres  out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  *4-169 
made  for  Highways  and  unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks 
Mountains  and  Waters  of  four  hundred  Acres  free  according  to  a 
Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of 
Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  order  and 
returned  into  the  Secretary’s  office  of  our  said  Province  a Copy 
whereof  is  hereunto  annexed  butted  and  bounded  as  follows  viz* — 
Begining  at  the  Northeast  Corner  of  Woodbury  so  called  at  the 
Mouth  of  Brook  runing  into  Connecticut  River  from  thence  Tun- 
ing North  eight  eight  degrees  East  by  said  Woodbury  six  Miles 
from  thence  North  fifteen  degrees  East  Four  hundred  Rods  to 
Cockburnetown  from  thence  by  said  Cockburnetown  North 
seventy  degrees  West  three  hundred  and  sixty  Rods  to  a Maple 
Tree  thence  West  by  said  Cockburnetown  three  miles  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  six  Rods  to  Connecticut  River  aforesaid  from 
thence  down  said  River  as  that  tends  to  the  bounds  began  at  To 
have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed 
together  with  all  Preveleges  and  Appurtenances  to  them  and  to 
their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  upon  the  following 
Conditions  viz* 

First  That  the  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  clear  and 
make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road  of  four  rods  wide 
through  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted  as  shall  be  at  any  time 
hereafter  directed  by  our  said  Governor  and  Council  which  Road 
shall  be  compleated  in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  such  directions 
in  failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be 
forfeited  and  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be  by  us  or 
them  reentered  upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  loving  Subjects 

Secondly  That  all  white  pine  and  other  pine  Trees  within  the 
said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully 
preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without 
our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  *first  had  and  obtained  *4-170 
upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the 
Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of 
Parliament  that  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  enacted 

Thirdly  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  1783  the  rent  of 
one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fourthly  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  & every 
Year  forever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the 


6o8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


date  of  this  Grant  one  Shilling  proclamation  Money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion 
for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  which  Money  shall 
be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons  above  said  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or 
Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same 

Fifthly  That  this  Grant  shall  not  interfere  with  any  of  our 
Grants  made  as  aforesaid  and  now  in  force  nor  interrupt  the  Gran- 
tees in  their  Improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the  Con- 
ditions thereof — 

Sixthly  That  the  Grantees  shall  cultivate  & improve  Ten 
Acres  in  every  hundred  in  Flax  and  Hemp  if  the  Land  shall  prove 
fit  & useful  for  such  employment 

Seventhly  That  the  Grantees  shall  further  cultivate  clear  and 
improve  three  Acres  in  every  fifty  Acres  in  said  Grant  within  five 
Years  of  this  date — 

Eighthly  That  there  shall  be  settled  and  resident  on  this 
Grant  Two  Families  within  two  Years  of  this  date  and  six  addi- 
tional Families  making  eight  Families  upon  this  Grant  at  or 
before  the  first  day  of  May  which  will  be  in  the  Year  1778. 
And  these  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatso- 
ever— 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our  aforesaid 
*4-171  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  the  * fourth  day  of  May 
in  the  thirteenth  Year  of  our  reign  Anfioque  Domini  1773 

J Wentworth 

Names  of  the  Grantees 


Joseph  Trumbull  Esqr 
Nathaniel  Wales  junr 
Abijah  Larned 
Nathan  Wales 
Simon  Larned 
Ebenezer  Larned 
John  Squier  junr 
Nath1  Wales  4th 
Eleazer  Wales 

By  his  Excellencys  command 
with  advice  of  Council. 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secy 


David  Larned 
Abel  Larned 
Nathaniel  Wales  3d 
Benjamin  Larned 
Eleezer  Rosbrook 
Jeremiah  Jackson 
Solomon  Wales 
Eleazer  Wales  junr 
Seth  Wales 


COLUMBIA. 


609 


6 io 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  nineteenth  day  of  August  1773 — 

Attest1-  Geo  : King  Depy  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  twenty  ninth  April 
1773 

This  certifys  that  this  Plan  beginning  at  the  North  east  Corner  of 
Woodbury  so  called  at  the  Mouth  of  Brook  runing  into  Con- 
*4-173  necticut  River  from  thence  runing  North  eighty  two  *de- 
grees  East  by  said  Woodbury  six  Miles  from  thence  North 
fifteen  degrees  East  four  hundred  Rods  to  Cockburne  town  from 
thence  by  said  Cockburne  town  North  Seventy  degrees  West  three 
hundred  & sixty  Rods  to  a Maple  Tree  thence  west  by  said 
Cockburnetown  three  Miles  one  hundred  and  sixty  Rods  to  Con- 
necticut River  aforesaid  from  thence  down  said  River  as  that  tends 
to  the  Bounds  began  at  contains  Five  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
twenty  two  Acres  and  is  known  by  the  Surveys  of  said  Wood- 
bury Cockburnetown  & Connecticut  River — 

Attest  Is  Ringe  S G1 

Copy  examin’d  by  Geo  : King  Depy  Secy 


CONCORD. 

[This  territory,  known  as  Penacook , was  granted  by  Massachusetts,  May  18, 
1659,  t0  Richard  Waldron  and  others.  Regranted  by  Massachusetts,  Jan.  17, 
1725-6,  to  Ebenezer  Eastman  and  others.  Incorporated  by  Massachusetts  as 
Rumford,  Feb.  27,  1733-4.  Incorporated  by  New  Hampshire  as  Concord,  June  7, 
1765.  The  grant  of  Bow  by  New  Hampshire,  May  20,  1727,  conflicted  with  this 
grant,  and  the  dispute  was  decided  by  the  King  in  favor  of  Rumford  Dec.  27,  1762. 
A gore  of  land  was  severed  from  Canterbury  and  Loudon  and  annexed  to  Concord, 
Jan.  2,  1784.  Portions  of  Bow  were  annexed  Dec.  13,  1804,  and  July  10,  1856. 
The  State  House  was  built  in  1816  and  remodeled  in  1865.  It  was  first  occupied 
by  the  legislature  in  June,  1819.  A city  charter  was  granted  July  6,  1849,  but  was 
not  adopted  until  March  10,  1853. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  128;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  340;  Index  to  Laws,  116;  Historical  Sketch,  by  J.  B. 
Moore,  1,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  153;  Meteorological  Tables, 
1828-36,  by  J.  Farmer,  5,  id .,  261  ; Note  on  Penacook  Indians,  by  same,  1,  id., 
219;  Penacook  Papers,  3,  id.,  212;  History,  by  Nathaniel  Bouton,  1856,  pp.  786; 
sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  57;  The  State  House,  by 
I.  W.  Hammond,  id.,  p.  406;  Annals,  by  J.  B.  Moore,  1824,  pp.  112  ; Diaries  of 
Rev.  Timothy  Walker,  ed.  by  J.  B.  Walker,  1889,  pp.  80;  History  of  Four  Meet- 
ing Houses,  by  J.  B.  Walker,  1881,  pp.  80  ; Historical  Sketch  of  St.  Paul’s  Church, 
by  H.  A.  Brown,  1885,  pp.  27;  Concord  and  Its  Points  of  Interest,  by  G.  F. 


CONCORD. 


6ll 


Bacon,  1890,  pp.  32;  Dedication  of  Blossom  Htll  Cemetery,  address  by  W.  L. 
Foster,  i860,  pp.  40;  Dedication  of  Fowler  Library  Building,  1888,  pp.  84;  Bill 
of  Mortality,  1798-1821,  by  Thomas  Chadbourne,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Histori- 
cal Collections,  81  ; Biography  of  Isaac  Hill,  1835  ; Pastors,  Deacons,  and  Members 
of  the  First  Congregational  Church,  by  J.  Farmer,  1830,  pp.  21  ; Stewart’s  History 
of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  363  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings, 
1836,  pp.  6,  17;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  pp.  365,  372,  374,  375; 
Historical  Manual  of  South  Congregational  Church,  1869;  Year  Books  of  same, 
1889,  1891  ; discourse,  semi-centennial  of  Salisbury  Baptist  Association,  by  E.  E. 
Cummings,  1878,  pp.  24;  Manuals  of  First  Congregational  Church,  1871,  1888; 
historical  sermons  by  Nathaniel  Bouton  as  follows : — in  Commemoration  of  the 
Organizing  of  the  First  Church  in  1730,  1830,  pp.  102;  at  Twenty  Fifth  Anniver- 
sary of  His  Settlement  over  First  Congregational  Church,  1850,  pp.  54;  at  Fiftieth 
Anniversary  of  Concord  Female  Charitable  Society,  1862,  pp.  40;  Forty  Years 
Ministry,  1865,  pp.  40;  Third  Semi-Centennial  of  Concord,  1875,  PP*  : histori- 
cal address,  by  H.  M.  Cook,  1876,  pp.  15  ; historical  addresses  at  150th  anniver- 
sary of  First  Congregational  Church,  1880,  pp.  71  ; same,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  193  ; 
sermon,  40th  anniversary  of  South  Congregational  Church,  by  S.  L.  Blake,  1877  ; 
First  Baptist  Church,  by  H.  M.  Cook,  5,  Granite  Monthly,  27  ; Semi-Centennial  of 
Organization  of  Second  Congregational  (Unitarian)  Church  and  Society,  1879,  PP* 
60;  History  of  First  Congregational  Church,  by  F.  D.  Ayer,  2,  Granite  Monthly, 
261  ; History  of  First  Congregational  Sunday  School,  by  J.  C.  Thorne,  4,  id,  313  ; 
History  of  Music  in  First  Congregational  Church,  by  W.  G.  Carter,  4,  id,  320; 
address  in  Congregational  Church,  Fisherville,  by  John  Kimball,  1876,  pp.  16; 
St.  Paul’s  Church,  1818-44,  Dawson’s  Historical  Magazine,  2d.  series,  vol.  7,  p. 
364;  St.  Paul’s  School,  10,  Granite  Monthly,  233;  St.  Paul’s  School,  by  H. 
Harrison,  Perry’s  History  of  the  American  Episcopal  Church,  1885,  vol.  2,  p.  547  ; 
Memorials  of  St.  Paul’s  School,  by  G.  C.  Shattuck,  1891  ; sketch,  by  J.  N. 
McClintock,  8,  Granite  Monthly,  263  ; Early  History  of  Concord  Press,  by  A. 
McFarland,  2,  id.,  164;  Old  Red  Mill,  by  W.  Harriman,  5,  id.,  120;  The 
Rolfe-Rumford  House,  by  F.  M.  Colby,  5,  id,  346;  The  Walker  House,  by 
same,  3,  id,  345;  Banks  and  Bankers,  9,  id.,  339;  May  Flowers,  chapter  from 
history  of,  7,  id.,  76;  Penacook  in  1741,  26,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  438; 
Historical  Sketch  of  N.  H.  Asylum  for  Insane,  1886,  pp.  39;  Biographical  Notices 
of  Physicians,  2,  N.  H.  Repository,  80,  135  ; Biography  of  Karicamagus,  13, 
Farmer’s  Monthly  Visitor,  129;  Biography  of  Passaconnaway,  12,  id.,  33;  Bio- 
graphy of  Wonnalancet,  12.,  id.,  257;  The  Last  of  the  Penacooks,  13,  id.,  257; 
for  further  Indian  history  see  Potter’s  History  of  Manchester;  History  of  N.  H. 
Convention  for  Investigation,  Discussion,  and  Decision  of  the  Federal  Constitution, 
by  J.  B.  Walker,  1888,  pp.  128;  Acts  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Apostles,  by  Parker 
Pillsbury,  1883,  p.  156;  An  Exploit  in  King  Philip’s  War,  Hannah  Duston,  by 
C.  R.  Corning,  2,  Proceedings  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  122;  The  Bradley 
Massacre,  by  H.  G.  Sargent,  id.,  152  ; Journal  of  March  to  Protect  the  Inhabitants 
Against  the  Indians,  1746,  4,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  201  ; Petition 
of  Inhabitants  for  Restoration  of  the  Garrison,  1748,  id.,  253.] 


6 12 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Proprietors  of  Penacook,  1725-6.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

At  a meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  General  Court  for  bringing 
forward  the  Settlement  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  Penny  Cook,  began 
and  held  at  the  House  of  Ebenezer  Eastman  in  Haverhill  the 
Second  Day  of  February  1725. 

Present 


John  Wainwright  Esqr  Cap1  John  Shipley,  Mr  John  Sanders, 
Eleazar  Tyng  Esq1'  and  Mr  Joseph  Wilder. — 

There  being  but  just  a Quorum  of  the  Committee  present,  and 
Mr  Chairman  with  the  Remainder  of  the  Committee  being  detained 
on  the  Road  b}r  Reason  of  the  Extremity  of  the  Weather,  Ordered 
That  the  Meeting  be  Adjourned  till  to  Morrow  Morning  Ten  a 
Clock— 

Thursday  Febry  3rd  1725. — 

At  a Meeting  of  the  Committee 

Present 


The  Honourable  William  Tailer  Esqr  Elisha  Cooke  Esqr  Spencer 
Phipps  Esqr  John  Wainwright  Esqr  Cap1  John  Shipley,  Mr  John 
Sanders,  Eleazar  Tyng  Esqr  and  Mr  Joseph  Wilder — 

Agreed  and  Voted  That  some  of  the  Principal  Inhabitants  of  the 
Towns  to  which  the  Generality  of  the  Petitioners  belong  be  desired 
to  attend  the  Committee  and  inform  them  of  the  Circumstances  of 
the  Petitioners  and  others  in  Order  to  the  Committees  admitting 
such  of  them  as  shall  be  thought  most  suitable  for  bringing  for- 
ward the  Settlement  of  Penny  Cook,  Cap1  John  White,  Mr  Obadiah 
Ayer,  and  Cap1  Joshua  Bayley  of  Haverhill,  Cap1  Benjamin 
Stevens,  Mess18  John  Osgood  and  John  Chandler  of  Andover, 
Messr9  Moses  Day  and  David  Kimball  of  Bradford  did  accordingly 
attend  the  Committee — 

Then  the  Committee  Adjourned  till  to  Morrow  Morning  Ten  a 
Clock 

Fry  day  Feb^  4th  1725. — 

At  a Meeting  of  the  Committee  Present  the  same  as  Yesterday. — 

The  Committee  proceeded  to  inquire  further  into  the  Circum- 
stances of  the  Petitioners  and  others  who  appeared  and  were 
desirous  to  be  admitted  to  bring  forward  the  intended  Settlement 
and  Admitted  several  of  them — 


CONCORD. 


613 


Then  the  Committee  Adjourned  till  to  Morrow  Morning  Ten  a 
Clock 

Saturday  Febry  5th  1725. — 

At  a Meeting  of  the  Committee  Present  as  before. — 

The  Committee  further  proceeded  to  admitt  Settlers  and  Corn- 
pleated  the  Number  According  to  the  Order  of  Court,  A List 
whereof  follows,  Each  of  whom  paid  Twenty  Shillings  to  Mr 
Chairman  upon  their  Admittance  to  pay  and  defrey  the  Charge  of 
the  Committee — viz* 


Zebediah  Barker 
John  Osgood 
Benjamin  Parker 
Moses  Day 
John  Sanders 
Robert  Kimball 
Nath11  Abbott 
Stephen  Osgood 
John  Wright 
Ebenezer  Stevens 
Thomas  Page 
Robert  Peaslee 
Samuel  Kimball 
Nath11  Clement 
Samuel  Ayer 
Joseph  Davis 
Nehemiah  Heath 
Nath11  Sanders 
Abraham  Foster 
Nath11  Barker 
Samuel'  Davis 
Samue[l]  Toppan 


John  Grainger 
Timothy  Johnson 
William  White 
Samuel  Reynolds 
Nath11  Lovejoy 
John  Sanders  junr 
John  Chandler 
Thomas  Blanchard 
Joseph  Parker 
Nathan  Parker 
John  Foster 
Ephraim  Farnum 
Benjamin  Carlton 
Nath11  Page 
Edward  Clark 
Ephraim  Davis 
Stephen  Emerson 
Andrew  Mitchell 
Benjamin  Gage 
Nath11  Peaslee 
William  Gutterson 
Enoch  Coffin 


AmmiRuhamah  Wise  Richard  Uran 
Jonathan  Pulcepher  Ephraim  Hildreth 
John  Ayer  Thomas  Colman 

Tho3  Perley  for  Nath11  Cogswell 
John  Peapody  David  Dodge 

Jona  Hubbard  for  Dan11  Davis 


Moses  Hazzen 
Moses  Boardman 
Nathan  Fisk 
Zerobbabel  Snow 


Richard  Hazzen  junr 
Isaac  Learned 
Jonathan  Shipley 
Edward  Winn 


Mr  Samuel  Phillips 
Ebenezer  Eastman 
David  Kimball 
Nicholas  White 
John  Merrill 
Samuel  Grainger 
Benjamin  Stevens  Esqr 
Ebenezer  Lovejoy 
William  Barker 
James  Parker 
Christopher  Carlton 
John  Clark 
Nehemiah  Carlton 
John  Mattis 
William  Whittier 
Joseph  Page 
John  Bayley 
Joseph  Hall 
Benjamin  Niccolls 
John  Jaques 
Henry  Rolfe 
Bezaliel  Toppan 
Nathu  Jones 
Ebenezer  Virgin 
Thomas  Wicomb 
David  Wood 
Joseph  Hale 
Jacob  Eames 
Joshua  Bayley 
Richard  Coolidge 
Isaac  Walker 
James  Simonds 


614  charter  records. 

Nathan  Bloggett  Nathan  Simonds  John  Coggin 

John  Pecker  Obadiah  Ayer  Jacob  Abbott. — 

A true  Copy  taken  from  the  Proprietors  Book  of  Rumford 

Attest  Benja  Rolfe  Prop13  Clerk. — 


[Draft  of  Authority  to  Benjamin  Rolfe  and  Timothy 

Walker,  1753.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

We  The  subscribers  Inhabitants  of  a Town  called  Rumford  in 
ye  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England — desire  & Im- 
power  Benjn  Rolfe  Esqr  & Tim^  Walker  our  minister,  in  our  Name 
& on  our  behalf  to  represent  to  the  Kings  most  excellent  majesty 
in  council  the  manifold  grievances  we  Labour  under  by  reason  of 
ye  multiplied  lawsuits  Lately  commenced  against  us  by  ye  Proprie- 
tors of  Bow  & also  our  being  for  several  years  last  past  deprived 
of  all  corporation  priveledges  & to  ask  such  Releif  as  his  majesty 
in  his  great  wisdom  & Goodness  shall  see  meet  to  grant  & to  sign 
such  complaint  & petition  on  our  behalf  & also  to  nominate  & 
appoint  any  person  or  persons  whom  they  shall  Think  fit  to  pre- 
sent ye  same  to  his  majesty  & to  Appear  & fully  to  act  for  & in  our 
behalf  respecting  ye  subject  matter  thereof  as  wittness  our  Hands — 
Dated  at  Rumford  aforesd 
Feb  12  1753 


[Draft  of  Appointment  of  William  Bollan  as  Agent, 

x753-] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

Pursuant  to  a desire  signed  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Rumford  in 
New  Hampshire  in  New  England  Dated  Feb  12  1753  That  we  the 
subscribers  would  represent  to  the  Kings  most  excellent  majesty  in 
council  the  manifold  grievances  they  labour  under  by  reason  of  the 
multiplied  Lawsuits  lately  commenced  against  ym  by  ye  proprietors 
of  Bow  & also  their  being  for  several  years  last  past  deprived  of 
all  corporation  priveledges  & to  ask  such  relief  as  his  majesty  in 
his  great  wisdom  & Goodness  shall  see  meet  to  grant  Impowering 


t 


CONCORD. 


615 

us  to  sign  such  complaint  & petition  in  yr  behalf  & to  nominate  and 
appoint  any  person  whom  we  should  think  fit  to  prefer  the  same  to 
his  majesty  & to  prosecute  it — we  do  by  these  Presents  Impower 
William  Bollan  Esqr  to  prefer  the  Petition  respecting  the  premises 
signed  by  us  & bearing  equal  Date  with  these  Presents  & to  appear 
& fully  to  act  in  the  behalf  of  us  & ye  other  Inhabitants  of  sd  Rum- 
ford  respecting  the  subject  matter  thereof  as  witness  our  Hands  & 
seals  this  16  Day  of  Feb  1753 


[Draft  of  Letter  to  William  Bollan.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

William  Bollan  Esqr 
Sir 

We  are  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Rumford  which  was  granted 
by  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  bay  but  by  the  new  running 
of  the  line  falls  within  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire 

We  are  in  a most  unhappy  situation,  some  of  our  people  have 
been  sued  and  verdicts  have  been  obtained  against  them  in  the  in- 
ferior & superior  Courts  & others  of  us  are  threatened  & we  know 
not  whose  turn  is  next,  our  enemies  are  our  judges  & we  have  no 
hopes  of  redress  within  our  own  Government  though  we  have  as 
just  a cause  as  ever  men  had.  Under  our  distress  we  advised 
with  Mr  Hutchinson  who  formerly  went  home  in  our  behalf,  he 
first  proposed  our  waiting  the  issue  of  the  Action  now  depending 
in  England,  which  he  does  not  doubt  will  be  favourable  & will  in- 
fluence any  future  tryals,  but  we  very  much  doubt  whether  the 
determination  of  this  Action  will  prevent  their  bringing  forward 
others.  The  several  Grants  from  the  Massachusets  are  very 
differently  circumstanced  so  that  the  Event  of  one  Action  will  be 
no  bar  to  another  and  they  take  an  effectual  method  to  prevent  any 
other  being  carried  home  for  they  sue  for  small  parcels  of  land  the 
value  of  which  is  not  so  great  as  that  by  the  Province  Law  an 
Appeal  may  be  granted  (or  if  it  might  the  Owner  of  it  would 
sooner  give  up  his  claim  than  be  at  the  charge  of  an  Appeal,)  and 
if  we  must  go  home  by  complaint  the  hearing  in  order  to  obtain  a 
tryal  and  if  we  obtained,  the  tryal  itself  would  together  be  attended 
with  such  a charge  that  though  a great  number  of  us  were  to  join 
we  could  not  without  selling  our  Estates  wch,  by  the  way  under 
their  present  circumstances  nobody  will  buy,  raise  money  to  defray 


6i  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


it.  Upon  these  considerations  Mr  Hutchinson  advised  us  to  apply 
to  you  and  to  forward  to  you  a Petition  to  his  Mjesty  representing 
our  grievances  & praying  for  relief,  though  at  the  same  time  he 
gave  us  no  great  encouragement  that  you  would  prefer  & sollicite 
it  wthout  seeing  a prospect  of  being  paid  the  charge  that  will  attend 
it,  but  as  there  is  a possibility  either  that  the  Massachusets  General 
Court  may  be  prevailed  on  to  give  some  directions  about  it  or  that 
it  may  be  of  some  service  in  the  cause  now  depending  or  that  by 
communicating  of  it  to  some  of  the  JLords  of  trade  although  it 
should  never  be  prosecuted  (since  the  only  reason  i§  our  not  being 
able  to  do  it)  it  may  be  of  service  to  us  & perhaps  produce  some 
general  directions  for  our  Relief  with  this  View  we  thought  it  best 
we  should  send  it  to  you.  We  are  loth  to  trespass  too  much  by  a 
particular  relation  of  our  distresses : many  of  them  will  appear 
from  the  Petition.  One  of  us  has  been  the  settled  minister  of  the 
place  for  more  than  20  Years  but  for  four  years  past  has  had  no 
salary  & has  been  supported  in  such  sort  as  he  has  by  the  particu- 
lar donations  of  some  of  the  Inhabitants  & he  certainly  would  have 
left  the  place  before  now  if  it  had  not  been  for  discouraging  the 
rest.  This  is  what  New  hamshire  hopes  for  ; to  harrass  us  till  they 
they  force  us  to  throw  up  the  effect  of  near  thirty  years  toil  & 
labour  that  they  may  Possess  themselves  of  it.  We  intreat  you  to 
make  use  of  this  Petition  in  some  sort  or  other  for  our  relief. 
Could  we  be  secure  in  our  propertys  we  would  endeavour  to  be 
easy  with  the  change  of  Government  though  the  most  effectual 
relief  would  be  our  return  to  the  Massachusets,  and  this  would 
most  effectually  serve  his  Majestys  interest  in  the  settlement  of 
this  part  of  the  Country  between  the  two  Rivers  Merrimack  & 
Connecticut  where  nature  has  done  much  towards  a Barrier  & had 
not  the  line  been  altered  we  are  wSil  satisfyed  great  progress  would 
have  been  made  in  settling  & improving  that  whole  Country 
whereas  since  its  falling  under  New  Hampshire  the  new  settle- 
ments have  been  declining  instead  of  advancing  & in  case  of  a 
War  will  in  all  probability  be  entirely  forsaken  & the  frontiers  of 
New  England  in  the  state  they  were  70  years  ago  for  New  Ham- 
shire can  not  & we  are  told  the  Massachusets  will  not  defend  us 
again. 


CONCORD. 


617 


[Deposition  of  Thomas  and  Joseph  Eastman. 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

Thomas  & Joseph  Eastman,  both  of  lawful  Age  testify  & say, 
That  in  the  beginning  of  June  1730,  they  removed  to  the  Plantation 
then  called  Penicook,  now  Rumford  in  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire — And  that  John  Merrill  who  is  now  Apellant  in  an 
Action  of  Ejectment  to  be  tried  at  the  next  Superior  Court  of  Judi- 
cature to  be4  holden  at  Portsmouth  in  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  wherein  the  Proprietors  of  the  common  & undivided 
Lands  in  the  Township  of  Bow  are  Apellees,  moved  up  to  the  said 
Plantation  with  his  Family  at  the  same  time,  & has  resided  there 
ever  since  ; 

That  they  are  well  knowing  to  the  House  Lot  N°  thirty  four,  in 
the  second  Range  of  House  Lots  in  the  said  Plantation,  the  origi- 
nal Lot  of  Nathaniel  Page  & to  the  twenty-Acre-Lot  which 
was  laid  out  to  the  Right  of  the  said  John  Merrill  in  said  Planta- 
tion— And  that  the  Land  said  to  be  in  Controversy  between  said 
John  Merrill  & said  Proprietors  of  Bow  is  part  of  said  Lots — That 
about  three  Acres  of  Land  on  the  Interval  Lot  belonging  to  said 
Pages  Right  was  broke  up  sometime  before  the  Date  first  men- 
tioned, & was  in  the  year  1730  planted  & improved  by  the 
Assignee  of  the  said  Page — 

That  the  said  Merrill,  soon  after  his  arrival  there  settled  upon 
the  said  controverted  Land,  & has  lived  there  ever  since. — That 
he  has  made  yearly  Improvements  in  the  Plantation,  or  Town- 
ship.— And  the  said  Thomas  declares,  That  according  to  the  best 
of  his  Remembrance,  the  House-Lot  abovementioned  was  cleared 
before  the  first  mentioned  Date. 

And  both  these  Deponents  say,  That  they  have  been  well 
acquainted  with  the  Circumstances  of  the  said  Plantation  ever  since 
their  going  there,  & always  understood  that  it  has  been  constantly 
possessed,  & inhabited  by  the  Grantees  of  the  Massachusetts-Bay 
their  Heirs  & Assigns  : And  that  they  never  knew  any  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Bow,  their  Heirs,  or  Delegates,  as  such,  settle  upon, 
manure,  or  occupy  any  Part  of  the  same. 


6i8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Deposition  of  Edward  Abbott.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

Edward  Abbott  Testifieth&saiththat  on  ye  Eight  Day  of  May  1727 
he  in  company  with  many  others  sat  out  from  Andover  on  their 
Journey  to  a New  Township  granted  by  ye  general  court  of  ye 
massachusetts  Bay  to  a Number  of  setlers  at  a place  called  Pen- 
nicook  in  order  to  Erect  a House  which  had  been  some  Time 
before  begun  which  was  designed  by  ye  sd  setlers  for  a meeting 
House  which  they  Immediately  upon  their  arrival  there  applyed 
themselves  to  & accomplished  some  time  in  ye  sd  month  that  about 
ye  same  Date  a considerable  Number  of  y®  sd  setlers  went  up  to 
ye  sd  place  to  ye  Number  of  upwards  of  forty  persons  according  to 
ye  best  of  his  Judgment  that  about  ve  same  Date  a Loaded  Team 
was  driven  up  by  some  of  ye  sd  setlers  which  Team  Haled  ye 
Timber  for  ye  sd  meeting  House  Broke  up  some  Land  &c  that  some 
corn  was  planted  ye  same  spring  wc  was  Tended  & Harvested  y‘ 
a considerable  Quantity  of  Hay  was  cut  there  ye  same  summer 
that  in  ye  fall  of  ye  sd  year  as  he  was  returning  from  ye  sd  place  he 
met  a Family  upon  ye  Road  who  sd  they  were  moving  up  there, 
which  he  accordingly  found  there  upon  his  return  ye  next  spring 
together  with  another  family  wc  moved  up  at  or  about  ye  same 
Time  that  from  this  time  ye  plantation  Increased  so  fast  that  in  ye 
year  1730  there  was  a chh  gathered  & a minister  ordained  that  in  ye 
spring  of  ye  last  mentioned  yea  John  merrill  one  df  ye  sd  setlers  who 
is  appellee  in  ye  action  of  Ejectment  to  be  tryed  at  ye  superior 
court  of  Judicature  to  be  holden  at  Portsmouth  in  ye  province  of 
New  Hampshire  by  adjournment  on  ye  2d  Tuesday  of  sepr  Instant 
wherein  ye  Proprietors  of  ye  common  & undivided  Land  in  ye 
Township  of  Bow  are  appellants  moved  his  Family  up  to  ye  sd 
plantation,  having  made  considerable  Improvements  upon  his 
lands  there  the  three  preceeding  years,  which  has  constantly 
resided  there  ever  since,  & y*  he  ye  sd  deponent  has  been  well 
acquainted  with  ye  circumstances  of  ye  plantation  of  Pennicook 
from  its  first  settlement  to  this  Day  & well  known  y1  ye  sd  Township 
has  been  constantly  Inhabited  Possessed  & Improved  by  ye  sd 
setlers  their  heirs  & assigns  & y4  he  never  Knew  any  of  ye  pro- 
proprietors of  Bow  as  such  their  Agents  or  delegates  setle  upon 
manure  or  occupy  any  part  of  ye  sd  Township 

The  Deponent  further  saith  that  David  Chase  & Jacob  Shute 
now  are  & for  many  years  past  have  been  in  ye  possession  of  & 


CONCORD.  619 

actually  dwelt  upon  part  of  ye  Land  described  in  ye  writ  brought 
by  ye  sd  proprietors  of  Bow  against  ye  sd  John  merrill 

Province  of  > 

New-Hampshire  > Rumford  (so  called)  Septemr  3d  1750. 

Ebenezer  Virgin,  living  more  than  five  miles  from  ye  Place  of 
trial  of  the  Case  above-named  referred  to  in  the  above  Deposition 
personally  appeared  before  me  the  Subscriber,  one  of  his  Majesty’s 
Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  Province  aforesaid,  & made  Oath  to 
the  Truth  of  the  above  Deposition  to  which  he  had  subscribed  his 
name  : Clement  March  Esqr.  a Proprietor  of  the  Common  & un- 
divided Lands  in  the  Town  Bow  was  duly  notified  of  the  time  & 
place  of  the  Caption  of  the  above  Deposition,  but  not  present  at 
the  Caption  thereof : Lieut.  Nathan1  Smith  another  Proprietor  of 
the  Common  & undivided  Lands  in  the  Township  of  Bow  afore- 
said was  duly  notified,  & present,  & made  no  Objection  against 
the  Caption  of  the  above  Deposition,  or  against  anything  therein 
contained. 

The  above  Deposition  was  taken  at  the  Request  of  Benjamin 
Rolfe  Esqr.  Attorney  for  John  Merrill. — 

James  Scales. 


[Richard  Hazzen  to  Col.  Benjamin  Rolfe,  1753.] 
[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

My  Dear  and  Honored  Col0 

Last  week  I made  My  127th  Trip  to  Portsmouth  the  Metropolis 
of  New  Hampshire  and  Grand  mart  of  News  both  fforeign  and 
domestick  but  as  the  Climate  is  at  this  Time  of  ye  year  no  foreign 
News  Could  be  Expected,  nor  was  there  any  as  I Could  hear  off 
tho  I Carefully  examd  the  post  and  all  the  News  mongers,  and 
as  to  our  own  affairs  I can  only  Tell  you  that  ye  prejudice  of  ye 
Bow  propr3  against  all  that  Claim  in  Opposition  to  them  themselves 
seems  rather  to  Increase  then  be  diminished,  I ventured  however 
to  Ask  my  Pateroon  Peirce  what  he  would  do  if  upon  ye  Review 
you  should  bring  in  Masons  Title,  he  replyed  he  would  stand  by 
that  let  the  Event  of  ye  Cause  be  what  it  would,  but  said  he  hopd  if 
you  brought  that  in  to  Serve  you  in  one  Case  you  would  not  reject 
& disallow  it  in  Others,  Then  I venturd  to  tell  him  I apprehend- 
ed the  New  Towns  would  now  take  my  advice  I had  been  pressing 


620 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


upon  them  to  Complain  to  his  Majesty  and  perhaps  Rumford 
would  do  it  he  replyed  he  did  not  value  it  that  would  be  put  off  this 
20  years.  I did  not  dare  Say  much  more  least  there  might  be 
some  suspicion  But  was  the  Most  Chagrind  to  See  three  verry 
worthy  Newbury  Gentlemen  principall  proprietors  in  Cuntoocook, 
Mr  J Coffin  & Gerrish  Two  of  them  come  to  Mr  Peirce  to  make 
up  with  him  as  one  of  the  principall  of  the  Mason  Lords,  and  Bow 
& scrape  and  Cringe  to  the  Ground  to  him  and  beg  off  him  to  be 
their  friend,  it  made  My  old  English  blood  boyl  in  me,  but  that 
was  all  I could  not  come  to  Speak  with  them  I found  without 
Peirce’s  Suspecting  me  to  be  his  Enemy  however  I Shook  hands 
with  them  as  friends  and  am  sorry  for  it  since  their  design  was  evil 
and  injurious  to  so  many  good  men  Especially  of  Rumford  you 
have  Traitors  to  your  Cause  even  in  Newbury  itself  Sr  I have 
sent  you  Govr  Dudleys  Speech  to  ye  Assembly  of  N : Hampshire 
1703,  & their  Answer,  & have  only  further  to  Say  that  Hampton  is 
now  going  to  turn  Kingston  upside  down  that  is  to  Say  to  get  their 
due  of  them  and  ye  whole  Current  of  discourse  now  in  all  Company 
is  that  ye  Old  Massachusetts  grants  must  hold,  Maugre  all  any 
Governour  or  Councill  could  do  The  Court  is  Adjournd  to  ye  12th 
of  March  next  where  I Shall  attend  if  Life  and  health  permitt. 
My  Service  to  your  Revd  Pastor  to  whom  you  may  Always  Com- 
municate. I am  sr  your 

Hearty  ffriend  & humble  Serv* 
Hampstead  ffeb : 16th  1753.  , R Hazzen 


[Petition  from  Inhabitants  of  Rumford,  1756.] 

[Farmer’s  Mss.  Town  Papers,  Vol.  2,  p.  23.] 

To  His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  Captain  General 
and  Governour  of  His  Majesties  Province  of  New  Hampshire  the 
Honourable  His  Majesties  Council  and  House  of  Representatives  in 
General  Assembly  Convened  Portsmouth  February  18th  1756 
The  Petition  of  Ezra  Carter  & John  Chandler  on  behalf  them- 
selves & the  Inhabitants  of  the  late  District  of  Rumford  Humbly 
Sheweth,  That  we  the  Subscribers  together  with  Moses  Foster 
Esqr  by  an  Act  past  by  the  General  Assembly  in  July  last  were 
appointed  to  be  Assessors  to  Assess  the  Inhabitants  within  the 
Limits  therein  referred  to  at  a certain  Sum  and  to  have  the  Assess- 


CONCORD. 


621 


ment  compleated  & returned  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Province  with- 
in two  months  after  the  date  of  Said  Act  That  one  half  of  the  time 
was  Lapsed  before  we  had  sight  of  the  Act  and  it  was  then  the 
most  busie  Season  in  the  whole  Year  & the  Cattle  on  which  part 
of  the  Tax  was  to  be  laid  were  out  in  the  Woods  & not  known 
whether  living  or  killed  by  the  enemy  which  rendered  it  almost 
impracticable  for  us  to  comply  with  the  Letter  of  the  Act — For  the 
remedying  of  these  Inconveniences  & also  in  hopes  of  Obtaining 
Some  Alterations  beneficial  to  us  and  the  People  we  ware  to  Tax 
we  should  have  Addressed  the  General  Assembly  long  before  now 
but  our  Distance  is  such  that  we  seldom  hear  of  the  Adjournment 
& Prorogations  thereof  before  it  is  too  late  Several  times  were 
pitched  upon  for  said  purpose  but  before  they  Arrived  the  As- 
sembly was  Adjourned  & now  having  an  Oppertunity  to  lay  the 
Affair  before  Your  Excellency  & Honors  we  humbly  hope  that  you 
will  take  our  Case  into  Your  consideration  and  in  your  wisdom 
& Goodness  compassionate  our  Circumstances — as  to  our  Paying 
our  Part  of  Publick  Charges  of  the  Government  we  can  uprightly 
answer  for  our  selves  & have  reason  to  believe  that  we  speak  the 
United  Sense  of  the  people  of  Rumford  that  we  ought  to  do  it  but 
humbly  Pray  we  may  have  the  Priveledges  of  a Town  or  District 
viz1  to  raise  money  for  the  Maintainance  of  Our  Minister  School  & 
Poor  the  Repair  of  High  Ways  &c  for  the  want  of  which  for  sev- 
eral Years  past  the  Inhabitants  there  have  been  great  Sufferers 
That  we  apprehend  we  are  doomed  much  beyond  our  Just  Propor- 
tion of  the  Publick  Charge  which  has  happened  as  we  conceive  for 
want  of  a true  List  of  our  Poles  & Estates  which  we  believe  was 
never  laid  before  the  assembly  That  we  have  been  unavoidably 
Subjected  to  great  loss  of  time  almost  every  Year  for  several  years 
past  by  Disturbances  from  the  Indians  and  particularly  for  the  last 
two  Years  past  about  a Quarter  of  our  Inhabitants  have  been  drove 
from  their  Settlement  during  the  busie  Season  of  the  Year  and  the 
whole  of  them  Obliged  to  divert  from  their  Husbandry  in  Order  to 
repair  their  Garrisons  & provide  for  the  safety  of  their  families, 
Wherefore  your  Petitioners  most  humbly  Pray  that  their  Circum- 
stances may  be  Considered  that  they  and  the  Inhabitants  aforesaid 
may  be  Relieved  against  the  Penalties  & Rigour  of  said  Act — 
That  a proper  method  may  be  prescribed  to  have  a true  List  of 
of  the  Polls  & Estates  aforesd  laid  before  the  General  Assembly  so 
that  they  may  Pay  no  more  than  their  Proportion  Considering  their 
Situation  That  they  may  be  Incorporated  to  all  the  Purposes  of  a 
Town  and  that  the  Assessors  aforesd  may  have  a farther  time  al- 


622 


charter  Records. 


lowed  to  Perform  the  Business  Assign’d  in  Assessing  & the  Collec- 
tors in  Levying  the  Sum  that  shall  be  finally  determin’d  must  be 
paid  by  Said  Inhabitants.  And  Your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound 
shall  ever  Pray. 

Ezra  Carter 
John  Chandler 

Province  of  New  Hampr 

In  Council  Feb17  18th  1765 

Read  & ordered  to  be  Sent  Down  to  the  Honble  Assembly — 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


[Part  of  Argument  for  Appellant.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

observations  on  President  Cutts  his  commission  &c 

If  further  Satisfaction  be  demanded  with  respect  to  the  Lands 
disclaimed  by  the  masstts  Bay  before  ye  two  chief  Justices  in  1677 — 
it  may  be  answered  upon  the  Authority  of  King  Charles  his  Dec- 
laration who  expresly  says  towards  the  Latter  End  of  Cutts  his 
commission  That  the  massachusetts  Agents  had  disowned  any 
Right  either  in  the  soil  or  government  from  the  Three  mile  Line 
aforesd  which  can  mean  no  Other  than  the  3 mile  Line  which  ye 
same  King  Charles  had  a little  before  assigned  to  the  massachu- 
setts Bay  as  their  Northern  Boundary  which  wras  to  follow  ye 
course  of  the  River  (merrimack)  as  far  as  it  went — consequently 
the  Lands  disclaimed  must  lye  in  New  Hampshire  or  the  Province 
of  main  or  both  for  the  Plan  will  show  that  those  two  Tracts  viz 
Newr  Hampshire  & ye  Province  of  main  lye  next  to  the  Northward 
of  that  3 mile  Line  But  the  Principal  use  we  would  make  of  this 
(Cutts)  commission  is  to  show  both  from  the  com’ission  itself  & a 
number  of  coincident  cirrumstances  refered  to  & mentioned  therein 
how  plainly  it  appears  that  the  exact  Limits  of  New  Hampshire 
(so  far  as  merrimack  River  was  concerned)  at  its  then  Infancy  or 
rather  origin  were  fully  understood  both  by  King  & People  on  all 
sides  & how  next  to  Impossible  it  was  that  any  mistake  or  dispute 
relative  thereto  should  arise  So  Long  as  merrimack  River  remained 
a Known  visible  thing  and  all  other  circumstances  remained  in 
statu  quo — And  in  fact  so  low  down  as  1740  New  Hampshire  ✓ 
never  once  denied — that  the  massachusetts  Bay  under  their  old 
charter  Strengthened  by  ye  Royal  adjudication  in  1677  took  in  ye 


[From  original  in  possession  of  William  P.  Fiske.] 


THE  At  UNT1C  K OCB&N 


<%'?w  ^L^r,  Oy^  ^ far,  £r 

steeds 


y-AWtfA  6 

t jVrtsi  k v.  » *^\2  **&*■  •'  .' 


...  r 


V.  -Ifcfc  Wi.  ^»-:i  ’•  *•  • iire-  '.  :-' 


...  • ••..•>  • 


4*si  ^ iW-  . 

tcA  i*  \a& 

.^Aj*  * 


Wy»f(i.~w'i  IA  ^PO*  • • ;'  *k*S  -v  *-*  •*  •*• 

aw.  •**  'Tsvs^a  4 •/.  • ** 


■ 


■ ■ - • — . . . 


. 


• W- 


: v,  - ■' x ■-";■■  v ■ ;■  - 


CONCORD. 


623 


whole  of  merrimack  River  with  3 miles  advantage,  but  founded 
the  whole  of  their  reasoning  in  support  of  their  claim  upon  the  di- 
minished extent  of  the  massachusetts  Government  under  their  New 
charter — for  which  see  the  New  Hampshire  Printed  case  which 
we  shall  lay  before  you — 

as  to  the  real  difference  between  massachusetts  former  & Latter 
charters  it  is  already  stated  Fol — to  which  you  are  referd — and 
here  shall  only  add — what  have  been  ye  different  apprehensions 
not  meerly  of  Private  persons  but  of  whole  communities  relative 
thereto — For  according  to  persons  apprehension  of  the  meaning 
& extent  of  a given  Rule  will  be  their  consequent  practice  if  they 
would  be  thought  consistent — 

Now  massachusetts  Bay  always  thought  their  two  charters  co- 
extensive as  to  merrimack  River  until  they  were  adjudged  other- 
wise by  his  late  majesty  in  council  and  conformable  to  this  their 
belief  was  their  Practice  in  granting  Pennicook  & several  other 
Towns  on  the  contrary  New  Hampshire  laid  great  stress  upon  ye 
difhrence  between  the  two  sd  charters  their  principal  arguments  in 
support  of  their  claim  were  founded  upon  the  difference  & finaly 
they  prayd  the  Lords  of  the  council  to  report  them  to  be  different 
The  Point  was  looked  upon  as  doubtful  by  the  commissioners  ap- 
pointed to  Judge  thereupon  & accordingly  the  report  specialy  for 
which  see  their  Report  Fol  But  what  is  of  Principal  moment  they 
have  been  finaly  adjudged  to  be  essentialy  different  by  the  Highest 
Authority  of  the  Nation — That  is  late  majesty  in  1740  adjudged  a 
less  extended  Territory  on  merrimack  River  to  the  present  massa- 
chusetts Government  under  their  New  charter  (founded  as  is  sup- 
posed on  ye  difference  between  the  two  charters),  than  was  as- 
signed to  the  Former  masstt3  company  under  their  former  charter — 
though  not  in  ye  precise  words  which  New  Hampshire  had  prayed 
yet  in  others  Equaly  expressive  & conclusive  with  them  or  any 
others  that  can  be  Imagined — whether  this  be  so  or  not  may  best 
appear  by  placing  the  two  Royal  adjudications — that  on  the  old 
charter  in  1677 — & also  that  on  the  New  in  1740  in  one  view  be- 
fore you 

1677  The  words  of  the  Former  are  That  the  North  & south 
Bounds  of  the  Lands  granted  so  far  as  the  Rivers  (merrimack  on 
ye  North  & Charles  River  on  ye  south)  extend  are  to  follow  the 
course  of  the  Rivers  which  make  the  breadth  of  the  Grant — 

1740  The  words  of  the  latter  are  That  the  Northern  Boundary 
of  the  Province  (masstts  Bay)  shall  be  a similar  curve  Line  'pur- 
suing the  course  of  merrimack  River  at  j miles  distance  on  the 


624 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


North  side  begining  at  the  Atlantic  ocean  & ending  at  a Point 
due  North  of  Pautucket  Palls  & a streight  Line  drawn  from 
thence  due  west  across  the  sd  River  Now  unless  a part  be  Equal  to 
the  whole  the  latter  adjudication  is  not  so  extensive  as  the  Former 
— what  the  difference  is  will  best  appear  by  the  Plan — 

It  moreover  appears  by  the  former  adjudication  in  1677  That  the 
two  Lord  chief  Justices  who  framed  the  Report  were  well  apprized 
of  the  Increased  width  the  masstt3  Bay  would  gain  by  ye  Northerly 
course  of  the  Inland  or  upper  part  of  the  merrimack  River — which 
Advantage  their  Lordships  thought  them  Justly  Entitled  to  after 
they  had  followed  the  course  of  the  sd  River  merrimack  to  its  Head 
— though  not  to  a streight  East  & west  line  laid  there  thro’out  the 
whole  continent  of  America  as  the  masstt8Bay  had  claimed — which 
it  is  conceived  was  the  occasion  of  their  adding  to  the  words  above 
cited  from  their  sd  Report — as  follows — viz — That  by  those  words 
in  The  masstts  charter  of  and  in  all  the  Breadth  aforesd  was  not 
Intended  an  Imaginary  Line  of  breadth  laid  upon  the  broadest 
■part  but  the  breath  respected  the  continuance  of  ye  boundaries  by 
the  Rivers  as  far  as  they  goe  but  when  the  Known  boundary  of 
breadth  determines  it  must  be  carried  on  by  Imaginary  Lines  to 
to  the  south  sea — Now  to  apply  what  is  above  set  forth  to  the  sev- 
eral purposes  of  which  it  is  capable  in  the  present  case — In  the 
first  place  it  is  obvious  from  this  (Cutts)  commission,  That  to  pro- 
vide for  the  Regular  government  of  the  People  in  the  several 
Towns  of  Portsmouth  Dover  &c  (which  had  been  claimed  by  the 
massachusetts  Bay  in  virtue  of  their  Imaginary  Line  but  which 
had  been  lately  severed  from  them  by  the  Line  his  majesty  had  as- 
signed sd  masstts  Bay)  was  the  profest  design  of  Issuing  this  sd 
com’ission — It  is  Equaly  obvious  that  the  3 mile  Line  which  the 
King  refers  to  as  a thing  well  Known  to  himself  & every  body  else 
that  were  at  all  concerned  or  conversant  about  the  same,  could 
mean  no  other  than  the  Line  which  he  himself  had  a little  before 
assigned  the  massachusetts  Bay  as  their  Northern  Boundary  and 
which  was  to  follow  ye  course  of  the  River  (merrimack)  as  far  as 
it  extended — For  it  was  a Line  which  the  masstts  Agents  had  finaly 
assented  to  & acquiesced  in — now  can  it  be  once  Imagined  that 
those  Agents  at  that  Time  in  1677  when  so  far  as  appears  not  a 
word  had  been  said  nor  any  motion  made  either  by  ye  Parties  or 
Judges  tending  to  deprive  masstt8  Bay  of  an  Inch  of  merrimack 
River  should  then  without  any  notice  or  necessity  at  all  formally 
assent  to  a Line  which  (so  far  as  appears  had  never  been  men- 
tioned) would  cutt  off  more  than  half  the  sd  River  with  a vast 


[Froii 


iginal  in  possession!  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 


■•■  it_ — -—  r~~r^  * ■ ; :,. ; , 


CONCORD. 


625 


width  of  Territory  from  their  Province — It  is  moreover  obvious 
that  this  well  Known  Line  was  then  assigned  as  the  Ne  Plus  of 
New  Hampshire  on  that  side — and  the  expressions  descriptive  of 
its  Limitts  are  peculiarly  adapted  thereto — It  appears  likewise  by  ye 
com’ission  to  Governor  Shute  next  to  be  stated  that  the  Limits  of  New 
Hampshire  were  not  varied  a hairs  breadth  by  that — It  appears 
likewise  by  the  proceedings  under  seal  Fol  That  Bow  was  granted 
under  that  com’ission  to  Shute  & other  matters  relied  upon  by  the 
respondents  in  this  case  were  transacted  under  ye  same — & now 
what  we  would  Infer  from  these  Facts  relative  to  the  present  case 
is  as  Follows — whereever  Bow  overreaches  that  3 mile  Line  the 
grant  Falls  of  course — & all  the  warnings  which  were  given  by 
New  Hampshire  comttees  under  that  comission  but  beyond  that  Line 
dwindle  into  the  actions  of  meer  Private  men,  who  whatever  Au- 
thority they  might  have  within  their  Limits  yet  the  moment  they 
transgress  them,  it  ceased — see  further  the  :N  B : Annexed  to 
Wiggins  his  Deposition  Fol — 

It  is  moreover  humbly  hoped  that  the  grants  of  Land  passed  by 
the  masstts  Bay  before  ye  late  adjudication  of  their  present  North- 
ern Boundary  in  ye  year  1740  within  ye  Territory  formerly  as- 
signed to  the  old  masstts  company  in  1677  & which  they  had  thro 
all  that  Intermediate  space  of  Time  been  in  possession  of  & exer- 
cised Jurisdiction  over  & defended  at  an  Immense  expense  of  blood 
& Treasure  untill  they  were  countermanded  by  ye  crown  in  sd 
1740,  will  be  looked  upon  with  a favourable  Eye  whilst  they 
(masstts  Bay)  had  so  many  plausible  reasons  to  think  they  did  not 
Exceed  their  Authorized  Limits,  especialy  with  respect  to  the  pow- 
er of  granting  Land,  by  reason  of  a clause  towards  ye  latter  End 
of  their  present  charter  peculiarly  favourable  thereto  which  see 
Fol — particularly  that  the  grant  of  Pennicook  so  beneficial  to  the 
Public  both  in  design  & Event,  for  which  see  further  Fol  will  be 
confirmed  & consequently  the  present  Appellants  quieted  &c — 


[More  Argument.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

Waldron  & Atkinson  say  that  in  1726  they  as  a comttee  from  ye 
Government  of  New  Hampshire  went  to  Pennicook  and  forwarned 
col0  Tayler  &c  &c  from  laying  out  the  same  into  a Township  &c 
39 


626 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Wiggins  &c  say  that  in  1729  they  went  to  Pennicook  as  a comttee 
from  the  Proprietors  of  Bow  & forwarned  Persons  &c — 

Reasons  why  no  more  Notice  was  taken  of  these  warnings  were 
That  Pennicook  is  within  the  Limits  of  the  Territory  formerly 
assigned  to  the  masstts  Bay  under  their  old  charter  by  King  Charles 
the  2d  in  1677  & which  they  had  ever  since  been  in  possession  of 
and  at  great  expence  of  blood  & treasure  defended  against  the 
Enemy  French  & Indians — tis  true  that  charter  had  been  vacated 
& another  given  which  they  thought  as  extensive  on  that  part  as 
the  Former  And  altho  they  could  not  certainly  Know  what  his 
majesty  would  hereafter  determine  with  regard  thereto,  yet  they 
Knew  that  by  setling  a Body  of  People  so  far  up  in  ye  wilderness, 
in  such  a compact  & Defensible  manner  who  in  Time  of  peace 
might  maintain  themselves  & in  Time  of  war  make  a stand  with 
proper  assistance  they  did  a real  & substantial  service  to  his 
majesty  & the  Public,  not  only  as  they  thereby  gained  that  width 
of  Territory  from  his  Enemies  but  what  was  of  more  Importance 
Interrupted  their  passage  on  a River  which  from  ye  begining  of 
ye  country  had  been  of  such  use  to  them  (the  Enemy)  in  their 
Ravages  & depredations  committed  on  the  Frontiers  of  New 
Hampshire  as  well  as  their  own — That  this  is  what  they  (the 
mass4*8  Bay)  had  principally  in  view  appears  by  ye  cautions  attend- 
ing the  Grant  of  Pennicook  which  see  Fol  And  that  they  have  not 
in  Event  been  wholy  disappointed  appears  by  sundry  Depositions 
in  the  case  particularly  2 Easmans — Gerrish — & Curry  which  see 
Fol — moreover  their  belief  that  their  present  pharter  extended  so 
far  had  such  reasons  to  support  it  that  ye  com’issioners  who  were 
afterwards  appointed  to  Judge  thereof  by  ye  crown  after  all  ye 
Enquiry  they  could  make  in  ye  affair  did  not  care  to  report  other- 
wise than  specialy  upon  the  Point  as  set  forth  Fol  Now  whilst  this 
was  their  (the  masstts  Bay)  beleif  their  Practice  was  consonant 
thereto  & therefore  it  is  not  strange  they  paid  no  more  regard  to 
these  notices  from  New  Hampshire  especialy  as  the  pretence  of 
New  Hampshire  to  Interpose  at  that  Time  was  absolutely  Incon- 
sistent & contradictory  to  what  they  themselves  allowed  & never 
contradicted — For  New  Hampshire  did  not  deny  but  masstts  Bay 
under  their  old  charter  extended  to  the  Land  in  question,  that  is 
that  it  Took  in  ye  whole  of  merrimack  River  with  3 miles  Advantage 
but  they  founded  ye  whole  of  their  reasoning  as  to  that  matter  on 
the  difference  between  the  two  charters  as  appears  by  their  Printed 
case  before  the  Lords  of  the  council  throughout  & finaly  as  the 
sum  & conclusion  prayed  their  Lordships  to  report  in  the  following 


CONCORD. 


627 


words  viz  44  That  all  the  Lands  lying  to  the  Northward  of 
4 4 merrimack  River  which  were  granted  by  ye  charter  of  King 
4 4 charles  the  Ist  to  the  late  colony  of  massachusetts  Bay  are  not 
44  granted  to  the  -present  Province  of  masst1s  Bay  by  the  charter  of 
4 4 King  william  & queen  mary — 

But  it  is  Evident  to  Demonstration  that  ye  Bounds  of  the  old 
colony  of  masstt3  Bay  were  the  Bounds  of  New  Hampshire  not  only 
at  their  first  Erection  into  a Province  under  President  Cutts  but 
continued  unvaried  under  governor  shute  as  appears  by  comparing 
ye  two  com’issions  both  expresly  Limited  New  Hampshire  from 
j miles  to  the  Northward  of  merrimack  River  or  to  ye  Northward 
of  any  part  thereof — on  that  side — to  the  Province  of  mam  on  the 
other  side — so  that  these  men  having  gone  over  the  express  Limits 
of  their  then  governors  commission  their  Authority  ceased  & their 
actions  were  no  more  to  be  regarded  than  ye  actions  of  meer 
private  men — 

and  here  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  observe  how  ye  scene  is  changed 
— the  Argument  shifted — In  ye  whole  of  the  dispute  previous  to  the 
determination  in  1740 — The  Plea  on  behalf  of  New  Hampshire 
was  founded  upon  ye  difference  between  ye  two  masstt8  charters — 
they  never  once  denyed  that  the  old  charter  took  in  ye  whole  of 
merrimack  with  three  miles  advantage  nor  Indeed  could  they  with- 
our  denying  ye  express  words  of  that  charter  as  well  as  the  very 
spirit  & design  of  ye  two  chief  Justices  report  in  1677 — now  they 
(New  Hampshire  People)  have  succeeeed  in  that  point  obtained 
what  they  aimed  at — but  have  a further  purpose  to  serve — they 
directly  face  about  & contrary  to  their  former  declared  Principles 
would  pretend  massachusetts  Bay  even  under  their  old  charter  did 
not  extend  to  the  Northward  of  their  present  Boundary  assigned 
them  in  1740 — 


[Argument  for  the  Appellant,  by  Judge  Pickering.] 
[Moore’s  Annals  of  Concord,  1824  p.  86.] 

The  State  of  the  Case  Lately  decided  at  the  Superior  Court  of 
New-Hampshire,  between  The  Proprietors  of  Bow,  Plfs.  and  John 
Morrill,  Def.  [1750.] 

The  action  was  ejectment  brought  by  said  proprietors  against 
him  for  the  recovery  of  about  eight  acres  of  land,  situate  in  Bow, 
and  particularly  described  in  their  writ,  with  the  buildings  and 


628 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


appurtenances  thereof,  to  the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas, 
holden  at  Portsmouth,  December,  1750,  and  at  the  defendant’s 
request  continued  to  the  next  term  of  said  court,  he  being  a pur- 
chaser of  part  of  the  land  he  holds,  to  vouch  in  his  warrantor. 
But  as  he  did  not  appear,  the  said  John  was  obliged  to  defend 
himself,  or  give  up  the  land  demanded,  on  which  some  of  his 
buildings  stand.  He  therefore  gave  an  issuable  plea,  and  there- 
upon obtained  judgment,  from  which  the  plaintiffs  appealed  to  the 
then  next  superior  court,  entered  their  appeal,  and  after  several 
continuances,  parties  had  an  hearing,  and  judgment  was  rendered 
for  the  plaintiffs  to  recover  the  premises  demanded.  This  judgment 
the  defendant  reviewed.  But  judgment  was  again  rendered  for 
the  plaintiffs.  From  which  judgment  he  would  have  appealed  to 
the  king  in  council,  or  to  the  governor  and  council  here  in  a court 
of  appeals  ; but  both  were  denied,  as  the  premises  demanded  were 
not  of  sufficient  value  to  allow  either,  according  to  the  province 
law  in  such  cases.  But  as  there  is  much  more  than  what  is  of 
value  sufficient  to  allow  either  of  those  appeals,  depending  upon 
the  same  title,  the  defendant  is  aggrieved  at  the  denial  as  well  as 
at  the  judgment  he  would  have  appealed  from.  It  is  proposed 
here  to  take  notice  of  the  most  remarkable  things  offered  by  each 
party.  But  as  it  is  a known  rule  in  these  cases,  that  the  plaintiff 
must  recover  (if  at  all)  by  the  strength  of  his  own  title,  and  not  by 
the  weakness  or  defect  of  the  defendant’s,  it  may  not  be  amiss 
more  particularly  to  consider  the  title  of  these  plaintiffs  and  the 
objections  made  against  it  on  the  part  of  the  defendant ; and  then 
briefly  to  mention  the  defendant’s  title,  and  the  objections  the 
plaintiffs  offer  to  that,  with  what  is  said  in  behalf  of  the  defendant 
in  reply  to  those  objections. 

The  plaintiffs  urge,  that  the  right  to  all  the  lands  in  the  province 
was  originally  in  the  crown.  That  by  a special  clause  in  the 
governor’s  commissions  for  this  province,  from  time  to  time,  they 
were  authorised  to  grant  these  lands  to  the  inhabitants,  with  the 
advice  of  the  council,  in  order  to  the  regular  settlement  thereof. 
That  in  the  absence  of  the  chief  governor,  this  power,  with  others 
contained  in  the  commission,  devolved  upon  the  lieutenant- 
governor.  That  under  the  commission  to  governor  Shute,  this 
happened  to  be  the  case.  And  in  his  absence  the  late  lieutenant- 
governor  Wentworth,  being  commander  in  chief,  on  the  20th  of 
May,  1727,  at  Portsmouth,  with  the  advice  of  the  council,  by  a 
charter  of  that  date,  granted  to  sundry  of  his  Majesty’s  subjects 
then  inhabitants  of  the  province,  whose  names  were  contained  in  a 


CONCORD. 


629 


schedule  annexed,  a tract  of  land  in  said  province,  bounded  as 
follows,  Viz.  : “Beginning  on  the  southeast  side  of  the  town  of 
Chichester  and  running  nine  miles  by  Chichester  and  Canterbury, 
and  carrying  that  breadth  of  nine  miles  from  each  of  the  aforesaid 
towns  south-west,  until  the  full  complement  of  eighty-one  square 
miles  are  fully  made  up,”  with  sundry  privileges  and  limitations 
therein.  That  about  twenty  months  after  the  date  of  this  charter, 
a committee  of  the  grantees  entered,  surveyed  the  land  granted, 
and  marked  out  the  bounds,  as  appears  by  a return  under  their 
hands,  in  what  manner  they  proceeded.  And  . this  transaction, 
they  say,  gave  the  grantees  the  actual  seizin  and  possession  of  the 
whole.  Though  they  also  say,  that  this  as  to  the  purpose  of  giving 
them  the  seizin,  ex  abundanti , for  the  grantees  by  operation  of  law, 
were  seized  immediately  upon  the  executing  their  charter.  But 
this  entry  and  survey  were  especially  designed  that  they  might 
know  and  distinguish  their  township  from  others.  That  as  they 
were  thus  seized  of  the  whole  by  consequence  of  the  premises  de- 
manded, as  these  are  confessed  to  be  within  the  aforesaid  bounds. 
That  about  five  years  after  this,  they  enclosed  a parcel  of  this  land 
on  the  easterly  side  of  the  Merrimack  river,  by  conjecture  about 
three  miles  square.  All  which  facts,  they  prove  by  sundry  testi- 
monies in  the  case.  Four  of  which  amount  to  nothing  more  of  any 
consequence  than  is  declared  in  the  return  of  the  said  survey.  But 
take  them  altogether,  the  plaintiffs  allege,  they  prove  an  actual 
entry  on  and  possession  of  part,  which  they  say  is  constructively  a 
possession  of  the  whole,  and  that  continued  so  for  the  term  of  five  or 
six  years  ; and  from  that  time  to  this,  (about  a year)  they  have 
been  improving  of  part  of  said  land,  which  gives  them  a right  to 
oust  any  person,  who  has  entered  and  possesses  any  part  within 
the  bounds  of  their  charter,  in  any  other  right  or  claim. 

What  they  further  offer,  is  either  by  way  of  reply  to  the  de- 
fendant’s objections,  or  as  objections  to  the  defendant’s  title. 

Now  to  this  title  the  defendent  objects,  and  urges  sundry  con- 
siderations. In  the  first  place  he  submitted,  and  would  again,  up- 
on a new  trial,  be  glad  to  submit  the  point  to  be  adjudged,  whether 
the  plaintiffs  have  proved  their  declaration.  They  declare,  “ that 
on  the  12th  day  of  June,  1727,  they  were  seized  of  the  premises, 
with  others  their  common  lands  in  said  town  of  Bow,  in  fee,  taking 
the  profits  theirof  to  the  value,  &c.  and  continued  to  be  so  seized 
thereof  for  one  year  next  ensuing,  and  ought  now  to  have  quiet 
and  peaceable  possession  thereof;  yet  the  said  John,  within  23 
years  last  past  hath,  without  judgment  of  law,  entered  into  the 


630 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


premises  demanded,  disseized  the  plaintiffs  thereof,”  &c.  To  say 
nothing  of  the  peculiarity  of  this  declaration,  the  seizin  which  the 
plaintiffs  allege  they  had,  must  mean  (if  it  has  any  meaning)  a 
seizin  in  fact,  for  no  person  ever  took  the  profits  by  virtue  of  a 
seizen  in  law  only.  Now  they  never  sat  a foot  on  the  lands  con- 
tained within  the  bounds  of  their  charter,  till  the  aforesaid  survey, 
and  how  their  seizin  on  the  12th  of  June  is  proved  by  an  entry 
above  twenty  months  after,  is  difficult  to  conceive.  Besides  this, 
the  settlers  of  the  plantation,  called  Pennicoke,  which  comprehends 
the  lands  in  question,  had  been  in  possession  of  it  above  a year  be- 
fore the  date  of  this  charter,  (as  will  appear  beyond  dispute,  when 
we  consider  the  defendant’s  title,)  at  present,  only  observe  what 
is  proved  by  sundry  testimonies  produced  by  the  defendant,  viz. 
That  the  April  and  May  before  the  date  of  Bow  charter,  there 
were  fifty  men  at  work  on  the  said  plantation,  clearing  land,  hew- 
ing timber  for  a meeting-house,  and  pursuing  other  measures,  in 
order  to  settle  a town  there.  That  they  prosecuted  the  affair  with 
such  vigor,  as  to  have  a minister  ordained  and  a church  gathered 
in  the  year  1730.  But  they  were  clearing  the  land  there  almost 
two  years  before  any  of  the  proprietors  of  Bow  had  seen  their  land  ; 
and  all  they  did,  when  they  entered,  was  only  to  run  a chain,  and 
mark  some  trees,  at  a great  distance,  round  these  laborers.  They 
never  so  much  as  saw  the  land  now  demanded,  where  the  settlers 
of  Pennicoke  were  at  work.  And  it  appears,  that  they  began  to 
clear  the  land  in  question,  when  they  first  en'tered,  because  it  is 
one  of  their  house-lots,  or  home-lots,  as  they  are  commonly  called, 
and  in  the  nature  of  the  thing,  that  should  be  first  done.  This 
possession  has  been  continued  without  interruption  to  this  day  ; and 
indeed  may  well  be  computed  (by  the  plaintiffs’  rule  of  possessing 
land  by  walking  round  it)  from  two  years  before  April  above  men- 
tioned. 

Now  upon  these  facts,  concerning  the  manner  of  entry  and  pos- 
session of  these  parties,  it  is  easy  to  see  with  what  propriety  the 
plaintiffs  could  declare  upon  their  own  seizin  ; and  with  what  re- 
gard to  truth  it  can  be  said  to  be  proved. 

But  to  proceed.  Upon  supposition  the  lands  which  the  plaintiffs 
claim  were  the  King’s,  at  the  time  their  charter  was  made,  (which 
was  not  the  case  in  fact)  yet  the  plaintiffs  have  not  derived  that 
right  to  themselves,  for  this  obvious  reason — The  Governor’s  au- 
thority to  grant  the  King’s  lands  was  limited  by  the  right  of  juris- 
diction, and  that , by  the  commission  to  that  part  of  the  province 
of  New  Hampshire,  lying  and  extending  itself  from  three  miles 


CONCORD. 


631 


northward  of  Merrimack  river,  or  any  part  thereof,  to  the  province 
of  Maine,  (now  the  county  of  York)  which  is  the  easterly  bound- 
ary of  the  commission.  The  westerly  boundary  of  which,  is  the 
line  running  three  miles  northward  of  Merrimack  as  aforesaid. 
Now  the  land  demanded  by  the  plaintiffs  in  this  suit  lies  on  the 
westerly  side  of  Merrimack  river,  more  than  three  miles  without 
the  Governor’s  jurisdiction,  by  this  commission,  and  consequently, 
he  had  no  power  to  grant  it ; for  if  it  should  be  supposed  he  might 
grant  the  King’s  lands  out  of  his  jurisdiction,  where  should  he 
stop?  by  what  limits  could  he  be  restrained?  From  the  reason 
and  necessity  of  the  thing,  therefore,  it  must  be  allowed,  that  the 
right  of  government,  and  the  granting  of  lands  was  limited  to  the 
same  territory.  And  the  words  of  the  commission  necessarily  im- 
ply, it  did  not  extend  over  all  that  was  called  New-Hampshire. 
If  it  is  conceded,  then,  that  these  lands  are  in  the  province  of 
New-Hampshire,  and  were  so  at  the  date  of  the  plaintiffs’  charter, 
yet  that  concession  will  avail  the  plaintiffs  nothing  in  this  case. 

Another  objection  to  the  plaintiffs’  demand  arises  from  the  man- 
ner of  their  running  out  the  bounds  of  their  township.  By  their 
charter  they  were  to  begin  on  the  south-east  side  of  the  township 
of  Chichester.  Instead  of  that,  they  began  on  the  south -west  side , 
as  their  return  sets  forth.  Now  what  could  justify  their  proceed- 
ing in  this  manner?  If  the  land  where  they  were  to  begin  was  ap- 
propriated before,  that  could  not  authorize  them  to  be  their  own 
carvers,  to  take  what  they  are  pleased  to  estimate  an  equivalent, 
without  a new  grant,  which  they  never  had,  nor  did  they  ever 
make  a return  to  the  authority  from  whence  they  derived  their 
title,  for  confirmation  of  what  they  had  thus  unwarrantably  as- 
sumed ; for  by  their  running,  they  take  in  a considerable  tract  of 
land,  really  without  their  charter,  and  which  belongs  to  others. 
And  if  there  was  a mistake  to  their  prejudice  in  the  bounds  given 
them,  that  is  no  new  thing — the  King  himself  is  sometimes  de- 
ceived in  his  grants.  In  such  a case  they  should  have  applied  to 
the  grantor  for  redress.  They  allege  they  could  not  begin  on  the 
south-east  side  of  Chichester,  because  it  joined  to  Nottingham  on 
that  side ; but  if  it  was  so,  what  necessity  of  going  four  miles  on 
Chichester  before  they  began  their  measure?  Their  return,  in- 
deed, says,  they  were  directed  to  leave  four  miles,  &c. ; this  is  no 
more  than  their  own  tale,  for  nothing  appears  to  discover  by  whom, 
when,  or  where,  this  direction  was  given.  But  a verbal  direction 
was  not  sufficient  in  this  case  ; they  should  have  taken  their  land 
according  to  their  grant ; and  ’tis  as  probable  as  any  thing  they  say 


632 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


as  to  this  matter,  the  true  motive  for  making  this  leap,  (not  in  the 
dark)  was  to  get  better  land.  Now  the  defendant  avers  it  to  be  a 
fact,  that  if  they  had  run  as  they  ought,  from  the  southerly  corner 
of  Chichester,  they  would  not  have  reached  the  land  demanded. 

But  now  to  come  closer  to  this  title,  as  derived  from  the  Crown, 
the  defendant  says  that  the  right  to  all  the  lands  the  plaintiffs  claim 
as  contained  in  their  charter,  was  long  before  granted  by  the 
council  of  Plymouth,  in  whom  the  right  of  the  Crown  to  them  was 
vested,  to  Capt.  John  Mason,  (if  there  had  been  no  preceding 
grant  from  said  council)  which  was  confirmed  by  King  Charles  I., 
and  has  been  recognized  by  every  crowned  head  to  King  George 
I.,  from  whose  time  till  lately  nothing  was  said  of  it,  by  reason 
of  the  absence  or  minority  of  the  heir.  By  all  which  it  appears 
that  this  right  of  Mason  was  always  adjudged  good.  Now  as  the 
said  lands  were  all  waste  or  unimproved,  except  what  the  settlers 
at  Pennicoke  had  done  upon  that  which  they  claimed  of  them, 
they,  beyond  all  question,  belonged  (agreeable  to  Queen  Anne’s 
orders  and  the  concession  of  the  Assembly  here)  to  those  who  had 
Mason’s  right.  And  if  this  was  the  case,  the  Governor’s  grant 
could  be  of  none  effect  as  to  these  lands  ; for  the  power  of  the 
Governor  extends  only  to  the  right  of  the  Crown,  of  which  the 
Crown  was  long  before  divested.  Hence  it  follows,  the  plaintiffs’ 
title  under  the  government  cannot  serve  them,  of  which  the  de- 
fendant may  take  advantage  ; for  it  is  a well  known  rule  that  a 
defendant  may  plead  any  man’s  title  against  the  plaintiff. 

And  here  the  plaintiffs  agree  with  the  defendant,  and  allow  the 
right  was  Mason’s,  and  that  they  cannot  avail  themselves  of  the 
charter  aforesaid,  only  as  a description  of  what  they  claimed,  and 
were  in  possession  of ; but  say,  they  have  that  right,  for  that  Mr. 
Mason’s  heir  sold  to  Theodore  Atkinson,  Esq.  and  others,  by  deed, 
dated  the  30th  of  July,  1746,  and  that  the  purchasers,  by  their  deed 
of  release,  dated  31st  of  July  aforesaid,  conveyed  their  right  to  the 
plaintiffs,  among  others.  And  here  the  defendant,  not  willing  to 
be  in  arrears,  will  in  his  turn  at  present  agree  with  the  plaintiffs, 
that  they  have  Mason’s  right  to  their  lands,  and  make  no  question 
whether  the  right  of  Capt.  John  Mason  is  now  in  his  heirs  or 
Allen’s.  But  then  must  quere  how  a right,  acquired  in  1746, 
could  give  an  actual  seisin  of  the  lands,  the  right  to  which 
was  then  purchased,  so  long  before  the  purchase  as  1727 ; 
that  is,  whether  a man,  by  virtue  of  a deed  made  to-day,  could  be 
in  actual  possession  of  the  land  conveyed  by  it  nineteen  years  ago? 
Moreover,  the  defendant  must  deny  a right  was  conveyed  by  this 


CONCORD. 


633 


release  to  the  lands  demanded,  and  whatever  else  is  within  the 
bounds  of  Rumford,  that  is  the  plantation  of  Pennicoke,  for  this 
reason.  It  is  common  learning  on  this  subject,  that  a release 
operates  only  to  those  in  possession,  and  the  plaintiffs’  own  declara- 
tion shows  they  have  been  out  of  possession  above  twenty  years. 
What  benefit  then  have  the  plaintiffs  by  this  release  as  to  the  lands 
aforesaid? 

But  now  if  we  look  into  the  release,  we  shall  find  it  is  made  as 
much  to  the  defendant  as  any  person  whomsoever.  For  he  is  an 
inhabitant  of  Bow,  as  the  plaintiffs  themselves  style  him,  and  this 
release  is  made  to  the  inhabitants  as  well  as  to  the  proprietors,  of 
what  they  possess  ; and  as  the  defendant  had  possessed  so  long  in 
his  own  right,  he  must  of  necessity  be  quieted  by  this  release,  if  it 
has  any  effect  at  all,  and  it  would  be  doing  the  greatest  violence  to 
the  words  of  it,  to  give  them  any  other  construction  as  to  this 
point ; and  if  so,  it  is  submitted  whether  the  plaintiffs  or  defendant 
has  Mason’s  right.  But  what  may  further  be  objected  to  the 
plaintiffs  on  this  head,  and  indeed  is  what  first  occurs,  it  is  a well 
known  point  of  law,  a chose  in  action  or  a mere  right  cannot  be 
transferred,  and  Mason’s  title  was  no  more,  as  to  all  the  lands  in 
the  possession  of  those  who  were  not  parties  at  the  time  of  making 
the  said  deed  to  Atkinson  and  others.  The  lands  demanded,  as 
well  as  all  the  plantation  of  Pennicoke,  had  been  near  twenty  years 
in  the  possession  of  entire  strangers  to  that  transaction.  And  then 
what  title  can  the  plaintiffs  derive  to  themselves  under  this  con- 
veyance to  the  lands  in  question  ? This,  and  much  more,  the 
defendant  conceives  may  well  be  offered  in  his  defence,  sufficient 
to  defeat  the  plaintiff’s  action,  upon  supposition  he  had  no  title. 
But  this  is  not  the  case. — We  shall  now  consider  the  defendant’s 
title. 

In  the  year  1725,  upon  the  petition  of  Benjamin  Stevens  and 
others,  a tract  of  land  of  seven  miles  square,  at  a place  called  Pen- 
nicoke, by  the  government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  was  appro- 
priated for  a township,  the  bounds  of  which  were  as  follows,  viz. 
“To  begin  where  Contoocoke  river  falls  into  Merrimack  river, 
thence  extending  east  seventeen  degrees  north  three  miles,  and  west 
seventeen  degrees  south  four  miles,  which  is  the  northerly  bound 
of  said  township  ; and  from  the  extreme  parts  of  that  line  southerly 
at  right  angles  till  seven  miles  are  accomplished  from  the  north 
bounds.”  Now  it  is  agreed  on  all  hands,  that  within  these  bounds 
the  lands  demanded  are  contained.  And  as  the  proprietors  of 
Bow  have  run  the  bounds  of  the  lands  they  claim,  they  take  in 


634 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


something  more  than  two-thirds  of  what  is  contained  within  the 
bounds  above  described.  And,  therefore,  as  they  have  recovered 
part,  they  expect  to  recover  the  whole  that  lies  within  what  they 
are  pleased  to  call  their  limits ; for  other  parcels  of  which  there 
are  several  other  actions  now  pending.  And  here  it  may  not  be 
amiss  to  take  notice  of  the  vexatious  method  they  take  to  recover 
what  they  claim,  by  prosecuting  a great  number  of  actions,  each 
for  a small  parcel  of  land,  that  they  may  prevent  an  appeal  home, 
and  that  they  may  have  the  advantage  of  the  ignorance  and  preju- 
dice of  common  juries.  And  with  a view  to  weary  out  and  dis- 
hearten the  defendants,  who  live  at  a great  distance  from 
Portsmouth,  where  all  the  courts  are  held,  with  the  expense  of 
charges  occasioned  to  them  by  such  a number  of  suits.  Whereas 
they  might  as  well  have  taken  an  action  for  all  that  lies  in  com- 
mon, in  the  name  of  the  proprietors  of  Bow,  against  the  proprie- 
tors of  Rumford,  as  well  as  the  action  against  the  present  defen- 
dant, and  others  of  the  like  kind.  But  to  return.  Among  those 
who  were  to  settle  this  town,  is  the  name  of  the  defendant  and  one 
Nathaniel  Page,  under  whom  he  purchased  a part  of  what  is  sued 
for.  In  the  year  1726,  a division  of  lots  of  upland  and  interval 
was  laid  out  to  the  settlers,  to  hold  in  severalty,  among  which  was 
the  land  demanded,  part  of  which  is  that  the  defendant  purchased 
of  one  Joseph  Davis.  These  settlers  prosecuted  the  settlement 
with  such  vigor,  that  in  the  year  1730  they  had  a minister  settled, 
and  a church  gathered  in  said  township.  And' in  the  year  1733, 
they  were  incorporated  into  a town,  by  the  name  of  Rumford,  (it 
not  being  the  custom  in  this  government  to  incorporate  a tract  of 
waste  land  without  an  inhabitant,  but  first  to  settle  the  land,  and 
then  make  the  settlers  a corporation.)  The  act,  by  which  this 
corporation  was  made,  was  confirmed  by  the  King  afterwards,  in 
the  year  1737.  And  notwithstanding  their  distance  from  other 
settlements,  within,  and  none  without  them,  the  difficulties  and 
hardships  which  necessarily  attend  those  who  have  first  set  down 
upon  land  in  a perfect  wilderness,  where  there  is  not  the  least 
sign  that  ever  English  foot  had  trod  the  ground  before  them  ; and 
especially  the  danger,  expense,  and  fatigue  of  an  Indian  war, 
which  they  encountered.*  Notwithstanding  all  these  and  other 
discouragements,  these  settlers  have  stood  their  ground  ever  since 
their  first  entry  ; have  persevered  in  their  resolution,  have  planted 

* Besides  an  actual  war,  they  have  been  frequently  driven  into  garrisons,  and  kept  in 
continual  fears  for  years  together,  or  at  least  the  whole  summer  season,  which  was  occa- 
sioned again  the  next,  by  the  threats  and  surly  temper  of  the  Indians. 


CONCORD. 


635 


a fine  town,  supply  themselves  and  many  others  within  them  with 
provisions,  afford  other  places  both  defence  and  sustenance,  and 
are  likely  to  be  a great  advantage  to  the  province  of  New-Hamp- 
shire  in  general.  Yet  these  are  the  people  the  proprietors  of  Bow 
would  eject ; would  oust,  not  only  of  their  all,  but  of  that  all  they 
have  thus  dearly  purchased.  For  what  the  said  proprietors  claim 
takes  in  all  (within  a very  trifle)  of  the  said  improvements,  which 
they  would  now  cruelly,  (I  may  say)  ravish  from  them,  after  they 
themselves,  with  folded  arms  and  indolence,  have  stood  by  a long 
time,  and  seen  the  others,  with  the  greatest  toil  and  expense, 
make  these  improvements.  And  the  only  reason  that  can  be 
given  for  it  is,  they  want  something  of  this  kind , and  having  none, 
they  have  made  of  their  own  ; they  take  this  as  the  shortest  way 
of  obtaining  it.  For  to  this  day  these  proprietors  of  Bow  have 
not  settled  five  families  within  their  whole  township  ; and  there  is 
a great  part  of  it  clear  of  any  dispute,  and  that  part  too  which  is 
nearest  to  the  settlements  within,  yet  nothing  is  done  there,  but 
they  must  needs  overlook  that,  to  come  at  this,  the  mark  at  which 
their  whole  view  was  directed.  In  short,  they  have  not  in  the 
run  of  twenty  years  done  as  much  towards  settling  a plantation,  as 
they  might,  and  as  the  others  did,  in  two  years ; yet  they  are  so 
partial  to  themselves,  so  blinded  by  interest,  as  to  think,  that 
because  they  once  run  a line  round  this  land,  &c.  above  twenty 
years  ago,  they  have  an  indefeasible  right  to  it,  which  yet  they  are 
unwilling  to  have  brought  to  the  test,  and  decided  fairly  in  the 
cheapest  way,  but  endeavor,  by  piece  meal,  to  destroy  the  posses- 
sions. In  fine,  it  seems  that  they  have  set  their  eyes  and  hearts 
upon  this  vineyard,  and  'perfas  aut  nefas  they  must  have  it;  for 
the  actions  they  have  recovered  (which  are  several)  have  been 
against  common  right,  the  common  known  principles  of  law,  and 
plain  common  sense.  So  much  do  they  find  their  account  in,  and 
means  to  obtain  juries,  entire  strangers  to  these  things,  or  under 
the  influence  of  a principle  worse  than  ignorance. 

But  the  plaintiffs  object  to  the  defendant’s  title  several  matters. 
That  which  they  pretend  to  be  very  material  is  first — The  land 
called  Rumford  lies  not  within  the  bounds  of  what  is  now  the 
province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  according  to  the  last  settlement 
of  the  line,  the  defendant  himself  will  own  ; and  that  settlement  was 
not  a new  boundary  now  first  made,  but  is  to  be  considered  in  this 
view,  viz.  A declaration  of  his  Majesty,  of  what  was  always  the  true 
boundaries  of  these  provinces,  that  the  province  of  New-Hampshire 
was  always  supposed  to  join  to  the  Massachusetts,  wherever  the  divid- 


63  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


in g lines  should  be  fixed,  and  the  lands  now  under  consideration, 
lying  in  New-Hampshire,  the  government  of  the  Massachusetts 
had  no  jurisdiction,  or,  which  amounts  to  the  same,  if  these  lands 
were  out  of  their  jurisdiction,  (“  and  the  right  of  granting  of  lands 
was  limited  to  the  right  of  jurisdiction”)  their  grant  was  void  ab 
initio ; and  therefore  the  settlers  under  them  could  derive  no  title 
to  themselves,  but  must  be  looked  upon  as,  or  actually  were,  dis- 
seisors. But  as  their  entry  was  recent  when  Bow  was  granted, 
the  proprietors  might  lawfully  enter  upon  them  ; especially  con- 
sidering the  government  of  New-Hampshire  had  forewarned  and 
forbid  the  committee,  who  were  on  the  business  of  beginning  the 
settlement  of  Pennicoke,  to  proceed  in  the  name  of  the  government 
of  New-Hampshire.  So  there  was  really  nothing  in  the  way  of 
the  proprietors  of  Bow,  any  more  than  if  there  had  been  nobody 
there. 

Before  notice  is  taken  of  the  principal  objection,  it  cannot  escape 
the  most  superficial  observer,  how  weak  it  is  for  the  plaintiffs  to  lay 
stress  on  this  forewarning,  by  order  of  the  government  of  New- 
Hampshire,  and  in  the  next  breath,  as  it  were,  to  confess,  that  the 
government  had  nothing  to  do  with  it ; that  the  land  was  private 
property  to  which  this  related,  an  hundred  years  before.  But  as 
to  the  grand  objection  the  defendant  replies — When  the  land  was 
appropriated  as  aforesaid  for  a township,  the  government  of  the 
Massachusetts  had  the  jurisdiction  in  fact.  Suppose  it  not  to  be  de 
jure , to  whom  were  they  answerable  for  mal-administration?  not 
to  the  proprietors  of  Bow,  nor  even  the  government  of  New-Hamp- 
shire, for  that  government,  by  the  commission  then  in  force,  did 
not  reach  to  the  place  now  under  consideration,  by  several  miles, 
as  was  hinted  before ; then  they  could  have  nothing  to  do  or  say 
in  the  case.  Who  then  was  to  correct  this  usurpation?  The  King 
was  so  far  from  charging  them  with  any  imputation  of  that  kind, 
that  he  approved  and  confirmed  the  act  by  which  the  inhabitants 
of  this  plantation  were  incorporated  ; and  as  to  the  proprietors  of 
Mason’s  right,  they  were  glad  they  had  such  good  neighbors,  for 
every  acre  these  inhabitants  cultivated,  doubled  the  value  of  as 
many  acres  of  those  proprietors.  Moreover,  the  government  of 
the  Massachusetts  exercised  all  the  powers  and  authorities  of  gov- 
ernment, both  legislative  and  executive,  over  all  places,  to  the  line 
three  miles  northward  of  Merrimack  aforesaid,  till  the  said  last 
settlement  which  were  never  annulled,  or  declared  to  be  void,  as 
must  have  been  the  case,  had  this  notion  been  entertained,  which 
these  plaintiffs  advance,  that  the  said  settlement  of  the  line  was 


CONCORD. 


637 


only  a declaration  of  what  was  always  the  true  boundaries  of  these 
provinces ; or  that  all  which  Massachusetts  had  done  in  this  re- 
gard, was  a mere  nullity.  And  if  the  King  has  not  seen  it  proper 
to  nullify  all  those  acts  of  government,  what  have  the  plaintiffs  to 
do  in  the  case?  It  seems  necessary  that  all  should  be  deemed 
valid,  or  all  void ; or  by  what  rule  can  a distinction  be  fixed?  Be- 
sides, the  settlement  of  this  line,  was  only  to  settle  the  jurisdiction, 
and  not  to  affect  private  property ; nor  was  it  ever  designed  to  fur- 
nish a rule  whereby  that  should  be  determined.  And  the  acts  done 
by  either  government  within  their  respective  limits,  as  exercised 
and  used  before  the  settlement,  must  be  held  valid  to  all  intents,  to 
avoid  that  confusion  which  the  contrary  notion  would  necessarily 
introduce,  and  which  arises  from  connecting  ideas  which  have  no 
necessary  connexion.  That  is,  that  the  rights  of  government  and 
the  rights  of  property  are  always  united,  or  that  the  latter  has  a 
necessary  dependence  on  the  former;  which,  with  respect  to  this 
very  line,  has  in  fact  stirred  a multitude  of  suits.  If  this  opinion 
was  true,  the  jurisdiction  of  a government  ought  never  to  be 
altered,  without  first  having  all  parties  whose  properties  would  be 
thereby  affected,  which  must  be  all  those  who  have  any  real  estates 
between  the  old  and  new  line.  And  in  what  case  of  this  na- 
ture was  this  ever  done?  And  yet  if  settled  without  it,  that  is  with- 
out hearing  such  parties  and  determining  their  respective  rights, 
this  position  would,  in  case  of  such  alteration,  (which  frequently 
happens)  be  productive  of  the  greatest  mischief  to  private  persons, 
not  only  by  exposing  them  to  suits,  but  by  the  ruin  of  those  who 
held  under  the  government  whose  jurisdiction  should  be  contract- 
ed. Suppose  the  alteration  in  this  case  (as  it  might)  had  been,  by 
fixing  the  line  ten  or  twenty  miles  further  eastwards,  would  the 
notion  that  such  a settlement  was  only  a declaration  of  what  was 
always,  &c.  then  have  prevailed?  and  that  all  the  real  estates  lying 
westward  of  the  line  must  belong  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts, and  the  old  possessors  be  sent  a grazing,  or  to  look  out 
and  subdue  new  lands,  and  perhaps  by  that  time  they  should  be 
well  settled,  the  like  event  might  happen.  Besides,  where  shall 
we  stop?  Many  or  most  of  the  ancient  inhabitants  within  the 
towns  of  the  same  government,  have  derived  their  estates  from 
town  grants,  which  are  laid  out  on  any  of  the  commons  not  before 
laid  out  in  severalty,  or  appropriated.  And  by  this  rule,  upon  an 
alteration  of  the  bounds  of  any  two  towns  contiguous  there  must 
arise  the  like  transmutation  of  property  and  endless  controversies ; 
for  these  towns  are  to  many  purposes  distinct  governments,  and 


638 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


the  governments  are  only  larger  corporations.  Now  the  cases  here 
put  are  the  same  in  kind,  and  differ  only  in  degree.  From  all  which 
considerations,  and  many  more  that  might  be  added,  it  follows, 
that  the  grants  made  by  the  government  of  the  Massachusetts,  be- 
fore the  settlement  of  the  said  line,  within  the  jurisdiction  they  then 
had  in  fact,  as  well  as  other  acts  of  government,  must  be  held  good, 
and  the  grant  under  which  the  defendant  holds  among  the  rest. 
Besides  all  this,  with  respect  to  the  property  of  the  soil,  there  is 
another  matter  to  be  considered.  It  appears  by  the  present  charter 
of  the  Massachusetts,  that  the  property  of  the  soil  from  forty  to 
forty-eight  degrees  of  north  latitude,  was  granted  to  the  council  of 
Plymouth,  and  is  a fact  so  well  known,  it  is  needless  to  offer  evi- 
dence of  it.  It  also  appears  by  the  recital  in  said  charter,  that  the 
said  council  by  their  deed,  dated  the  19th  of  March,  the  third  of 
Charles  I.  granted  to  Sir  Henry  Roswell,  and  others  there  named, 
their  heirs  and  assigns,  and  their  associates  forever,  all  that  part 
of  New-England,  &c.  comprehending  the  whole  tract  of  land, 
which  was  called  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  under  the 
old  charter.  That  about  a year  after,  King  Charles  confirmed  this 
grant  by  a double  recital,  first  by  referring  to  the  deed  made  by 
the  council,  and  then  by  the  particular  bounds  in  that  deed,  and 
made  the  grantees  and  others  their  associates,  a corporation  on  the 
place.  That  many  years  after  this,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  reign 
of  King  Charles  II.  this  corporation  was  dissolved,  by  vacating  the 
letters  patent  of  King  Charles  I. 

Now  from  these  facts  it  may  be  observed,  that  the  council  of 
Plymouth,  having  the  fee,  conveyed  the  same,  of  all  the  land  within 
the  bounds  of  their  deed  of  the  19th  of  March  aforesaid,  to  Sir 
Henry  Roswell,  &c.  as  private  persons,  it  being  made  a year  be- 
fore the  corporation  had  existence,  and  had  no  relation  to  any 
corporate  capacity.  That  the  confirmation  of  the  Crown  aforesaid 
admits  that  the  grantees  of  the  council  had  the  fee  of  the  soil,  which 
is  the  thing  they  designed  to  convey,  and  if  it  had  not  been  done, 
there  was  nothing  for  the  confirmation  to  work  upon,  for  a con- 
firmation of  a void  conveyance  is  also  void.  That  the  judgment, 
by  which  the  corporation  was  dissolved,  relates  wholly  to  the 
King’s  letters  patent,  by  which  the  corporation  was  erected,  and 
has  no  manner  of  reference  to  the  deed  made  by  the  conncil  of 
Plymouth.  The  quere  here  is  then  upon  annulling  the  charter  of 
incorporation,  what  became  of  the  fee  of  the  land  purchased  by 
some  of  the  members  of  that  corporation  as  private  persons,  before 
the  corporation  was  in  esse ; or  how  could  the  vacating  or  destroy- 


CONCORD. 


639 


ing  a particular  political  relation,  an  ens  rationis  any  ways  affect 
the  right  of  property?  If  it  is  said,  that  the  judgment  nullified  those 
letters  patent  as  a deed  of  confirmation  : Suppose  it — but  what 
follows?  Nothing  as  to  this  point.  For  the  rule  is,  a confirmation 
is  to  bind  the  right  of  him  who  makes  it,  but  not  to  alter  the  nature 
of  the  estate  of  him  to  whom  made.  Now  if  the  grantees  in  the 
first  deed  had  the  fee  by  that,  the  confirmation,  when  in  force,  did 
not  alter  the  nature  of  their  estate,  nor  when  annihilated,  (if  it 
could  be  so  in  this  respect)  did  that  affect  it.  Upon  the  whole,  as 
to  this  point,  it  is  submitted  whether  the  dissolution  of  the  corpora- 
tion affected  the  right  of  property  any  more  than  it  did  the  moral 
state  of  those  who  were  the  particular  members.  The  consequence 
of  all  is,  the  right  and  property  of  all  the  lands  within  the  bounds  of 
that  deed,  was  in  those  grantees,  and  still  is  in  those  who  hold 
under  them.  How  far  those  bounds  extended,  the  judgment  of  the 
King  in  council,  according  to  the  opinion  of  the  Lords  Chief 
Justices  upon  the  complaint  of  Mason  and  Gorges,  in  the  year 
1677,  is  an  irrefragable  determination.  That  as  to  that  part  of  the 
bounds  which  relates  to  the  lands  of  Rumford,  it  was  to  run 
parallel  to  the  river  at  the  distance  of  three  miles  northwardly  of  it 
to  the  head,  or  as  it  is  in  the  report,  to  the  utmost  extejit  of  the 
river,  &c.  ; whereby  it  run  a long  ways  beyond  the  said  township 
of  Rumford,  so  that  there  can  be  no  doubt  whether  it  took  in  those 
lands.  Now,  supposing  this  right  to  remain  still  in  private  hands, 
what  have  the  government  of  New-Hampshire,  or  Mason  either,  to 
do  with  it?  And  here  again  the  application  of  the  rule  above  re- 
ferred to  offers  itself.  The  land  is  neither  the  plaintiffs’  nor  de- 
fendant’s. How  then  shall  the  plaintiffs  recover?  Not  by  the 
known  established  rules  of  law  ; but  by  a new  method  ; the  land 
the  plaintiffs  demand  is  not  the  defendant’s,  therefore  they  will 
have  it.  But  here  a question  arises.  Supposing  all  to  be  true 
with  respect  to  this  right  that  has  been  alleged,  which  way  did  it 
ever  come  to  be  the  government’s  again?  And  if  the  property 
still  remains  in  private  persons,  what  have  the  government  to  do 
to  parcel  it  out,  and  put  whom  they  please  in  possession  ? There 
is  no  doubt  but  the  reincorporation  restored  the  government  to  all 
they  had  before,  not  expressly  excepted  in  the  new  charter ; and 
as  they  had  the  King’s  confirmation  as  a corporation,  while  that 
capacity  continued,  they  must  be  supposed  to  hold  by  that ; but 
when  that  was  annulled,  they  were  remitted  to  their  ancient  right, 
which  they  had  before  the  corporation  was  created.  And  it  is 
submitted,  whether  by  necessary  operation  of  law,  a corporation 


640 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


dissolved,  and  afterwards  incorporated  by  a new  charter,  either  by 
the  same  or  a new  name,  is  not  of  course  restored  to  all  its  old 
rights  and  privileges,  without  express  words  in  the  new  charter  for 
that  purpose  ; and  if  it  is,  the  question  is  answered.  However  the 
government  has  been  in  possession  of,  and  has  exercised  the  right 
of  granting  the  lands  to  the  inhabitants  more  than  sixty  years,  and 
if  any  particular  person  or  persons  might  once  have  claimed  it, 
such  right  seems  to  be  extinguished  by  non-claiming  the  possession 
or  exercise  aforesaid.  The  deed  made  by  the  council  of  Plymouth 
is  not  in  the  case,  nor  is  it  to  be  found,  nor  any  record  of  it,  only 
by  way  of  recital,  it  being  probably  consumed,  and  the  record  of 
it,  with  many  other  papers  of  a public  nature,  by  the  violence  of  a 
fire  that  destroyed  the  state-house,  with  a great  part  of  the  town  of 
Boston,  in  the  year  1711.  But  by  the  recital  in  the  charter  it  may 
be  depended  upon  as  an  undoubted  fact,  that  there  was  such  a deed. 

There  is  another  objection  made  by  the  plaintiffs  to  the  de- 
fendant’s title,  which  is,  that  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
General  Court  to  have  the  care  of  settling  these  lands  atPennicoke, 
were  to  execute  deeds  to  the  settlers,  which  does  not  appear  to 
have  been  done,  therefore  they  have  no  title. 

The  answer  to  which  is,  there  was  no  need  for  it,  for  the  land 
was  designed  for  those  who  would  settle  there  ; the  committee  de- 
termined who  they  should  be,  took  a list  of  their  names,  then  the 
lots  severed  were  drawn  in  their  names,  and  set  oft'  to  them  ; and 
by  the  terms  proposed,  if  they  perfected  the  settlement,  the  land  was 
to  be  theirs.  And  by  the  act  or  law  of  the  province,  by  which 
they  were  incorporated,  past  the  seventh  of  his  Majesty’s  reign,  it 
appears  that  they  had  fully  complied  with  the  terms  the  General 
Court  had  fixed.  So  that  the  executing  such  deeds,  as  it  would 
have  been  a considerable  trouble  and  charge,  so  it  would  have 
been  ex  abundanti , and  was  therefore  omitted.  The  government 
conceded,  the  settlers  had  their  right,  and  the  committee  could 
have  given  no  more ; and  as  to  the  method  of  conveyance,  it  is  im- 
material. Nor  was  it  ever  customary  to  pass  deeds  in  these  cases ; 
and  was  mentioned  rather  to  stimulate  the  settlers  to  comply  with 
the  terms,  that  they  might  be  entitled  to  the  land,  than  a thing  neces- 
sary to  be  done. — And  now  to  sum  up  all  in  a few  words. 

The  defendant  has  entered,  subdued,  and  cultivated  the  lands 
demanded ; reduced  them  from  the  rough  condition  in  which  na- 
ture left  them,  to  the  state  of  a garden,  in  which  labor  he  has  spent 
more  than  twenty  years,  while  the  plaintiffs  have  been  looking  on, 
neither  asserting  their  claim,  nor  attempted  to  settle  any  other  part 


CONCORD. 


641 


of  their  lands.  And  whether  the  defendant  has  any  title  or  not, 
the  plaintiffs  ought  not  to  recover,  if  they  do  not  make  out  the  title 
they  set  up.  For  melior  est  conditio  -possidentis , the  government 
of  New-Hampshire  did  not  extend  to  the  place  where  these  lands 
lay  on  the  westerly  side  of  Merrimack  river,  and  therefore  no 
right  could  be  derived  from  them  ; and  if  the  government  had 
reached  so  far,  the  Crown  had  long  before  divested  itself  of  all 
right  to  the  soil,  which  was  afterwards  vested  in  Sir  Henry  Ros- 
well, &c.  That  if  that  was  not  the  case,  it  was  Mr.  Mason’s,  or 
those  who  have  his  right ; from  whom  the  plaintiffs  have  derived 
no  title,  because  the  defendant  was  in  possession  at  the  time  of 
making  the  deed  and  release  aforesaid.  That  if  the  release  operates 
as  to  these  lands,  it  is  in  favor  of  the  defendant.  That  the  defen- 
dant has  a good  right  under  the  government  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  as  they  had  the  jurisdiction  in  fact,  and  moreover  had  the 
right  of  the  soil  by  the  deed  and  other  matters  aforesaid.  Add  to 
all  that,  whoever  settles  land  in  the  wilderness,  and  of  that  which 
before  served  only  as  a shelter  and  nursery  for  wild  beasts,  and  a 
lurking  place  for  the  more  savage  animals,  the  Indians,  not  only 
purchases  it  at  a dear  rate,  and  has  a hard  bargain,  though  the 
land  is  given  to  him,  but  does  public  service.  In  which  regard 
the  whole  town  of  Rumford  merits  the  thanks  of  the  government, 
instead  of  being  turned  out  of  doors.  And  what  may  be  said  in 
behalf  of  the  defendant  in  this  case,  may,  with  the  same  propriety, 
be  urged  in  behalf  of  those  other  inhabitants  of  Rumford,  with 
whom  these  proprietors,  or  those  who  derived  their  right  from  them, 
are  now  contending  and  have  actions  in  the  courts  under  continu- 
ance. 


At  the  Court  of  St.  James,  the  29th  day  of  December,  1762. 


[Moore’s  Annals  of  Concord,  1824,  p.  99] 


Present, 

The  King’s  Most  Excellent  Majesty, 


Earl  of  Huntington, 

Earl  of  Halifax, 

Earl  of  Northumberland, 
Earl  of  Egremont, 

Earl  Deleware, 


Viscount  Falmouth, 

Mr.  Vice  Chamberlain, 
George  Grenville,  Esq. 
Henry  Fox,  Esq. 
Welbore  Ellis,  Esq. 


40 


642 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Upon  reading  at  the  Board  a Report  from  the  Right  Honorable 
the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  Council,  for  hearing  appeals  from 
the  plantations,  dated  the  17th  of  this  instant,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, viz.  : — 

Your  Majesty  having  been  pleased,  by  your  order  in  council  of 
the  15th  of  February,  17 — , to  refer  unto  this  committee  the  humble 
petition  and  appeal  of  Benjamin  Rolfe,  Esq.  Daniel  Carter, 
Timothy  Simonds,  John  Evans,  John  Chandler,  Abraham  Colby, 
and  Abraham  Kimball,  setting  forth,  among  other  things,  that  in 
1721,  Benjamin  Stevens  and  others  petitioned  the  General  Court 
or  Assembly  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  for  a grant  of  land  at  Pen- 
nicook,  upon  the  river  Merrimack,  which  petition,  having  been  re- 
ferred to  a committee  of  both  Houses,  and  they  reported  in  favor 
of  the  application,  that  it  would  be  for  the  advantage  of  the  prov- 
ince that  part  of  the  land  petitioned  for  should  be  assigned  and  set 
apart  for  a township,  to  contain  seven  miles  square,  and  to  begin 
where  Contoocook  river  falls  into  Merrimack  river.  And  they  ap- 
pointed a committee  to  bring  forward  the  said  settlement,  and  laid 
down  several  special  directions  with  regard  thereto.  And  amongst 
others,  that  the  land  should  be  divided  into  one  hundred  and  three 
lots  or  shares ; and  that  one  hundred  persons  or  families,  able  to 
make  their  settlement,  should  be  admitted,  and  each  settler  to  pay 
for  his  lot  five  pounds  for  the  use  of  the  province,  and  be  obliged 
to  build  a good  house  for  the  family  within  three  years, 
and  break  up  and  fence  in  a certain  quantity  of  land,  and  the 
houses  and  lots  to  be  on  each  side  of  the  river ; and  that  a meeting- 
house should  be  erected  and  finished,  which  was  to  be  assigned  for 
the  use  of  the  minister  and  for  the  school,  and  the  charge  of  the 
committee  was  to  be  borne  by  the  settlers ; which  Report  was 
agreed  to  by  both  Houses  of  the  Council  and  x\ssembly  of  that 
province,  and  concurred  in  by  the  Governor.  That  in  172 6,  the 
town  of  Pennicook  was  laid  out,  and  divided  into  lots  amongst  the 
proprietors,  wTho  began  and  carried  on  a settlement  there  with 
great  difficulty  and  cost,  it  being  above  twenty  miles  up  into  the  In- 
dian country,  beyond  any  English  settlement  then  made,  and  be- 
ing a perfect  wilderness,  having  not  the  least  sign  that  human 
foot  had  ever  trod  the  ground  there,  and  notwithstanding  the  diffi- 
culties they  were  under  in  establishing  a new  town  in  so  remote  a 
desert,  they  pursued  their  undertaking  with  such  industry  and 
pains,  clearing  the  land,  building  houses,  sowing  corn,  &c.  that 
within  a few  years  a town  was  erected,  and  the  place  capable  of 
receiving  their  families,  who  were  removed  up  there. 


CONCORD. 


643 


That  on  the  6th  of  August,  1728,  in  consideration  that  five  hun- 
dred acres  of  land,  which  had  prior  to  the  aforesaid  Pennicook 
grant,  been  granted  to  Governor  Endicott,  fell  within  the  Penni- 
cook boundaries,  the  Assembly  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  came  to 
a resolution,  which  was  concurred  in  by  the  Governor  and  Council, 
that  the  Pennicook  settlers  should  be  allowed  and  empowered,  by 
a surveyor  and  chain-men  upon  oath,  to  extend  the  south  bounds 
of  their  township  one  hundred  and  thirty  rods  the  breadth  of  their 
town,  and  the  same  was  accordingly  granted  and  confirmed  to 
them  as  an  equivalent  for  the  said  five  hundred  acres  of  land. 
And  in  a few  years  they  had  so  far  erected  and  settled  a town,  that 
in  1733,  the  Governor,  Council,  and  Assembly  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  passed  an  act  for  erecting  the  said  plantation  of  Penni- 
cook into  a township,  by  the  name  of  Rumford ; which  act  was 
confirmed  by  his  late  Majesty  in  council ; and  the  said  settlers  hav- 
ing ever  since,  at  great  costs  and  labor,  gone  on  improving  the 
lands  within  the  said  township  of  Rumford,  by  building,  cultiva- 
tion, and  otherwise ; and  having  been  in  continual  possession 
thereof  for  above  thirty  years  past,  and  the  same  is  now  become  a 
frontier  town  on  that  part  of  New-Hampshire. 

That  on  6th  of  August,  1728,  David  Melvin  and  William  Ayer 
petitioned  the  General  Court  or  Assembly  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  for  themselves  and  others,  who  had  served  as  volunteers 
under  Capt.  John  Lovewell,  praying  a part  of  the  province  land 
might  be  granted  to  them  for  a township,  in  consideration  of  the 
service  they  had  done,  and  the  great  difficulties  they  had  under- 
gone in  the  war;  which  petition  being  read  in  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, it  was  resolved,  that  six  miles  square  of  land,  lying 
on  each  side  of  Merrimack  river,  of  the  same  breadth  from  Mer- 
rimack river  as  the  township  of  Pennicook,  and  to  begin  where 
Pennicook  new  grant  determines,  and  from  thence  to  extend  the 
lines  of  the  east  and  west  bounds  on  right  angles,  until  the  six 
miles  square  should  be  completed,  be,  and  it  is  thereby  granted  to 
the  forty-seven  soldiers,  and  the  legal  representatives  of  such  of 
them  as  were  deceased,  who  marched  with  Capt.  Lovewell,  (him- 
self included)  when  he  engaged  the  enemy  at  Pigwacket.  That 
on  the  9th  of  July,  1729,  the  said  David  Melvin  and  others,  peti- 
tioned the  Assembly  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  setting  forth,  that 
they  had  caused  the  said  tract  of  land  to  be  surveyed  and  platted, 
and  praying  a confirmation  thereof,  and  that  the  grantees  might  be 
empowered  to  assemble  and  choose  a clerk,  pass  votes,  and  be  em- 
powered to  admit  the  persons  in  Capt.  Lovewell’s  first  march,  to 


644 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


be  associated  with  him  ; and  the  survey  or  plan  of  the  said  tract, 
which  is  annexed  to  the  petition,  and  mentions  it  to  begin  at  the 
south-east  corner  of  the  said  town  of  Pennicook,  and  from  thence 
to  run  out  according  to  the  grant.  It  was  ordered,  that  the  land 
described  in  the  plan  should  be  confirmed  to  the  petitioners  and 
their  associates,  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  provided  it 
exceeded  not  six  miles  square,  nor  interfered  with  any  former 
grant.  And  the  Assembly,  on  the  23d  of  September  following, 
ordered  a preference  to  be  given  to  those  soldiers  who  were  actually 
with  the  Captain  in  the  engagement  when  he  killed  several  of  the 
Indians,  and  the  said  resolutions  of  the  Assembly  were  concurred 
in  by  the  Governor  and  Council. 

That  the  Suncook  proprietors  carried  on  their  said  settlement 
which  adjoined  to  Pennicook,  otherwise  Rumford,  in  like  manner 
as  the  Pennicook  or  Rumford  settlers  had  done  ; and  in  1737,  had 
a minister  settled  there,  and  by  their  industry,  labor,  and  charges, 
it  became  a good  parish,  filled  with  inhabitants. 

That  some  years  since,  upon  a dispute  about  the  boundary  line 
between  the  provinces  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New-Hamp- 
shire,  his  Majesty  was  pleased  to  issue  a commission  to  mark  out 
the  dividing  line  between  the  said  province  of  New-Hampshire  and 
Massachusetts  Bay,  but  with  an  express  declaration,  that  private 
property  should  not  be  affected  thereby.  And  upon  hearing  the 
Report  of  the  commissioners  appointed  to  settle  the  said  boundary, 
his  Majesty  was  pleased,  by  his  order  in  council,  made  in  1740,  to 
adjudge  and  order  that  the  northern  boundary  of  the  said  province 
of  Massachusetts  Bay  are  and  be  a similar  curve  line,  pursuing  the 
course  of  Merrimack  river  at  three  miles  distance  on  the  north  side 
thereof,  beginning  at  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  ending  at  a point  due 
north  of  a place  called  Pautucket  falls,  and  a strait  line  drawn 
from  thence  due  west  cross  the  said  river,  till  it  meets  with  his 
Majesty’s  other  governments  ; by  which  determination  two-third 
parts  at  least  of  the  said  river  Merrimack,  with  the  lands  and  settle- 
ments thereon,  and  among  the  rest,  the  said  towns  of  Pennicook 
or  Rumford,  and  Suncook,  would  lay  upon  the  said  river  consider- 
ably above  the  said  Pautucket  falls,  were  excluded  out  of  the  said 
province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  which  they  had  before  been 
thought  and  reputed  to  be,  and  thrown  into  the  said  other  province 
of  New-Hampshire.  That  notwithstanding  his  Majesty  had  been 
pleased,  at  the  time  of  issuing  the  said  commission  to  fix  the 
said  boundary,  to  declare  the  same  was  not  to  affect  private 
property.  Yet,  certain  persons  in  New-Hampshire,  desirous  to 


0 


CONCORD.  645 

make  the  labors  of  others  an  advantage  to  themselves,  and  to 
possess  themselves  of  the  towns  of  Pennicook,  otherwise  Rumford, 
and  Suncook,  as  now  improved  by  the  industry  of  the  appellants 
and  the  said  first  settlers  thereof,  whom  they  seek  to  despoil  of  the 
benefit  of  all  their  labors,  did,  on  the  first  of  November,  1759,  by 
the  name  of  the  proprietors  of  the  common  and  undivided  lands, 
lying  and  being  within  the  township  of  Bow,  brought  an  ejectment 
in  the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas,  holden  in  Portsmouth,  in 
New-Hampshire,  against  the  appellants,  by  which  ejectment  the 
respondents,  under  the  general  denomination  aforesaid  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  Bow,  demand  against  the  appellants  the  possession  of 
about  one  thousand  acres  of  land,  alleging  the  same  to  lie  in  Bow 
aforesaid,  and  to  be  described  and  bounded  as  therein  mentioned 
and  set  forth  in  the  ejectment,  their  grant  of  the  town  of  Bow, 
dated  the  20th  of  May,  1727,  from  John  Wentworth  Esq.  lieutenant- 
governor  of  New-Hampshire  ; and  that  by  force  thereof  they  were 
seized  in  fee  of  the  lands  thereby  granted,  to  the  extent  of  eighty- 
one  square  miles,  and  they  had  afterwards  entered  thereon,  pur- 
suant to  their  grant,  and  were  seized  thereof,  and  alleged  they 
were  entitled  to  the  one  thousand  acres  of  land  sued  for,  as  part  of 
the  said  eighty-one  miles  square  of  land,  and  that  the  same  lay 
within  the  said  town  of  Bow  ; but  that  the  appellants  had  entered 
therein  and  ejected  the  respondents,  and  withheld  the  same  from 
them.  To  which  action  the  appellants  severally  pleaded  not  guilty, 
as  to  so  much  of  the  lands  sued  for  as  were  in  their  respective 
possessions. 

That  on  the  2d  of  September,  1760,  the  cause  was  brought  on  to 
trial  in  the  said  inferior  court,  when  the  jury  gave  a verdict  for  the 
respondents,  and  judgment  was  entered  up  accordingly  with  costs, 
from  which  the  appellants  prayed,  and  were  allowed  an  appeal  to 
the  next  superior  court.  And  on  the  2d  Tuesday  in  November, 
1760,  the  cause  was  brought  on  again  to  trial  in  the  superior  court, 
when  the  jury  gave  their  verdict  for  the  respondents,  and  the 
judgment  was  thereupon  entered  up,  affirming  the  said  judgment 
of  the  inferior  court  with  costs.  That  the  appellants  conceiving 
themselves  to  be  thereby  greatly  aggrieved,  prayed,  and  were 
allowed  an  appeal  therefrom  to  your  Majesty  in  council,  and 
humbly  pray,  that  both  the  said  verdicts  and  judgments  may  be 
reversed,  and  that  they  may  be  otherwise  relieved  in  the  premises. 

The  Lords  of  the  committee,  in  obedience  to  your  Majesty’s  said 
order  of  reference,  this  day  took  the  said  petition  and  appeal  into 
their  consideration,  and  heard  all  parties  therein  concerned,  by 


646 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


their  council,  learned  in  the  law,  and  do  agree  humbly  to  report  as 
their  opinion  to  your  Majesty,  that  the  said  judgment  of  the  inferior 
court  of  common  pleas  of  the  province  of  New-Hampshire,  of  the 
2d  of  September,  1760,  and  also  the  judgment  of  the  superior  court 
of  judicature  of  the  2d  Tuesday  in  November,  1760,  affirming  the 
same,  should  be  both  of  them  reversed,  and  that  the  appellants 
should  be  restored  to  what  they  have  lost  by  means  of  said 
judgments. 

His  Majesty  this  day  took  the  said  Report  into  consideration, 
and  was  pleased,  with  the  advice  of  his  privy  council,  to  approve 
thereof,  and  to  order,  as  it  is  hereby  ordered,  that  the  said  judgment 
of  the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas  of  the  province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  of  the  2d  of  September,  1760,  and  also  the  judgment 
of  the  superior  court  of  judicature,  of  the  2d  Tuesday  in  November, 
affirming  the  same,  to  be  both  of  them  reversed,  and  that  the 
appellants  be  restored  to  what  they  may  have  lost  by  means  of  the 
said  judgments,  whereof  the  Governor  or  commander  in  chief  of 
his  Majesty’s  province  of  New-Hampshire,  for  the  time  being,  and 
all  others  whom  it  may  concern,  are  to  take  notice  and  govern 
themselves  accordingly. 


[Letter  from  Timothy  Walker,  1762.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph 'B.  Walker.] 

London  Decembr  23  1762 

Dear  Sr  Last  Friday  ye  17th  Ins1  we  had  our  Tryal  have  Obtain’d 
Judgment  in  our  Favour  viz  that  the  Judgment  against  us  shall  be 
reversed  &c  the  perticulars  whereof  I now  Send  you  so  far  as  my 
memory  Serves  mr  De  Grey  my  Council  had  proceeded  but  little 
wa}^  in  Opening  the  Cause  when  Ld  Mansfield  Interrupted  him  by 
Saying  we  had  in  our  printed  Cases  prepared  a large  Field  for 
argumentation — that  it  would  take  two  Days  to  goe  thro’  ye  whole — 
but  he  had  a mind  to  narrow  the  Case — that  there  were  but  two 
points  worth  Insisting  on  viz  ye  False  laying  out  of  Bow  which  he 
Called  a non  Suit — and  the  order  of  the  King  respecting  Private 
property — he  began  with  the  former  on  which  he  Said  our  former 
Case  Turned  when  (by  the  way)  he  Observed  it  was  not  as  the 
Respt9  had  alleedged  in  their  Printed  Case  that  we  were  drove 
from  every  other  point  &c  for  in  truth  there  was  no  other  point 
Considered — that  the  Ld3  not  being  Clear  as  to  the  other  point 


CONCORD. 


647 


urged — merely  out  of  tenderness  to  possession  & Cultivation  which 
they  said  in  America  was  almost  every  thing  they  laid  hold  of  that 
& determined  as  they  did  but  Came  to  no  determination  upon  the 
Other  viz  the  order  of  the  King  in  Council  &c  which  he  Called 
the  great  point — the  first  he  determined  roundly  against  us — I Sus- 
pected by  the  manner  of  his  Treating  it  that  he  determined  it 
should  have  no  weight  in  the  present  decision  and  therefore  would 
hardly  allow  it  the  force  it  deserved  I was  therefore  not  much  Con- 
cerned at  my  Council’s  Submiting  the  point  Ld  Mansfield  then 
said  he  was  now  Come  to  the  main  point  viz  the  order  respecting 
Private  property  which  he  Said  must  mean  in  Cases  like  ours 
where  both  sides  Claimed  and  made  grants — whoever  Settled 
under  a grant  from  either  Side  if  he  hapned  to  be  on  the  rong 
Side  of  the  line  when  it  Came  to  be  Settled — as  he  was  precluded 
from  defending  himself  by  his  grant  his  posscession  should  be  his 
Title — and  in  this  Case  he  said  that  posscession  with  a grant  from 
the  Masstts  Bay  was  as  good  as  posscession  with  a grant  from  New 
Hampshire — mr  Yorke  ye  Respt9  Council  allowed  y*  but  alledged 
ours  was  not  a Bona  Fide  posscession  that  we  had  been  warned 
&c  Ld  Mansfield  Said  he  had  read  those  Deposicions  as  they  was 
printed  when  it  appeared  Bow  had  Chosen  Committees  to  warn 
people  from  Trespassing  &c  (which  he  Seemed  to  Speak  with  a 
Sneer)  but  he  said  the  Sum  was  this  Masstt3  People  were  Strong 
went  on  & Setled  & Bow  Claimed — as  to  what  is  posscession  Ld 
Mansfield  distinguished  between  posscession  & property  with  respect 
to  the  Royal  order  he  said  the  words  were  not  private  posscession 
but  private  property  his  design  most  Certainly  was  to  Carry  ye  Idea 
of  property  further  than  actual  Improvement — the  Sum  of  what  he 
Said  was  to  this  Effect  viz  what  a man  Claimed  under  a Certain  Title 
part  whereof  he  actualy  Improved  was  his  property  what  is  done 
and  what  was  Said  in  the  Case  if  truly  represented  by  any  body 
whom  Bow  will  believe  will  I am  perswaded  Effectualy  discourage 
them  from  any  further  attempts  even  against  Suncook  much 
more  against  Rumford  yet  I Suspect  their  Lawyers  will  urge  them 
on  to  further  Tryals  with  what  Success  Time  must  discover 

Yours  &c — T W 


648 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Non-Intercourse  Agreement.] 

[From  original  in  possession  of  Joseph  B.  Walker.] 

We  the  Subscribers,  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Concord  having 
taken  into  our  serious  Consideration,  the  precarious  State  of  the 
LIBERTIES  of  NORTH-AMERICA,  and  more  especially  the 
present  distressed  Condition  of  our  Sister  Colony  of  the  Massachu- 
setts-Bay, embarrassed  as  it  is  by  several  Acts  of  the  British 
Parliament,  tending  to  the  entire  Subversion  of  their  natural  and 
Charter  Rights;  among  which  is  the  Act  for  blocking  uj>  the 
Harbour  of  BOSTON  : And  being  fully  sensible  of  our  indispensi- 
ble  Duty  to  lay  hold  on  every  Means  in  our  Power  to  preserve  and 
recover  the  much  injured  Constitution  of  our  Country  ; and  conscious 
at  the  same  Time  of  no  Alternative  between  the  Horrors  of  Slavery, 
or  the  Carnage  and  Desolation  of  a civil  War,  but  a Suspension  of 
all  commercial  Intercourse  with  the  Island  of  Great-Britain,  DO, 
in  the  Presence  of  GOD,  solemnly  and  in  good  Faith,  covenant 
and  engage  with  each  other. 

1.  That  from  henceforth  we  will  suspend  all  commercial  Inter- 
course with  the  said  Island  of  Great-Britain,  until  the  Parliament 
shall  cease  to  enact  Laws  imposing  Taxes  upon  the  Colonies, 
without  their  Consent,  or  until  the  pretended  Right  of  Taxing  is 
dropped.  And 

2.  That  there  may  be  less  Temptation  to  others  to  continue  in 
the  said  now  dangerous  Commerce ; and  in  order  to  promote 
Industry,  Oeconomy,  Arts  and  Manufactures  among  ourselves, 
which  are  of  the  last  Importance  to  the  Welfare  and  Well-being  of 
a Community ; we  do,  in  like  Manner,  solemnly  covenant,  that  we 
will  not  buy,  purchase  or  consume,  or  suffer  any  Person  by,  for, 
or  under  us,  to  purchase,  nor  will  we  use  in  our  Families  in  any 
Manner  whatever,  any  Goods,  Wares  or  Merchandize  which  shall 
arrive  in  America  from  Great-Britain  aforesaid,  from  and  after  the 
last  Day  of  August  next  ensuing  (except  only  such  Articles  as 
shall  be  judged  absolutely  necessary  by  the  Majority  of  the  Signers 
hereof) — and  as  much  as  in  us  lies,  to  prevent  our  being  inter- 
rupted and  defeated  in  this  only  peaceable  Measure  entered  into 
for  the  Recovery  and  Preservation  of  our  Rights,  and  the  Rights 
of  our  Brethren  in  our  Sister  Colonies,  We  agree  to  break  off  all 
Trade  and  Commerce,  with  all  Persons,  who  prefering  their  private 
Interest  to  the  Salvation  of  their  now  almost  perishing  Country, 
who  shall  still  continue  to  import  Goods  from  Great-Britain,  or 


CONCORD. 


649 


shall  purchase  of  those  who  import  after  the  said  last  day  of 
August,  until  the  aforesaid  pretended  Right  of  Taxing  the  Colonies 
shall  be  given  up  or  dropped. 

3.  As  a Refusal  to  come  into  any  Agreement  which  promises 
Deliverance  of  our  Countries  from  the  Calamities  it  now  feels,  and 
which,  like  a Torrent,  are  rushing  upon  it  with  increasing  Violence, 
must,  in  our  Opinion,  evidence  a Disposition  enimical  to,  or 
criminally  negligent  of  the  common  Safety  : — It  is  agreed,  that  all 
such  ought  to  be  considered,  and  shall  by  us  be  esteemed,  as  En- 
couragers  of  contumacious  Importers. 

Lastly,  We  hereby  further  engage,  that  we  will  use  every 
Method  in  our  Power  to  Encourage  and  promote  the  Production  of 
Manufactures  among  ourselves,  that  this  Covenant  and  Engage- 
ment may  be  as  little  detrimental  to  ourselves  and  Fellow  Country- 
men as  possible. 


Philip  Eastman 
Peter  Green  Jr 
Reuben  Abbott 
Jabez  Abbott 
John  Chase 
Benjamin  Sweat 
Daniel  Carter 
Ephraim  farnum  Jun 
Henry  Lovejoy 
George  Abbott 
Joshua  Abbot 
Ezra  Carter 
Caleb  Buswell 
Jonathan  Bradley 
David  Hall 
Nath11  Clement 
Jonathan  Eliot 
Hezekiah  Fellows 
Solomon  Gage 
Levi  Ross 
Moses  Abbott 
Nathan  Abbot 
Jona  Walker 
Stephen  Kimball 
Hannah  Osgood 


Timothy  Bradley 
Cornelius  Johnson 
Daniel  Gale 
Tho3  Stickney 
Daniel  Abbot 
Nath1  West 
Amos  Abbot 
Benjamin  fifield 
Jacob  Shute 
Jesse  Abbot 
Ezekiel  Dimond 
Abiel  Chandler 
Peter  Chandler 
Natha  Rolfe 
Stephen  Abbot 
James  Walker 
Jacob  Carter 
Abner  danders 
Jacob  Dimond 
Heny  Beck 
Reuben  Rimball 
Chandler  Lovejoy 
John  Farnum 
Ebenr  West 


Tim0  Walker 
Richard  Hasstine 
Tim°  Walker  Jr 
John  Kimball 
Benja  Emery 
Aaron  Stevens 
Joseph  Hall  Juu 
Philip  Carigain 
Edward  Abbott 
Jeremiah  Wheeler 
Asa  kimball 
John  Blanchard 
Abiel  Blancard 
Jonathan  Stickney 
Benjamin  farnum 
Joseph  Farnum 
Enoch  Coffin 
Ebenezer  Virgin 
Daniel  Hall 
Nathel  Abbott 
Lemuel  Tucker 
William  Coffin 
David  young 
Moses  Eastman  jun 


650 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


CONWAY. 

[Originally  known  as  Pigwacket  or  Pequawket.  Granted  as  Conway,  Oct.  1, 
1765,  to  Daniel  Foster  and  others.  Grants  to  Lieuts.  Hugh  Sterling,  Samuel 
Stark,  and  Archibald  Stark  were  annexed  June  14,  1800.  The  farms  of  Jonathan 
Hardy  and  Edward  Shirley  were  severed  from  Conway  and  annexed  to  Chatham, 
June  26,  1823. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  141  ; XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  409;  Index  to  Laws,  125;  sketch,  Fergusson’s  History 
of  Carroll  County,  1889,  p.  815  ; History  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  Lucy  Craw- 
ford, 1845,  ch.  X;  History  of  North  Conway,  by  B.  D.  Eastman,  1880,  in  files  of 
The  Idler ; Willey’s  History  of  the  White  Mountains,  1870,  chap.  XIII;  The 
White  Hills,  by  T.  Starr  King,  1859,  p.  149;  The  Intervale,  by  Winfield  S.  Nev- 
ins,  1887,  PP-  60 ; The  March  of  Capt.  Samuel  Willard,  by  C.  E.  Fay,  2,  Appa- 
lachia, 336;  Stevens’s  Memorials  of  Methodism,  2d  series,  1852,  p.334;  Stewart’s 
History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  375  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E. 
Cummings,  1836,  p.  12  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  582  ; grants  to  Hugh 
Sterling,  Archibald  Stark,  and  Samuel  Stark,  with  Madison  papers ; The  White 
Mountains,  A Guide  to  their  Interpretation,  by  Julius  H.  Ward,  1890,  p.  26;  In 
the  Heart  of  the  White  Mountains,  by  S.  A.  Drake,  1882,  p.  39.] 


[Conway  Charter,  1765.] 

*3-134  *Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

Conway  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come, 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be  di- 
vided to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Nine  equal  Shares,  all  that 


CONWAY. 


^5 1 


Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New-Hamf  shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
Twenty  Three  Thousand  & forty  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain 
Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to 
be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks, 
Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres 
free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said 
Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and 
hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz,  Begining 
at  a Beach  Tree  Standing  in  the  Dividing  Line  between  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  and  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  at  about  Twenty  Six  Miles  Distant  from  the  Head  of  Salmon 
falls  River  & about  Two  Miles  & one  Quarter  of  A Mile  Southerly 
of  the  Place  where  the  afore  Said  Dividing  Line  first  crosseth  Saco 
River  Said  Beach  Tree  is  Marked  with  the  Letters  B-g-t-n  as 
also  S.  E : C-  for  South  East  Corner  and  from  Said  Tree  runs  on 
the  afore  Said  Dividing  Line  North  8d  East  Six  Miles  to  a Beach 
Tree  Marked  with  the  aforesaid  Letters  B-g-t-n  & also  N-E-C- 
for  the  North  East  Corner  thence  turning  Square  oft'  at  Right  An- 
gles & runing  North  82d  West  Six  Miles  to  a Beach  Tree  marked 
as  afore  Said  Three  Quarters  of  one  Mile  Westerly  of  Saco  River 
Thence  Turning  at  Right  Angles  & runs  South  Eight  Degrees 
West  Six  Miles  to  a Maple  Tree  marked  with  the  afore  Said  Let- 
ters & with  S : W : C : for  South  West  Corner  & from  thence  turn- 
ing off  at  Right  Angles  & runing  South  Eighty  Two  degrees  East 
to  the  Bounds  first  above  mentioned  Standing  in  the  afore  Said 
Dividing  Line  of  the  afore  Said  Provinces  And  that  the  same  be, 
and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Conway  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the 
said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and 
Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And 
further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two 
Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the 

And  the  other  on  the  annually,  which  Fairs 

are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 

following  the  said  and  that  as  soon  as  the 

said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may 
be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  *3-135 
as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants. 

Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agre- 


652 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


able  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second 
Tuesday  in  December  next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified 
by  Mr  Daniel  Foster  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator 
of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agre- 
able  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the 
annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers 
for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  an- 
nually, To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above 
expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them 
and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following 
Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant 
or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and  among 
the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December.  17 66 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  often  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
of  December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1776  One 


CONWAY. 


653 


shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  First  Day  of  October  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Five  And  in  the  Fifth 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Junr  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampr  October  i?t  1765 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  under  the  Province 
[Seal] 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Conway — Viz — *3-136 


James  Burley 
Jonathan  Stevens 
David  Davis 
Thomas  Bragg 
Peter  Parker 


Daniel  Foster  William  Ladd 

Joseph  Eastman  Samuel  Ayers  Junr 

Asa  Kimball  Joshua  Heath 

Andrew  McMillen  & James  osgood 
Capt.  Wm  Stark  one  Share  Asa  Foster 
for  the  Use  of  the  Mills  Moses  Foster  JunrJosiah  Johnson 
George  Abbot  [there.  Francis  Carr  John  Beverly  Watts 
Joseph  Eastman  Junr  John  Carr  The  HonbleJohn  Temple  Esq. 
Thos  Merrill  Ephraim  Foster  The  Honble  Theodr  Atkinson 
Moses  Eastman  David  Carr  Dan1  Warner 

Henry  Lovejoy  Elias  Heath  Mark  H’g  Wentworth 

Obediah  Eastman  Caleb  Foster  Theodore  Atkinson  junr 
Daniel  Ingalls  Nath1  Barrell 
Benjamin  Ingalls  Peter  Levius 

John  Marston  Jona  Warner 

John  Marston  Junr  Clem1  March 

Wm  Ingalls  John  Lang 

John  Ingalls  John  Tufton  Mason  Esq.  & 


Nathaniel  Eastman 
Andrew  Button 
Ephm  Carter 
Reuben  Kimball 
Richard  Ayres 
Jacob  Ayres 


> Esqr3 


Esqr 


6S4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Perly  Ayres 
Nathaniel  Perly 
Ebenezer  Burbank 
Peter  Ayres 
Samuel  Morrill 


Moses  Foster 
Samuel  Ingalls 
John  Johnson 
David  Hicks 
Arthur  Bennet 


Henry  Sherburne  Esq. 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly — 


A Tract  of  Land  to  Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres  for  his  Excel- 
lency Benning  Wentworth  Esq  as  marked  B : W : in  the  Plan 
which  is  to  be  Accounted  Two  of  the  within  Shares. — One  whole 
Share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  foreign  Parts — one  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  Law  Established  one  Share  for  the  first  Settled 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Said  Town,  & one  Share  for  the 
Benefit  of  A School  in  Said  Town  for  ever — 


Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  under  the 
Province  Seal  the  first  Day  of  October,  1765 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


CONWAY. 


655 


of  Conway  under  the  Province  Seal  the  i8t  Day  of  October  1765  -j 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Conway  Regrant,  1772.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third,  by  the  Grace  *1-433 
Hampshire  $ of  God  of  Great  Britian  France  and 

Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 
To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come.  Greeting. 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


656 

Know  Ye,  that  whereas  We  by  our  Letters  Patent,  under  the 
Seal  of  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  bearing  Date  the  first  day 
of  October  1765  in  the  fifth  year  of  our  Reign,  of  our  special  grace, 
certain  knowledge  & mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragment  of  set- 
tling a new  plantation,  did  give  and  grant  unto  Jacob  Ayers, 
Nathaniel  Pearly,  Peter  Ayers,  William  Ladd,  Samuel  Ayers, 
John  Carr,  Samuel  Ingalls,  Asa  Kimball,  Andrew  Bunting  and 
the  first  settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  among  other  of  our 
loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire & our  other  Governments  to  each  of  them  one  Sixty  ninth 
part  or  Share  of  a certain  tract  or  parcel  of  Land  containing  about 
Six  Miles  Square  in  our  said  Province  lying  on  the  Dividing  line 
between  our  said  Province  & the  Province  of  Maine  so  called,  by 
the  Name  of  Conway  upon  certain  Conditions  in  our  said  Letters 
Patent  mentioned  & expressed  to  be  performed  by  the  several 
Grantees  therein  Named,  within  the  Term  of  Five  Years  from  the 
date  thereof,  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  their  respective  Rights 
or  Shares  in  the  said  Township  & of  their  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs 
and  Successors  to  be  by  by  us  or  them  regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  should  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same  And  it 
having  been  made  sufficiently  to  appear  to  our  Governor  & Coun- 
cil of  our  said  Province,  that  the  Grantees  above  recited  have 
totally  neglected  the  Conditions  stipulated  in  our  said  Letters  Pat- 
ent whereby  their  Rights  or  Shares  are  forfeited  as  aforesaid,  We 
therefore  of  our  further  grace  and  favour  for  promoting  and  en- 
courageing  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Township  by  these  Presents 
for  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our 
Trusty  and  wellbeloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Gover- 
nor & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  province  of  New 
Hampshire  & of  our  Council  of  the  same,  do  give  and  grant 
unto  Others  of  our  loving  Subjects  the  Rights  or  Shares  of  the 
said  delinquent  Grantees  in  the  following  manner,  that  is  to  say, 
unto  William  Welch  the  Right  of  Jacob  Ayers  abovenamd  the 
first  Division  or  allotment  whereof,  being  (N°.  34)  included ; unto 
Thomas  Martin  the  Right  of  Nathaniel  Pearly  (N°  23)  as 
*1-434  aforesaid;  *unto  Nathaniel  Folsom  Junr  the  Right  of 
Peter  Ayers  (N°  37)  as  aforesaid;  unto  the  first  settled 
Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  said  Town  the  Right  of  William  Ladd 
(N°  36)  as  aforesaid ; unto  Samuel  Colby  the  Right  of  Samuel 
Ayers  (N°  20)  as  aforesaid ; unto  Roger  Hayes  the  Right  of  John 
Carr  (N°  5)  as  aforesaid;  unto  Thomas  Hodgson  the  Right  of 
Samuel  Ingalls  (N°  8)  as  aforesaid;  unto  George  Wentworth  the 


CONWAY. 


657 

Right  of  Asa  Kimball,  (N°  6)  as  aforesaid  ; unto  Joshua  Wentworth 
the  Right  of  Andrew  Bunting  (N°  7)  as  aforesaid  & unto  Henry 
Young  Brown  the. Right  of  the  first  settled  Minister  (N°  68)  as 
aforesaid.  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  granted  Premises 
with  the  Appurtenances  thereof  unto  them  the  said  last  mentioned 
Grantees,  & to  their  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  upon  the  follow- 
ing Terms  Conditions  & Reservations.  Viz1 — 

First  That  they  pay  all  legal  Rates  & Taxes  heretofore  set 
on  said  Shares. — 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall 
plant  & cultivate  five  Acres  for  every  Fifty  contained  in  his  or  their 
Share  within  three  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant,  on  penalty 
of  the  forfeiture  of  any  and  every  of  the  Shares  hereby  granted. 

Thirdly  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  being  and  grow- 
ing within  & upon  either  and  every  of  the  said  Shares  fit  for  mast- 
ing our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be 
cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  on  pain  of  forfeiting  their  respective  Right  in  the  Pre- 
mises as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalties  prescribed  by  any 
present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. — 

Fourthly.  That  the  said  Grantees  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
shall  yield  and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  on  the 
Twenty  fifth  day  of  December  annually,  their  just  proportion  of  all 
such  Quit  Rents  as  are  expressed  & reserved  in  the  original  Grant 
or  Charter  of  said  Conway.  And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other 
Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esquire  our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in 
*Chief  the  Sixth  Day  of  April  in  the  twelfth  year  of  our  *1-435 
Reign  & in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  thousand 
Seven  hundred  & Seventy-two. 

J’  Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellcy’s  Command  ) 
with  Advice  of  Council  $ 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Grant  under  the  Prove  Seal, 
this  25th  day  of  May  1772. 


Attest'  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec'7 


658 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Grant  to  Sterling  and  Stark,  1765.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain,  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the 
Faith  &ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greet- 
Sterling  & Stark  ing — 

Whereas  we  have  tho*  fit  by  our  Proclamation  given  at  Starnes’s 
the  Seventh  Day  of  October  in  the  the  third  Year  of  Our  Reign 
Annoq  Domini  17 63  (amoungst  other  Things  to  Testify  our  Royal 
Sence  & Approbation  of  the  Conduct  & Bravery  of  the  officers  & 
Soldiers  of  our  Armies  and  to  Signify  our  desire  to  reward  the 
Same  & have  therein  Com’anded  and  Impowered  our  Several 
Governours  of  our  respective  Provinces  on  the  Continent  of  America 
to  Grant  without  fee  or  reward  to  such  reduced  officers  as  have 
served  in  North  America  during  the  late  War  and  to  such  Private 
Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there  and  Shall  Per- 
sonally Apply  such  Quantitys  of  Land  respectivly  as  in  & by 
our  aforesd  Proclamation  are  Perticularly  mentioned  Subject 
nevertheless  to  the  same  Quit  Rents  & Conditions  of  Cultivations  & 
Improvements  as  other  our  Lands  are  subject  in  the  Province 
within  which  they  are  granted  and  whereas  Hugh  Sterling  of 
Londonderry  in  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid  Gen- 
tleman had  our  appointment  as  Lieutenant  And  Archibald  Stark 
of  Dunbarton  in  the  same  Province  Gentleman  had  also  our  ap- 
pointment as  Lieutenant  in  our  Independent  Company  of 
Rangers  and  Served  During  the  late  War  in  North  America  & 
both  of  them  are  now  reduced  and  they  having  (agreable  to  our 
aforesaid  Proclamation  personaly  solicited  such  Grants  Know  Ye 
that  We  of  our  Especial  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  & mere  Motion 
do  Signify  our  approbation  as  aforesaid  & for  Encouraging  the 
Settlement  & Cultivation  of  our  Lands  within  our  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  have  by  & with  the  advice  of  our 
Trusty  & well  beloved  Benning  Wentworth  our  Governour  & 
Com’ander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire and  of  our  Council  of  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
(agreable  to  our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  Proclamation)  and  upon 
the  Conditions  & Reservations  herein  after  mentioned)  given  and 
granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do 
give  & Grant  unto  the  Said  Hugh  & to  the  Said  Archibald  & to 
thier  Heirs  & Assigns  forever  the  following  Tracts  or  Parcells  of 


CONWAY. 


659 


Land  (Viz)  unto  the  Said  Hugh  a Certain  Parcel  of  Land  con- 
taining Two  Thousand  Acres  lying  & being  within  the  Said  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  butted  & bounded  as  follows  Viz  Begin- 
ning at  the  South  East  Corner  of  Conway  at  a Beach  Tree 
standing  in  the  Province  Line  thence  North  82  degrees  West  400 
rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  Standing  in  the  Southerly  Side  Line  of 
Said  Conway  then  South  8 Degrees  West  Eight  Hundred  Rods  to 
a Stake  & Stones  then  South  82  des  East  four  Hundred  rods  to  a 
Stake  & Stones  Standing  in  the  Said  Province  Line  thence  on 
Said  Line  Eight  Hundred  Rods  to  the  Beach  Tree  the  South  East 
Corner  Bounds  of  Conway  where  it  began  at  And  to  the  Said 
Archibald  Other  Two  Thousand  Acres  of  Land  being  within  the 
Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  butted  & bounded  as  follows 
(Viz)  Begining  at  the  North  West  Corner  of  the  Said  Hugh 
Sterlings  Land  at  a Stake  & Stones  thence  runing  on  the 
Souther*  Side  of  the  Town  of  Conway  aforesaid  North  *1-290 
82  de§3  West  400  rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  thence  South 
Eight  degrees  West  Eight  Hundred  Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones 
thence  South  82  degrees  East  four  Hundred  Rods  to  a Stake  & 
Stones  thence  North  Eight  Degrees  East  Eight  Hundred  Rods  to 
where  it  began  To  have  & to  hold  the  Said  Tracts  of  Land  in 
Severalty  in  Man’er  as  aforesaid  unto  the  Said  Hugh  Sterling  & 
Archibald  Stark  & to  thier  Several  & Respective  Heirs  & Assigns 
forever  upon  the  following  Conditions  & Reservations  (Viz) 
(ist)  That  the  Said  Hugh  & the  Said  Archibald  their  Several  & 
respective  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  Plant  & Cultivate  five  Acres  of 
Land  in  Each  Tract  above  granted  within  five  Years  Term  for 
every  Fifty  acres  containd  in  Each  Tract  & shall  continue  to  im- 
prove & Settle  the  Same  by  aditional  cultivating  on  Penalty  for- 
feiture of  this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & 
Successors  to  be  by  us  & them  regranted  to  such  of  our  Subjects 
as  shall  effectually  Settle  & Cultivate  the  Same  2dly  that  all 
white  Pine  Trees  & other  Pine  Trees  within  the  Said  Tracts  fit  for 
Masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  Preserved  for  that  Use  & 
none  to  be  cutt  or  felled  without  our  especial  Licence  for  so  doing 
first  had  & obtain’d  upon  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  the  Several  & 
respective  Rights  of  the  Said  Grantee  or  Grantees  his  or  their  Heirs 
or  assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  or  Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to 
the  Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  here- 
after shall  be  Enacted — 3dly  Yielding  & Paying  therefor  to  us 
our  heirs  & Successors  for  the  Space  of  Ten  Years  to  be  Com- 
puted from  the  Date  hereof  the  rent  of  One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn 


66o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


only  on  the  25th  Day  of  December  annually  if  Lawfully  Deman- 
ded— 4^  the  Said  Grantees  & each  of  them  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
shall  Yield  & Pay  unto  us  our  heirs  & Successors  Yearly  & every 
Year  forever  from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the 
abovesd  25th  Day  of  December  Annually  namely  on  the  25th  Day 
of  December  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1775  One 
Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  acres  they  so 
owns  Settles  or  Possess  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a Greater  or  lessor 
Tract  or  Tracts  of  Said  Lands  which  Money  Shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  owners,  Settlers  or  Possessors  as  aforesaid  in  our  Coun- 
cil Chamber  in  Portsmouth  in  the  Province  aforesaid  or  to  such 
officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  Same  and 
this  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all  Other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever 
In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wittxess  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  our  aforesaid  Governour  & Com’ander  in  ChiefF  the  Thirty 
first  Day  of  October  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1765  & in  the 
Sixth  Year  of  Our  Reign 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Comand 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  x\tkinson  Junr  Sec17 

Entered  & Recorded  According  to  the  the  Original  Charter 
under  the  Province  Seal  the  31st  day  of  October  1765 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 

*1-291  *Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  31  October  1765 
Then  the  above  mentioned  Grantees  Viz  Hugh  Sterling  & 
Archibald  Stark  Personally  appeared  & made  Solemn  Oath  that 
the  above  Grants  of  Land  to  them  respectivly  made  as  above  are 
bona  Fide  all  the  Land  which  they  or  Either  of  them  have  reievd 
by  Virtue  of  his  Majestys  Proclamation  in  the  above  Grant  men- 
tioned & they  nor  Either  of  them  do  Expect  any  further  Grant  for 
Services  therein  mentioned — 

Both  Sworne  befor  Me — Wyseman  Clagget  Jus-Peace 

Recorded  from  the  Bottom  of  the  original  Charter  this  31st  of 
Octobr  1765 

^ T : Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 

This  Diagram  Contains  A Discription  of  the  Grants  of  the  Town- 
ship of  Conway  & the  Several  Grants  to  officers  bounding  thereon 
or  &ca 


Attest1 


T Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 


CONWAY 


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Line  A/ortTi  V*9*  Ea?l  hy  t\i  Tit  telle. 


662 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


CORNISH. 

[Formerly  known  as  Mast  Camp.  Granted  as  Cornish,  June  21,  1763,  to  Rev. 
Samuel  McClintock  and  others.  The  charter  was  renewed  Dec.  21,  1768.  The 
line  between  Cornish  and  Grantham  was  established  Dec.  3,  1808.  A portion  of 
Croydon  was  annexed  June  24,  1809,  and  a portion  of  Grantham,  Dec.  25,  1844. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  145  ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  277, 
398,  400,  as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  433;  Index  to  Laws,  128;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Sullivan  County,  1886,  p.  141  ; Historical  Facts  Relating  to,  by  H.  Chase,  2, 
Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  153;  Batchelder’s  History  of  the 
Eastern  Diocese,  P.  E.  Church,  1876,  p.  247;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by 
E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  8,  13;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  435; 
Life  of  Salmon  P.  Chase,  by  J.  W.  Schuckers,  1874;  Life  and  Public  Services  of 
Salmon  Portland  Chase,  by  Robert  B.  Warden,  1874;  Reminiscences  and  Auto- 
biography, by  Philander  Chase,  1848.] 


[Cornish  Charter,  1763.] 


*3-66 


^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 


Cornish  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
\ , / Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

j v To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 

^ ' Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire , in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire^  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  Six  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New-Hampshire,  containing  by  Admeasurement 
23040  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles  square,  and  no 
more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways 


CORNISH. 


663 


and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers, 
One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and 
Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned 
into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz . Begining  at  A Tree  Marked  with  the 
figures  2 & 3 Standing  on  the  Bank  of  the  easterly  Side  of  Con- 
necticut River  which  is  the  South  Westerly  Corner  Bounds  of  the 
Town  of  Plainfield  from  thence  runing  South  Seventy  Six  degrees 
East  by  Plain  Field  to  A Stake  & Stones  which  is  the  South 
Westerly  Corner  of  Grantham  & North  Westerly  Corner  of 
Croydon  thence  South  fifteen  Degrees  West  by  Croydon 
afore  Said  Six  Miles  to  the  North  Westerly  Corner  of  New- 
port thence  turning  off  & running  North  77des9  West  Six  Miles 
to  a Tree  Standing  on  the  Easterly  Bank  of  Connecticut  River 
Marked  with  the  Figures  1 & 2 — then  up  the  river  as  that  Trends 
to  the  Bounds  began  at  And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  In- 
corporated into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Cornish  And  the 
Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township, 
are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all 
and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns 
within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further, 

that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding 
two  Fairs,  one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the 

And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 
following  the  said  and  that 

as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a 
Market  may  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  *3-67 
each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious  to  the 
Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town 
Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held 
on  the  Second  Monday  of  July  next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be 
Notified  by  Clement  March  Esqr  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the 
Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and 
Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; 
and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of 
such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday 
of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land 
as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenanc- 
es, to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon 
the  following  Conditions,  viz. 


664 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our  Heirs 
and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the 
Forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to 
Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the 
Penalty  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  here- 
after shall  be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully , demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December . 1763 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1773  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land;  which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Coimcil  Chamber  in  Ports7nouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Twenty  first  Day  of  June  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 


CORNISH. 


665 


One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  three  And  in  the  Third 
Year  of  our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodr  Atkinson  junr  Sec17 

Prove  of  New  Hampr  Octobr  1 — 1763 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Prov 
Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Sec17 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Cornish 


'3-68 


Mr  Sam11  McClintock  Joshua  Hains 
Samuel  Ayers  Eleazr  Cate 

Ensign  John  Whidden  Tho3  Sherburne 
Cap1  Philip  Johnson  Enoch  Clark 


Josiah  Clark 
Willm  Wallis  Junr 
Thomas  Berry 
Cap4  George  Frost 
Noah  Emery 
John  Hill 
Jona  Barker 


Willm  Jenkins  junr 
Josiah  Foss 
Will™  Berry 
Benja  Philbrook 
Nath11  Huggins  Junr 
Cap4  John  Dudley 
Thomas  Johnson 


Hunking  Wentworth  Esq  John  Weeks 
Nath11  Goss  Deco11  Ebenezr  Cate 

John  Grow  Philip  Babb  Junr 


Wm  Cate  Junr 
Sam11  Whidden 
Walter  Bryant  Esq 
Greenleaff  Clark 
Simeon  Dearborn 
Cap4  James  Neal 
Nathan  Marston 
Sam11  Hains 
John  Huggins 
Bracket  Johnson 
Lieu4  Nathan  Johnson 
Cap4  William  Weeks 
Willm  Pottle  Junr 
Samuel  Dearborn 


Wyseman  Clagget  Esq  Lieu4  Ebenezr  Clark  Daniel  Cate 


Nath11  March 
Thomas  March 
Cap4  George  March 
Lieu4  Paul  March 
William  Blazo 
Wm  McClune 
The  Honble  John  Temple 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Wm  Temple 


Daniel  Peirce  Esq  Majr  Jona  Moulton 
Mr  Jona  Greeley  Cap4  Nath11  Bracket 

George  Bracket  Doctor  Hall  Jackson 

Stephen  March  Joseph  Jackson  Esq  Boston 
Clem4  March  Esq  Joseph  Storer  Esq 

Doctr  John  Hale  Levert  Hubbard 

John  Fisher  Nath11  Dowse  and 

Esq"  Sam“  Fabion 


Mark  Hun^  Wentworth 
His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  to  Con- 
tain five  Hundred  Acres  as  Marked  B-W-  in  the  Plan  which  is 
to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares — One  whole  Share  for  the 
Incorporated  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign 


666 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Parts  one  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law 
Established  One  Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel 
& one  Share  for  the  Benefit  of  A School  in  sd  Town 

Province  of  New  Hampr  Octo-1-1763 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  on  the  Back  of  the  Original 
Charter  of  Cornish 

^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


under  the  Prove  Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Junr  Sec^ 


CORNISH. 


667 


[Grant  to  Moses  Chase,  1772.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  *1-405 
Hampshire  ) of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and 

Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 
To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall 
come.  Greeting. 

Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace 
( Moses  Chase’s  > certain  knowledge  and  mere  Motion  for  the 
I Grant  5 due  encouragment  of  settling  & cultivat- 
ing our  Lands  within  our  Province  aforesaid,  by  and  with 
the  advice  of  our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth 
Esqr  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  & of  our  Council  of  the  same,  Have  (upon  the 
Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  particularly  recited  and  ex- 
pressed) given  and  granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs 
and  Successors  do  give  & grant  unto  our  leige  and  loving  Subject 
Moses  Chase  of  Cornish  in  the  County  of  Cheshire  and  Prov- 
ince aforesaid  Esqr  and  to  his  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  a certain 
Tract  or  parcel  of  Land  containing  by  Admeasurement  Five  hun- 
dred Acres,  situate  lying  and  being  in  our  said  Province  as  by  a 
plan  or  Survey  thereof  (exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General  of 
Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & re- 
turned into  the  Secretary’s  office  of  our  said  Province,  a 
Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  *annexed)  may  more  fully  and  *1-406 
at  large  appear,  Butted  & Bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Begin- 
ning at  a Stake  and  Stones  standing  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut 
River  on  the  North  side  of  Blow-me-down  Brook  (so  called)  from 
thence  running  South  76  degrees  East  288  Rods  to  a Stake  and 
Stones,  from  thence  running  South  15  Degrees  West  283  Rods 
to  a Stake  & Stones,  from  thence  running  North  76  Deg3  West  286 
Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  standing  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut 
River  aforesaid,  from  thence  up  said  River  to  the  Bounds  first 
mentioned.  To  have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as 
above  express’d  to  him  the  said  Moses  Chase  and  to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  Ever  upon  the  following  Terms  Conditions  and  Reser- 
vations Viz* 

First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  and  make  pass- 
able for  Carriages  &c.  a Road  of  three  Rods  wide  thro’  the  said 
Tract  as  shall  at  any  Time  hereafter  be  directed  or  Order’d  by  the 
Governor  & Council  aforesaid,  which  Road  shall  be  completed  in 
Two  years  from  the  date  of  such  order  or  direction  of  the  Govr  & 


668 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Council  aforesaid  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  & of  its 
reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors. 

Second  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  Cause  to  be  set- 
tled Two  Families  in  Three  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors to  be  by  us  or  them  enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our 
Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. 

Third  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  fit  for  Masting  our 
Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  use  & none  to  be  cut 
or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and 
obtained  on  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  in 
the  Premises  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors 
as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  penalties  prescribed  by  any  present 
as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament 

Fourth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  24th  day  of  January  1774,  the  Rent  of 
One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fifth  That  the  said  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  yield 
& pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and 
*1-407  every  Year  for  *Ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of 
Two  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant:  One  Shilling 
Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles 
or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of 
the  Land  aforesaid,  which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective 
Proprietor  Owner  or  Settler  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth 
or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the 
same  : And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services 
whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr 
our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  the  24th  day  of 
January  in  the  12th  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Domini  1772. 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council  5 

The  words  “ Money  for  every  Hundred  acres”  being  interlined 
previous  to  signing  & sealing. 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secretary 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  25th  Jan17  1772. 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Patent  under  the  Province 
Seal. 


CORNISH. 


669 


Province  of  New  Hampshire — Portsmouth  22d  January  1772. 

These  may  Certify  that  this  Plan  Beginning  at  a Stake  & Stones 
standing  on  the  bank  of  Connecticut  River  on  the  North  side  of 
Blowmedown  Brook  so  called,  from  thence  running  S.  76°  E.  2 88 
Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones,  from  thence  running  South  150  W. 
283  Rods  to  a Stake  and  Stones,  from  thence  running  N.  76°  W. 
286  Rods  to  a Stake  & Stones  standing  on  the  bank  of  Connecti- 
cut River  aforesaid,  from  thence  up  said  River  to  the  Bounds  first 
mentioned — Contains  500  Acres  of  Land,  & is  a True  Copy  of  an 
Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  as  taken  & returned  to  me 
by  Captn  Jona  Chase  Depy  Surveyor 

attest  Is  : Ringe  Survr  Gen1 — 


[Draft  of  Charter  of  Coulerain,  1726.] 

[Farmer’s  Town  Papers,  Vol.  I,  p.  369.] 

George  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Brittain  France  and  Ire- 
land King  Defend'  of  the  faith  &ca — 

To  all  People  to  whom  These  Presents  Shall  Come  Greet- 
ing— 


670 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Know  Yee  that  We  of  Our  especial  knowledge  and  mere 
Motion  for  ye  due  encouragement  of  Settling  a new  Plantation  and 
for  the  Increase  of  Naval  Stores  by  and  with  the  advice  and  con- 
sent of  Our  council  have  given  and  granted  and  by  These  Pres- 
ents as  far  as  in  Us  lies  Do  give  and  grant  unto  Sundry  of  Our 
beloved  Subjects  whose  names  are  Entered  in  a Schedule  hereunto 
annexed,  and  in  the  manner  hereafter  Express’d  a Certain  Tract 
of  land  lying  and  being  within  Our  Province  of  New  Hampr 
bounded  as  followeth  (viz4)  Begining  at  Rochester  northerly 
Corner  bounds  at  or  near  Salmon-fall  river  runing  along  Roches- 
ter head  line  keeping  the  Course  of  that  line  till  twelve  miles  be 
accomplish’d,  and  from  Each  end  of  the  Said  twelve  mile  line  to 
run  northwest  half  a Point  notherly  ten  miles  and  then  to  run  a 
Streight  line  from  the  end  of  one  ten  mile  line  to  the  end  of  the 
other  which  will  be  parralel  to  Rochester  head  line  first  mentioned, 
And  That  the  Same  be  a Town  Corporate  by  ye  name  of 
Coulerain  To  the  Persons  aforesaid  lorever  to  be  divided  into 
Moietys  or  two  Equal  Parts  by  a Divisional  line  to  run  through 
the  Middle  of  the  Town  upon  a Northwest  half  notherly  point  of  the 
Compass  the  Southwestward  moiety  to  be  to  one  part  of  the  Pro- 
prietors and  the  northeasterly  moiety  to  another  part  of  the 
Proprietors  as  Shall  be  fully  Set  forth  Express’d  and  Explain’d  in 
The  Annexed  Schedule  to  Have  and  to  Hold  The  Sd  Tract  of 
land  In  Moietys  The  one  half  part  to  one  part  of  the  Proprietors 
and  the  other  half  part  to  the  other  part  of  the  Proprietors  as  will 
hereafter  In  the  Said  annexed  Schedule  be  fully  Express’d — Upon 
The  following  Conditions 

i8t  That  Every  Proprietor  of  the  northeasterly  Moiety  of  the 
Said  Town  build  a Dwelling  house  and  Settle  a family  Therein 
within  two  years,  and  pay  his  and  their  respective  Proportions  to 
all  Town  and  Province  Taxes  and  Charges  as  the  Same  Shall  be 
lawfully  demanded — 

2d  That  a Meeting  house  be  built  in  Some  Convenient  Place  in 
the  northeasterly  district  or  Moiety  of  the  Sd  Town  at  the  charge 
of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Sd  Northeasterly  Moiety  or  District  for 
the  Publick  worship  of  God  within  Three  Years — 

3d  That  upon  Default  of  any  Particular  Proprietor  in  Comply- 
ing with  the  Terms  of  this  Charter  Such  Delinquent  Proprietor 
shall  forfeit  his  respective  right  or  Share  to  Us  our  heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors, any  Thing  in  This  Charter  Contain’d  To  the  Contrary 
Thereof  notwithstanding.  Provided  nevertheless  That  three 
Proprietors  shares  be  reserved  in  Each  of  the  Sd  Moietys  or  Dis- 


CROYDON. 


671 


tricts,  One  for  the  first  Minister  forever,  One  for  a Parsonage 
forever,  And  the  Other  for  a School  forever  in  Each  of  the  Said 
Moietys  or  Districts  Rendering  and  paying  therefor  To  us  our 
heirs  and  successors  or  Such  Officer  as  Shall  be  appointed  to 
receive  the  Same  the  annual  Quit-Rent  or  Acknowledgerff  of  ten 
pounds  of  Hemp  and  one  barrel  of  Tar  upon  the  last  day  of  Octo- 
ber yearly  and  Every,  year  forever  (if  lawfully  demanded)  That  is 
to  Say  The  Proprietors  of  the  Southwest  Moiety  to  pay  the  hemp 
and  the  Proprietors  of  the  Northeast  Moiety  to  pay  the  Tar 
Reserving  also  unto  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  all  Mast 
Trees  growing  on  the  Said  tract  of  land  And  for  the  better  order 
rule  and  Govern^  of  the  Said  Two  Districts  or  Moietys  of  the 
Said  Town  We  do  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors Grant  unto  The  Proprietors  of  the  Sd  Two  Districts  or 
Moietys  respectively  yearly  and  every  year  to  hold  Town  meet- 
ings Seperately  and  independantly  one  of  another  as  if  they  were 
Two  Towns  and  to  Transact  all  Their  Town  affairs  Seperatly  as 
fully  as  any  Town  in  This  Province  of  New  Hampr  doth  or 
Ought  to  Do  according  To  law.  As  also  We  Give  & Grant 
unto  the  Proprietors  of  the  Said  Northeasterly  District  or  Moiety 
To  have  hold  and  Enjoy  Two  Fairs  yearly  to  be  held  and  kept  on 
the  last  Wednesday  in  May  and  the  Second  Wednesday  in  Septem- 
ber and  So  de  anno  in  annum  forever  In  Testimony  whereof  We 
have  Caused  the  Publick  Seal  of  Our  Said  Province  to  be  here- 
unto affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Lieutenant  Gover- 
nour  and  Command1  in  Chief  of  Our  Said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  the  first  day  of  Decembr  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  Our 
Reign  Annoq  Domini  1726 — 

By  order  of  His  Hoff  the  L*  Govr  by  and  wth  the  advice  of  ye 
Coun1 


CROYDON. 

[Granted  May  31,  1763,  to  Samuel  Chase  and  others.  The  charter  was 
renewed  Dec.  21,  1768.  The  line  between  this  town  and  Grantham  was  estab- 
lished Dec.  3,  1808,  by  which  Croydon  lost  some  territory  to  Grantham.  A tract 
was  severed  and  annexed  to  Cornish,  June  24,  1809. 

See  X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  398,  400,  as  to  participation  in 
movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  463  ; 
Index  to  Laws,  136;  sketch,  by  Edmund  Wheeler,  Hurd’s  History  of  Sullivan 
County,  1886,  p.  150;  Historical  Sketch,  by  L.  Cooper,  6,  Collections  of  N.  H. 
Historical  Society,  212;  Centennial  Celebration,  1867,  pp.  173;  Stewart’s  History 
of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  252;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cum- 
mings, 1836,  p.  9;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  443.] 


672 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Croydon  Charter,  1763.] 


*2-401 


^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 


Croydon  GEORGE  The  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq ; Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us, 
our  Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares, 
unto  Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of 
New -Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs 
and  Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to 
be  divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  one  equal  Shares, 
all  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within 
our  said  Province  of  New-Hamf  shire , containing  by  Admeasure- 
ment, Twenty  three  thousand  & forty  Acres , which  Tract  is  to 
contain  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more ; out  of  which  an  Allow- 
ance is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by 
Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty 
Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our 
said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office, 
and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz . 
Begining  at  the  Northerly  Corner  Bounds  of  Newport  thence 
Runing  South  Sixty  Six  Degrees  East  Six  Miles  & one  Quarter 
of  a Mile  by  Newport  aforesaid  to  the  Easterly  Corner  thereof 
then  turning  off&  runs  North  Sixteen  Degrees  East  five  Miles  & 
one  Quarter  of  a Mile  to  the  Southerly  Corner  of  Grantham  thence 
turning  off  & runing  North  Sixty  one  Degrees  West  Six  Miles  & 
one  half  by  Grantham  aforesaid  to  the  Westerly  Corner  thereof 
then  Turning  off  again  & runing  South  fifteen  degrees  West  Six 
Miles  to  the  Corner  of  Newport  began  at.  And  that  the  same  be, 
and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Croydon  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the 


CROYDON. 


673 


said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and 
Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And 
further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two 
Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the  And  the 

other  on  the  annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue 

longer  than  the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty 
Families,  a Market  maybe  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  *2-402 
Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought  most  advan- 
tagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the 
Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince, shall  be  held  on  the  Last  Monday  of  June  next  which  said 
Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Mr  Samuel  Chase  who  is  hereby  also 
appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to 
Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said 
Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the 
Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second 
Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract 
of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Ap- 
purtenances, to  them  and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  for- 
ever, upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted  to 
such  of  Our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  Forfeit- 
ure of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty  of 
any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall  be 
Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 

42 


674 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  17 63 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  abovesaid 
twenty-fifth  Day  of  December , namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of 
December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1773  One  shil- 
ling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns, 
settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser 
Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respec- 
tive Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  and  Assigns,  in  our  Council 
Chamber  in  Dorts?noutk,  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Pro- 
vince to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  31  Day  of  May  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Three  And  in  the  Third 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 


Province  of  New  Hampr  May  31,  1763 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  charter  under  the  Province 


*2-403  *Names  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  of  Croydon 


B Wentworth 


By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


Samuel  Chase 
John  Hollan 
Jona  Chase 
Moses  Chase 


Ephraim  Sherman  James  Wellmon 

Antipas  Hollon  Enoch  Marble 

Thomas  Dana  John  Stow 

Seth  Chase  Stephen  Hall 


CROYDON. 


675 


Daniel  Chase 
Samuel  Chase  Junr 
David  Temple 
William  Wait 
Luke  Drury 
Daniel  Chase  Junr 
James  Taylor 
Moses  Whipple 
Solomon  Chase 
Daniel  March 
Joseph  Vinson 
David  Sherman 
James  Richardson 
William  Dudley 
James  Whipple 
John  Whipple 
Silas  Hazeltine 


Ephraim  Sherman  Junr  John  Temple 
Ebenezer  Waters  Dudley  Chase 
Gershom  Wait  Honble  Richard  Wibird  Esq 


Phineas  Lealand 
Solomon  Aldridge 
Jonathan  Aldridge. 
Caleb  Chase 
Silas  Warring 
Moody  Chase 
Samuel  Ayers  Honble  John  Downing  Esq 
Timothy  Darling  Jonas  Brown 

Samuel  Sherman 
Samuel  Dudley 
Benjamin  Morse 
Benjamin  Morse  Junr 
Benjamin  Wallis 


March  Chase 
James  McClening 
Solomon  Lealand 
Benjamin  Wood 
Joseph  Whipple 
Benjamin  Lealand 


Ebenezer  Rawson 
Daniel  Putnam 
Abraham  Temple 
Joseph  Merram 
Willis  Hall 


Jonathan  Hale  Honble  Daniel  Warner  Esq 


Revd  Mr  Stephen  Chase  & Revd  Mr  Parsons  of  Rye 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  a Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  Five  Hundred  Acres,  as  Marked  B W in  the  Plan  which 
is  to  be  Accounted  two  of  the  within  Shares,  One  whole  Share  for 
the  Incorporated  [Society]  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gosple  in 
Foreign  Parts,  One  whole  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of 
England  as  by  Law  Established,  One  whole  Share  for  the  first 
Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  & One  Whole  Share  for  the  Benefit 
of  a School  in  said  Town — 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  May  31st  1763 

Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 


^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secry 


676 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  May  31st  1763 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Croydon  under 
the  Province  Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Junr  Secr^ 


CROYDON. 


677 


[Croydon  Charter  Renewed,  1768.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  *1-321 
Hampshire  ) of  God  of  Great  Britain  France 

Croydon  Charter  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
lengthen’d  out.  &ca 

Whereas  we  of  our  special  Grace  & mere  motion 
for  the  due  encouragement  of  Setling  a new  Planta- 
tion within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  our 
Letters  Patent  or  Charter  under  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  Dated  the  31st  day  of  May  1763  in  the  Third  year  our 
Reign  a tract  of  land  equal  to  Six  miles  square  bounded  as  there- 
in expressed  to  a number  of  our  Loyal  Subjects  whose  names  are 
entered  on  the  same  to  hold  to  them  their  Heirs  and  Assignes  on 
the  Conditions  therein  declared  to  be  a Town  Corporate  by  the 
name  of  Croydon  as  by  referrence  to  the  said  Charter  may  more 
fully  appear. — and  whereas  the  said  Grantees  have  Represented  un- 
to us  that  by  reason  of  the  Great  inconveniencies  which  occur  in  the 
settlement  of  New  Townships  so  remotely  Situated  from  any  other 
Settlements  that  can  afford  any  Assistance,  hath  rendered  it  im- 
practicable for  the  whole  number  of  Grantees  to  perform  that  part 
of  the  Conditions  that  relates  to  the  Cultivation  of  such  a propor- 
tion of  the  said  Grant;  That  there  are  Fifteen  Families  now  Setled 
on  the  Premises  and  a good  passable  Road*  cut  to  about  the  middle 
of  the  said  Township,  which  affords  them  hopes  of  a final  Settle- 
ment without  delay — and  humbly  Supplicating  us  not  to  take  ad- 
vantage of  the  breach  of  said  Conditions  but  to  lengthen  out  & 
grant  them  some  further  time  for  the  performance  thereof — Now 
know  Ye  that  we  being  willing  to  promote  the  end  proposed — 
have  of  our  further  Grace  and  favor  suspended  our  claim  of  the 
forfeiture  which  the  said  Grantees  may  have  incurred,  & by  these 
Presents  do  grant  unto  the  said  Grantees  their  heirs  and 
* Assignes,  the  term  of  Four  Years  for  performing  and  *1-352 
fulfilling  the  Conditions,  matters  and  things  by  them  to  be 
done  as  aforesaid,  except  the  Quit  rents  which  are  to  remain  due, 
and  payable,  as  expressed  and  Reserved  in  the  Original  Grant  or 
Charter. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  Jn°  Wentworth  Esq  : our 
Governor  & Commander  in  Cheif  the  21st  day  of  Decemr  in  the 
Ninth  year  of  our  Reign  Annoque  Dom  : 1768 


J’  Wentworth 


’’  P-  I7«0 


DEERING. 


679 


Hamstead  North  East  Corner  So  binding  on  Hamstead  to  San- 
down  than  Northerly  on  Sandown  to  Exeter  than  Easterly  on 
Exeter  to  the  Bounds  first  mentiond 

The  sd  Partees  agree  that  all  those  that  Petitioned  a Pole  may 
have  the  oppertunity  And  the  Heirs  & assigns  of  those  Persons 
that  Pole  out  of  the  above  Bounded  may  have  the  Liberty  of  three 
months  to  make  their  Chose  in  which  Parish  they  & Estates  Shall 
Stand 

And  Whereas  the  Dividing  line  as  above  Agreed  to  between  the 
parties  may  Run  through  & Divide  Land  belonging  to  Sundry 
persons,  it  is  ment  that  all  such  Lands  shall  belong  to  the  parish 
& be  so  Accounted  Where  the  Owner  or  Owners  of  said  Land  Live 
provided  they  live  In  the  Old  or  New  parish 


DEERFIELD. 

[Set  off  from  Nottingham  and  incorporated  Jan.  8,  1766.  Said  to  be  named 
from  the  large  number  of  deer  then  seen  in  that  vicinity. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  147  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  483  ; Index 
to  Laws,  145  ; History  of  Nottingham,  Deerfield  and  North  wood,  by  Elliott  C. 
Cogswell,  1878,  pp.  790;  Account  of  Fall  Fight,  1676,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s 
Historical  Collections,  287;  41,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  201  ; Bill  of  Mortality, 
1802-21,  by  N.  Weare,  2,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  199;  Action 
of,  1776,  on  Question  of  Armed  Resistance  to  the  Crown,  24,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen. 
Register,  5 ; sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p.  164;  Stew- 
art’s History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  252;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by 
E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  pp.  7,  16;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  35; 
Butler’s  Book,  by  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  1892.] 


DEERING. 

[This  town  was  originally  a part  of  Cumberland,  or  Society  Land.  It  was  in- 
corporated Jan.  1 7,  1774,  and  named  by  Gov.  John  Wentworth  in  honor  of  his 
wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Frances  Deering. 

See  Massachusetts  charters . preceding ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  759;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  490;  Index  to  Laws,  146;  sketch,  by  George  C.  Patten, 
Hurd’s  History  of  Hillsborough  County,  1885.  p.  366;  Life  of  James  W.  Grimes, 
by  William  Salter,  1876;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  162.] 


68  o 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Deering  Incorporated,  1774.] 

*4-183  ^Province  of  New  > George  the  third  by  the  grace 
Hampshire  5 of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  & 
Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  presents  shall 
come  greeting 

Whereas  our  loyal  Subjects  Inhabitants  of 
Dering  a tract  of  Land  within  our  Province  of  New 
formerly  Society  Hampshire  aforesaid  commonly  called  and  known 
Land  by  the  name  of  the  Society  Land  containing 
by  estimation  about  six  Miles  square  have  humbly  petitioned 
and  requested  us  that  they  may  be  erected  and  incorporated 
into  a Township  and  enfranchised  with  the  same  Powers  & 
Priveleges  which  other  Towns  within  our  said  Province  by 
Law  have  and  enjoy  and  it  appearing  to  us  to  be 
*4-184  *conducive  to  the  general  Good  of  our  said  Province  as 
well  as  of  the  said  Inhabitants  in  particular  by  maintain- 
ing good  order  and  encouraging  the  culture  of  the  Land  that  the 
same  should  be  done.  Know  Ye  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  cer- 
tain knowledge  & for  the  encouragement  & promotion  of  the  good 
purposes  and  ends  aforesaid  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  trusty 
and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  our  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  chief  of  our  said  Province  and  of  our  Council  of  the 
same  have  erected  and  ordained  and  by  thes'e  Presents  for  us  our 
Heirs  and  Successors  do  will  and  ordain  that  the  Inhabitants  of 
said  Tract  of  Land  and  others  who  shall  improve  and  inhabit 
thereon  hereafter,  the  same  being  butted  and  bounded  as  follows 
viz1  Begining  at  the  Northwest  Corner  of  Francestown  from 
thence  East  to  the  easterly  side  Line  of  the  Society  Land  so  called 
from  thence  North  to  the  Corner  of  the  said  Society  Land  from 
thence  by  the  said  Society  Land  westerly  to  Contocook  River 
bounding  partly  on  the  Towns  of  Henniker  and  Hillsborough  from 
thence  as  said  Contocook  River  runs  so  far  as  that  an  East  Line 
shall  strike  the  said  North  west  Corner  of  Francestown  from  thence 
by  said  East  Line  to  the  Bounds  first  mentioned  be  and  they  are 
hereby  declared  to  be  a town  corporate  by  the  name  of  Dering  to 
have  continuance  forever  with  all  the  Powers  and  authorities  priv- 
eleges immunities  and  Franchises  which  any  other  Towns  in  our 
said  Province  by  Law  hold  and  enjoy  to  the  said  Inhabitants  or 
those  who  shall  hereafter  inhabit  these  and  to  their  Successors  for- 


DERRY. 


68 1 

ever  always  reserving  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  all  white 
pine  Trees  that  are  or  shall  be  found  being  & growing  within  & 
upon  the  said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  Use  of  our  royal  Navy 
Reserving  also  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  the  Power  of 
dividing  said  Town  when  it  shall  appear  necessary  and  convenient 
for  the  Inhabitants  thereof.  Provided  nevertheless  and  it  is  here- 
to declared  that  this  Charter  and  Grant  is  not  intended  and  shall 
not  in  any  manner  be  construed  to  affect  the  private  Property 
of  the  Soil  within  the  Limits  aforesaid 

And  as  the  several  Towns  within  our  said  Province*  are  *4-185 
by  the  Laws  thereof  enabled  and  authorized  to  assemble 
and  by  the  majority  of  the  Voters  present  to  chuse  all  Officers  and 
transact  such  Affairs  as  in  the  said  Laws  are  declared,  We  do  by 
these  Presents  nominate  and  appoint  William  Clark  Esqrto  call  the 
first  Meeting  of  the  said  Inhabitants  to  be  held  within  the  said  Town 
at  any  time  within  ninety  days  from  the  date  hereof  giving  legal 
notice  of  the  time  and  design  of  holding  such  Meeting  after  which 
the  annual  Meeting  for  said  Town  shall  be  held  for  the  choice  of 
said  Officers  and  the  Purposes  aforesaid  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  the 
Month  of  March  annually 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our  aforesaid  Governor 
and  Commander  in  chief  this  seventeenth  day  of  January  in  the 
Fourteenth  Year  of  our  reign  Annoque  Domini  1774 

J : Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secy 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  17th  day  of  January  1774 

Attestr  Geo  : King  Depy  Secy 


DERRY. 

[Set  off  from  Londonderry  and  incorporated  July  2,  1827.  Named  from  Derry, 
Ireland. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  papers,  479;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  429;  Index 
to  Laws,  147  ; sketch,  by  R.  C.  Mack,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County, 
1882,  p.  168  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  pp.  38,  43  ; Rededication  of  First 
Congregational  Church,  1885,  pp.  33;  Dedication  of  Soldiers’  Monument;  History 
of  Londonderry,  comprising  the  towns  of  Derry  and  Londonderry,  by  Edward 
C.  Parker,  1851,  pp.  358  ; note  on  Londonderry,  post.~\ 


682 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


DORCHESTER. 

[Granted  July  8,  1761,  to  Henry  Thompson  and  others.  Regranted  Nov.  21, 
1766,  to  Samuel  Hobart  and  others,  and  again,  May  1,  1772,  to  John  House  and 
others. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  187  ; X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  papers,  398, 
as  to  participation  in  movement  for  union  with  Vermont  towns;  XI,  Hammond 
Town  Papers,  498  ; Index  to  Laws,  151  ; sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton 
County,  1886,  p.  236;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p. 
18;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  529.] 


[Dorchester  Charter,  1761.] 

*2-41  ^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 

Dorchester  GEORGE  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  vjhom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantatio7i  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  in  New-England,  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
PLamf  shire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  nine  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  o { New-Hamj>shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement,  twen- 
ty Three  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres,  which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free, 
according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Gover- 
nor’s Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto 


DORCHESTER. 


683 


annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begining  at  the 
South  East  Corner  of  Lime  from  Thence  Runing  North  twenty 
degrees  East  Six  miles  by  Lime  from  thence  South  Sixty  one 
degrees  East  Six  miles,  from  Thence  South  twenty  degrees  West 
Six  miles  from  Thence  North  Sixty  one  degrees  West  Six  miles  to 
the  first  Mentioned  Bounds — And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is 
Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Dorchester  And  the 
Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township, 
are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchised  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and 
every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within 
Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the 
said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and 
settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two  Fairs , one 
of  which  shall  be  held  on  the  And  the  other 

on  the  annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  con- 
tinue longer  than  the  respective  * following  the 

said  and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town 

shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a market  may  be  ^opened  *2—42 
and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be 
thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of 
our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  Aug 
Next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Cap1  John  Thom- 
son who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first 
Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws 
and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting 
for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said 
Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To 
Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed, 
together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their 
respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Condi- 
tions, viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant 
or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 
Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 


6S4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  .hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date  here- 
of, the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty-fifth 
Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first  Pay- 
ment to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December.  1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
of  December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  wheref  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said  Prov- 
ince to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Eighth  Day  of  July  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  one  And  in  the  first 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  N Hampr  July  8th  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  original  under  the  Province  Seal  in 
the  Book  of  Charters 


^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


DORCHESTER. 


685 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees  in  Dorchester 


2-43 


Henry  Thomson  Mathew  Thomson 

David  Shaw  Junr  William  Sloan 

John  Nelson  Sen1  James  Lamont  Senr 

James  Smith  James  Smith  Junr 

Timoy  Mackelwin  Junr  Robert  Hunter  Junr 


James  Nelson 
Mathew  Brown 
George  Shaw 
Sith  Shaw  Junr 
James  McClaland 


William  Fleming 
John  Lamberton 
James  Dickeson 
James  Thomson 
Joshua  Shaw  Palmr 
John  Capen 


Samuel  McClenethen  James  Lamberton  Junr 


John  Quenton 
William  Mitchel 
Hugh  Smith 
Eleazer  McNitt 
Andrew  McNitt 


James  Thomson  Brantry  Zachr  Fosse 
John  Payton  Junr  Thomas  Wentworth 

Samuel  Blackmore  Charles  Kavannah 

George  Furnald  William  Kennedy 

Theodore  Atkinson  Junr  Nath1  Fellows 
Charles  Blunt  John  Ley 

John  Clark  John  Wentworth  Junr  Thomas  Warren 

Nath1  Dowse  John  Langdon  John  Cutt 

John  Libby  M H Wentworth  Esq  John  Green 

Theodore  Atkinson  Esq  Benning  Wentworth  John  Nelson  Mercht 


John  Ray 
Robert  Farrell 
Patrick  Smith 
James  Lamberton 
William  Scott 
Timothy  Sabin  Esq 
Solomon  Blackmore 
Thomas  Peverly 
Edward  Eayres 
William  Blunt 
John  Nelson 


His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  of  Land  to 
Contain  five  hundred  Acres  as  marked  in  the  Plan  B W which  is 
to  be  Accounted  Two  of  the  within  Shares  One  whole  Share  for 
the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  forreign  Parts  one 
Share  for  the  first  Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  one  Share  for  a 
Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established  one 
Share  for  the  Benefit  of  the  School  in  Said  Town — 


July  8th  1761  Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  Original  Charter 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


686 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampr  July  8 — 1761 
Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  original  Charter 

'p  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


[Dorchester  Regrant,  1766.] 


*3-166 


^Province  of  New-Hampshire. 


Dorchester  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Prese?its  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq;  Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New- 
Hampshire,  in  New-England , and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 


DORCHESTER. 


687 


after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire , and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Nine  equal  Shares,  all 
that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our 
said  Province  of  New -Hampshire , containing  by  Admeasurement, 
23040  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles  square,  and  no 
more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways 
and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers, 
One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and 
Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Governor’s  Order,  and  returned 
into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Beginning  at  the  S E Corner  of  Lime, 
from  thence  running  North  20  dgs  East  Six  miles  by  Lime,  from 
thence  South  61  ds  East  6 Miles  from  thence  South  20  Dgs  West  Six 
miles  from  thence  North  6id9  West  Six  miles  to  the  first  mention’d 
bounds. — And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a 
Township  by  the  Name  of  Dorchester  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do 
or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township,  are  hereby  declared 
to  be  Enfranchised  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Privil- 
edges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our  Province  by 
Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And  further,  that  the  said  Town  as 
soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled  thereon, 
shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be 
held  on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue 
longer  than  the  respective  following  the 

said  and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town 

shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  *3-167 
and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be 
thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first 
Meeting  for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of 
our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the 
which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by 

who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meet- 
ing, which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and 
Customs  of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for 
ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town, 
shall  be  on  the  of  March  annually,  To 

Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed, 


688 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their 
respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Condi- 
tions, viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to  such 
of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1767 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth 
Day  of  December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777 
One  shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Coun- 
cil Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 


DORCHESTER. 


68  9 


Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  21st  Day  of  November  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Six  And  in  the  Seventh 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

T : Atkinson  jr  Secretary 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  22d  Novemr  1766 
Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal 

^ : T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


*Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Dorchester.  *3-168 


Sam1  Hobart 
Benj.  Abbott 
Jn°  Thompson 
Jona  Johnson 
Noah  Thompson 
Amos  Fisk 
Rufus  Thompson 
John  Atwell 
Matthew  Thompson 
Stephen  Powers 
Ja3.  McLellan 
Noah  Worcester 
Henry  Thompson 
Ja3.  Shannon 
Seth  Shaw 
Dan1  Emerson 
Rob1  Hunter 
Benj.  Stephens 


Sam  : Cumin gs  jr 
Zachh  Foss 
Sam1  Cutt 
Ja3  Lamberton 
S1  McClanathen 
Bernd  McNitt 
Abrm  Hunter 
Isaac  Hunter 
Abrm  Hunter  jr 
Jacb  Smith 
Jn°  Qiienton 
Timy  Mackelwain 
Ja3  Smith  jr 
Will™  Mitchell 
Will : Scott 
Rob1  Terrill 
Ewd  Cutt 
James  Hight 


Soln  Blackmore  Thom3  Wentworth  Esqr 
Benj.  Thompson  John  Green 
Lemuel  Blackmore  Isaac  Williams 


Thom3  Peverly 
John  Marsh 
John  Briard 
Hall  Jackson 
Jn°  Wentworth  Esqr 
Joseph  Welch 
Amos  Beck 
Mich1  Martin 
Theodr  Atkinson  jr  Esq 
Sam1  Hart  jr 
George  Ferneld 
Benng  Wentworth 
Ja3  Hobart 
Tho3  Patch 
Joshua  Smith 
Hugh  Smith 
Henry  Thompson 
Jn°  Hobart 
Mk  Hg  Wentworth  ^ 
Theodre  Atkinson  > Esq13 
Jn°  Nelson  ) 


Five  Hundred  Acres  for  his  Excellency  Benng  Wentworth  Esqr 
as  mark’d  B.  W-  in  the  Plan,  which  is  to  be  accounted  two  of  the 
within  Shares.  One  share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Forreign  Parts.  One  Share  for  a Glebe 
43 


690 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Establishd.  One  Share  for 
the  first  settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel.  One  share  for  the  benefit 
of  a School  in  sd  Town  for  Ever. 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  22d  Novr  1766 
Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Dorchester 
under  the  Province  Seal. 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Sec17 


Prove  of  New  Hampshire  22d  Novemr  17 66 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Dorchester 
under  the  Prove  Seal 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


[Dorchester  Regrant,  1772.] 

*4-73  ""Province  of  New  ) George  the  Third  by  the  Grace 
Hampshire  > of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and 
(Dorchester.)  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  ffaith 

& so  forth. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greeting. — 


DORCHESTER. 


69I 


Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  & 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  Plan- 
tation within  our  said  Province  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our 
Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  our  Gover- 
nor & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire in  New  England  & of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province  ; 
Have  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  after  made 
given  and  granted  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  do  give  and  grant  in  Equal  Shares  unto  our  loving 
Subjects  Inhabitants  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & 
our  other  Governments  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever, 
whose  Names  are  enter’d  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and 
amongst  them  into  Seventy  Two  Equal  Shares  all  that  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  called  & known  by  the  Name  of  Dorchester, 
situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire & containing  by  admeasurement  Twenty  three  Thousand  and 
Forty  Acres,  which  Tract  is  to  contain  Six  Miles  Square,  & no 
more  ; out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  Highways  and 
unimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers  One 
thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey 
thereof  made  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & return’d  into  the 
Secretary’s  office,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  butted  & 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz*.  Beginning  at  the  South  East  Corner  of 
Lime,  from  thence  running  North  Twenty  Degrees  East  Six  Miles 
by  Lime,  from  thence  South  Sixty  one  degrees  East  Six  Miles, 
from  thence  South  Twenty  Degrees  West  Six  Miles,  from  thence 
North  Sixty  one  Degrees  West  Six  Miles  to  the  first  mentioned 
Bounds.  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above 
expressed,  together  with  all  Priviledges  and  Appurtenances  to  them 
and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  for  Ever,  upon  the  follow- 
ing Conditions  by  the  Name  of  Dorchester,  Viz* 

First  That  every  Grantee  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  & 
cultivate  Five  Acres  of  land  within  the  term  of  five  Years  for  every 
Fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  proportion  of  Land  in 
said  Township  & continue  to  improve  and  Settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  his  Grant  or 
Share  in  the  said  Township,  & of  its  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  regranted  to  such  of  our  Subjects 
as  shall  effectually  settle  & cultivate  the  same. 

Second  That  the  Grantees  at  their  own  cost  shall  cut  clear 
bridge  and  make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a 
Road  of  three  Rods  wide  ^through  the  said  Township,  *4-74 


692 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


which  Road  shall  be  completed  in  Two  Years  from  the  date 
of  this  Grant,  in  failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part 
thereof  shall  be  forfeited  and  Revert  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors and  regranted  to  any  of  our  Loving  Subjects. 

Third  That  the  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  settled 
Twenty  Families  by  the  First  day  of  May  1773,  & continue  to 
add  yearly,  Settlers  thereunto,  so  that  there  shall  be  actually  resi- 
dent on  the  said  Land  Sixty  Families  by  the  first  day  of  May 
*777- — 

Fourth  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said 
Township,  fit  for  Masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved 
for  that  use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing,  first  had  & obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  for- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee  his  Heirs  and  Assigns  to  us 
our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall 
be  enacted. 

Fifth  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

Sixth  Yielding  and  Paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  for  the  space  of  five  Years  to  be  computed  from  the 
Date  hereof,  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  on  the 
Twenty  fifth  day  of  December  annually  if  lawfully  demanded,  the 
first  payment  to  be  made  on  the  Twenty  fifth  day  of  December 

I772- 

Seventh  Every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield 
and  pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every  year 
for  ever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  Five  Years  from  the  above- 
said  Twenty  fifth  day  of  December,  namely  on  the  Twenty  fifth 
day  of  December  which  will  be  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1777, 
One  Shileing  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he 
so  owns  Settles  or  possesses  & so  in  proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  : which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  in  our  Coun- 
cil chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  officer  or  officers  as  shall  be 
appointed  to  receive  the  same ; And  these  to  be  in  lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. — 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 


DORCHESTER. 


693 


Esquire  our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  aforesaid  the  First 
day  of  May  in  the  Twelfth  year  of  our  Reign,  and  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  Christ  1772. 

By  His  Excellencys 
Command  with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


'The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Dorchester. 


'4 -75 


John  House  Esqr 
John  Wright 
Seth  Wright 
Samuel  Wing 
Nathan  West 
Thomas  Bingham 
Asahel  Clark 


Otis  Little 
Eleazar  House 


Dr  Hall  Jackson 
John  Marsh 
Isaac  Williams 
Joseph  Day 
William  Welch 
Henry  Sherburne 
Thomas  Floyd 


Samuel  Parker 
Richard  Cutt  Shannon 
Joseph  Pattinson 
John  Nelson  Esqr 
John  Pingrey  Williams 
Robert  Luist  Fowle 
William  Gardner 


David  Woodward 
Ambrose  Cushman 
Thomas  Porter 
Asa  Parker 
Gideon  Rudd 
Jonathan  Freeman 
John  Burnap 
Isaac  Burnap 
Bezaleel  Woodward 
Timothy  Bush 
Jonathan  House 
Benning  Wentworth 
John  Smith 
Abijah  Smith 


Thomas  Daverson  John  Wentworth  Esqr  Judge 
Joseph  Sherburne  of  Probate  for  this  Province 


Jacob  Marston  Thomas  MacDonogh  Esqr 
Giles  Tiffany  Nathaniel  Ray  Thomas  Esqr 
William  Yeaton  WysemanClagett  Esqr 
James  Melcher  Woodbury  Langdon 

Samuel  Hobart  Esqr  John  Sparhawk 
Theodore  Atkinson  Esqr  Joshua  Brackett 
Mark  Hg  Wentworth  Esqr  Ebenezer  Lewis 
Daniel  Peirce  Esqr  Bozenger  Salter 
John  Parker  Esqr  Joseph  Ward 

John  Sullivan  Esqr  Paul  Langdon 

John  Hurd  Esqr  Joshua  Wentworth 
William  Simpson  Esqr  John  Marshall 
John  Wendell  Esqr  Ephraim  Ham 

Isaac  Rindge  Esqr  George  Marshall  Junr 


One  Right,  for  the  Incorporated  society  for  the  Propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts. 

One  Right,  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  as  by  Law 
established. 

One  Right,  for  the  first  settled  Minister  of  ye  Gospel  in  sd  town. 
One  Right,  for  the  benefit  of  a School  in  said  Town  for  Ever. 


694 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


H- 

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VUl  <?  MtQT  £ 


DOVER. 


69S 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  2d  May  1772. 

These  may  Certify  that  the  above  plan  Contains  near  Twenty 
three  thousand  & forty  Acres  of  Land. 

Attest.  Is.  Rindge  S.  G1 


Wentworth. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire.  Recorded  according  to  the  Orig- 
inal Grant,  under  the  Province  Seal  this  4th  day  of  May  1 77 2 . 

Attest : Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


DOVER. 

[Formerly  known  as  Cocheco  and  Northam.  The  town  was  never  formally  in- 
corporated, but  early  assumed  a municipal  organization.  Submitted  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts government  in  1641 . The  name  of  Dover  was  taken  from  an  English 
town.  Newington  was  set  off  as  a parish  in  1713,  and  was  given  town  privileges 
in  1764.  Somersworth,  including  Rollinsford,  was  set  off  as  a parish  Dec.  19, 
1729,  and  incorporated  April  22,  1754.  Durham,  including  Lee  and  a part  of 
Madbury,  was  set  off  and  incorporated  May  15,  1732.  Madbury,  made  up  partly 
from  Dover  and  partly  from  Durham,  was  set  off  as  a parish  May  31,  1755,  and 
was  given  town  privileges  May  26,  1768.  Dover  was  incorporated  as  a city 
June  29,  1855,  and  the  charter  was  amended  the  following  year. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  153;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  506;  Index  to  Laws,  152;  Farmer’s  Belknap’s  History 
of  N.  H.,  chapters  1 and  2,  et  seq. ; Historical  Memoranda,  comprising  450  articles 
in  the  Dover  Enquirer , 1850-1890,  principally  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  a few  being 
contributed  by  John  Wentworth,  Ballard  Smith,  Charles  Wesley  Tuttle,  and  Mary 
P.  Thompson  ; sketch,  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  Hurd’s  History  of  Strafford  County, 
1882,  p.  758  ; The  First  Parish,  1633-1883,  by  Alonzo  H.  Quint,  1884,  pp.  148  ; 
Wentworth  Genealogy,  by  John  Wentworth,  1878,  three  volumes;  Landmarks  in 
Ancient  Dover,  by  Mary  P.  Thompson,  1888,  pp.  85,  2d  ed.,  1892,  pp.  284;  n, 
Granite  Monthly,  1 69  to  339 ; special  papers  relating  to  the  early  history  of  the 
town  in  appendix  of  this  volume;  Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p. 
375  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  20 ; History  of  the 
Catholic  Church  in  the  United  States,  by  John  G.  Shea,  1890,  vol.  3,  144; 
Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  317  ; Manual  of  First  Church,  No.  1,  1876, 
No.  2,  1893;  Historical  Sketch  of  M.  E.  Church,  by  Rev.  James  Thurston,  1879, 
pp.  30;  Sermon,  at  opening  of  new  Universalist  church,  1837,  by  Moses  Ballou, 
1838,  pp.  15  ; Extracts  relating  to  Dover  and  Hampton,  from  Capt.  Johnson’s  His- 
tory of  New  England,  1,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  255,  261; 
Bi-Centennial  Sermon  on  200th  Anniversary  of  Formation  of  First  Congregational 
Church,  1838,  by  David  Root,  1839,  pp.  31  ; consult  authorities  cited  under  titles, 
Exeter,  Hampton,  Isles  of  Shoals,  New  Castle,  and  Portsmouth ; also  the  several 
histories  of  New  England  and  the  citations  in  Bibliography  of  Dover,  by  John  R. 


696 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Ham,  1892,  in  Report  of  the  State  Librarian,  1892,  pp.  193  to  266,  also  pamphlet, 
pp.  74;  Dover  in  the  U.  S.  Navy,  1861-1865,  by  John  R.  Ham,  1892  ; Localities 
in  Ancient  Dover,  by  John  R.  Ham,  1887;  Granite  Monthly,  vol.  9,  p.  362,  to 
vol.  10,  p.  1 12;  Acts  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Apostles,  by  Parker  Pillsbury,  1883,  p. 
173  ; Assault  on  Barefoot  and  Mason,  1683,  2,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical 
Society,  195;  Physicians,  by  John  R.  Ham,  1879;  Baptisms,  1717-1787,  by 
John  R.  Ham,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  vol.  29,  p.  261,  to  vol.  41,  p.  278; 
Bellamy  River  Mill  Suit,  by  F.  W.  Hackett,  5,  Granite  Monthly,  89;  The  Dover 
Settlement  and  the  Hiltons,  by  J.  T.  Hassam,  36,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  40; 
Extracts  from  Town  Records  by  A.  H.  Quint,  4,  id.,  246;  Town  Officers,  by  A. 

H.  Quint;  Account  of  Dover  Cotton  Factory;  First  Church  in,  by  A.  H.  Quint. 

I,  Granite  Monthly,  193;  Journal,  1678-1709,  by  J.  Pike,  3,  Collections  of  N.  H. 
Historical  Society,  40;  same,  with  introduction  by  A.  H.  Quint,  14,  Mass.  Histor- 
ical Society  Proceedings,  1 17;  Landgrabbers  in,  1729,  by  W.  F.  Goodwin,  Daw- 
son’s Historical  Magazine,  2d.  series,  vol.  8,  p.  84;  Marriages,  1767-76,  by  John 
R.  Ham,  28,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  155  ; Dr.  Belknap’s  List  of  Marriages,  25, 
id.,  294;  Marriages,  1776-87,  by  F.  Tuttle,  25,  id.,  56;  Marriages,  23,  id.,  179; 
Massacre  at  Dover,  June  27,  1689,  by  C.  E.  Potter,  8,  Collections  of  N.  H.  His- 
torical Society,  403;  Notes  on  Dover  Combination  of  1640,  by  A.  H.  Quint,  33, 
N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  91  ; Old  Town  Records,  1642-44,  by  G.  T.  Wentworth, 
4,  id.,  30  ; Petition  of  Dover  and  Newbury  for  Land  at  Penacook,  1659,  3,  Collec- 
tions of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  212;  Petition  of  Inhabitants  for  Restoration  of 
Garrison,  1748,  4,  id.,  253  ; The  Squamscott  Patent,  a Puritanical  Humbug,  Daw- 
son’s Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  4,  p.  187;  The  Squamscott  or  Hilton’s 
Patent,  24,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  264 ; Genealogical  Items  Relating  to  Early 
Settlers,  by  A.  H.  Quint,  id.,  vol.  5,  p.  449,  to  vol.  9,  p.  364;  Hopewood  Point, 
20,  id.,  373  ; Hope  Hood’s  Point,  28,  id.,  203  ; First  Book  Printed,  30,  id.,  468  ; 
Historical  Memoranda,  33,  id.,  108;  Notes  on  Rev.  Dr.  Quint’s  Article  on  the 
Dover  Combination,  33,  id.,  242  ; Capt.  John  Gerrish’s  Account  Book,  preserving 
names  of  citizens,  36,  id.,  73  ; discourse,  250th  anniversary,  by  G.  B.  Spaulding, 
1873,  PP-  29  5 Pulpit  during  the  Revolutionary  War,  discourse  by  G.  B.  Spaulding, 
1876,  pp.  31  ; History,  1795,  repub.  1804;  Cochecho  in  1689,  8,  Collections  of 
N.  H.  Historical  Society,  404;  Statistics  for  1886;  Roll  of  Methodist  Pastors ; 
Laying  of  Corner  Stone  of  City  Hall,  1890.] 


DOVER. 


697 


[Taxes  in  Dover,  1741.] 
[Farmer's  Ms.  Town  Papers,  IV,  299.] 


The  Countepin  of  Dover  Parish. 


Thomas  Millit  Esqr 

1 

9 

0 

Benjamin  bodge 

_ 

6 

8 

Cap1  Tho6  Tebbets 

0 

1 1 

4 

John  Row 

— 

6 

8 

Ebenr  Tuttel 

0 

15 

0 

Timothy  Moses 

— 

10 

— 

John  Clamants 

0 

12 

4 

Jonathan  Danald 

— 

1 1 

4 

Richard  Plumer 

1 

0 

8 

Arthar  Danielson 

16 

8 

Joseph  Hall 

0 

7 

8 

Samuel  Marthas 

— 

Thomas  Roberts 

0 

H 

4 

Ichabod  Tebbets 

— 

5 

8 

Stephen  Robarts 

1 

9 

8 

Howard  Henderson  Jur 

1 

1 6 

8 

Joseph  Rankins 

0 

17 

0 

Eli  Demerit  Junr 

— 

7 

0 

Howard  Henderson 

— 

Q 

3 

Henry  Bussell 

— 

12 

4 

Richman  Henderson 

— 

9 

8 

John  Daniel 

— 

6 

8 

Nathaniel  Robarts 

— 

12 

8 

John  Drew 

3 

John  pirkins 

— 

12 

4 

Nathall  Roberts  Junr 

0 

! 6 

8 

Thomas  Roberts  Jur 

— 

6 

8 

Robert  Willey 

— 

7 

4 

Elijah  Tuttle 

— 

1 1 

8 

Daniel  Buncker 

0 

9 

John  Bickford 

— 

8 

8 

William  Appelby 

0 

6 

8 

Joshua  Canney 

— 

10 

8 

Thomas  Mudy 

— 

6 

8 

Thomas  Ash 

— 

10 

8 

benjamin  Bodge  Junr 

— 

6 

8 

Joseph  Bickford 

— 

10 

4 

Joseph  Drew 

— 

10 

— 

Richard  Husey 

1 

1 2 

4 

Paul  Canney 

— 

6 

8 

John  Bickford  Jur 

— 

12 

8 

Ambros  Bamtom 

— 

7 

4 

Joshua  perkins 

— 

9 

— 

John  Harvey 

— 

10 

8 

Samuel  Chesley 

— 

l7 

4 

Stephen  Pinckham 

— 

9 

8 

Samuel  Starbird 

— 

1 6 

Clement  Harvey 

— 

\ 

7 

4 

John  Starbird 

— 

16 

— 

Thomas  Rines 

— 

6 

8 

John  Laighton 

— 

l9 

8 

Jacob  Daniel 

— 

12 

4 

Ens  Israel  Hodgdon 

— 

14 

8 

James  Pinckam  Junr 

— 

1 1 

0 

Ephraim  Tebbets  Jr 

— 

l7 

8 

Vine4  Tar 

— 

l7 

8 

John  Huckings 

— 

15 

8 

James  Nute  Junr 

— 

9 

4 

Shadrach  Hodgdon 

1 

3 

4 

Paul  Nute 

— 

6 

8 

Daniel  Titcomb 

— 

18 

0 

Benjamin  Williy 

6 

8 

Daniel  Harvey 

— 

12 

4 

James  Chesley 

— 

*4 

4 

John  field 

— 

H 

4 

Heatevel  Laighton 

— 

13 

4 

John  field  Junr 

— 

7 

8 

James  Jackson 

— 

x3 

8 

Job  Demerit 

1 

0 

4 

John  Plumer 

— 

7 

4 

Thomas  Willey 

— 

15 

4 

Elisabeth  Harford 

— 

7 

0 

James  Pinckham 

— 

12 

4 

Aaron  Roberts 

— 

6 

8 

L4  thomas  Davis 

— 

I9 

8 

Moses  Roberts 

— 

6 

8 

Zach17  Buncker 

— 

9 

0 

Elisabeth  Young 

— 

6 

4 

698 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Joseph  Hall  Junr 

6 

S Nichlas  Pours 

6 

S 

Henry  Tebbets 

— 

H 

4 Samuel  Roberts 

— 

6 

8 

David  Daniel 

— 

1 5 

0 Benjamin  Roberts 

— 

13 

4 

John  Ham  Jur 

1 

, 1 

— Joseph  Crumwell 

— 

' 7 

8 

John  Giles 

0 

, 7 

4 *Benjn  Roberts  J ur 

— 

l7 

0 

Love  Canney 

— 

7 

4 Joseph  Hutchings 

— 

6 

8 

Abner  Young 

— 

7 

4 Benjamin  furbush 

— 

10 

4 

Tobias  Rendal 

— 

7 

4 Jacob  Allen 

— 

8, 

0 

Spencer  alien 

— 

6 

S Joseph  Allen 

— 1 

9 

4 

Treestirm  Pinkham 

— 

15 

4 Daniel  Jacobs 

— 

10 

4 

Ichabod  Bodge 

— 

6 

8 Jonathan  Ham 

— 

6 

8 

Morras  fowler 

— 

6 

8 Joseph  Dam 

— 

9 

— 

James  Tomson 

— 

6 

8 Josiah  Tucker 

— 

6 

8 

Tax  on  Sloops  Thom8  Millet  Esqr  £ 1 


A Counterpin  of  the  Parish  List  anno  Do?nini  17 4.1  Cochecho  Parish. 


Col0  Paul  Gerrish  Esq 

225 

Cap*  Roberts  Evens 

l 8 8 

Samuel  Ally 

122 

Will™  Demerit 

13  6 

John  Ally 

076 

Joseph  Evens 

19  1 1 

Joseph  Abbet 

076 

Robert  Evens  Junr 

13  2 

Cap*  Thos  Baker 

0 9 5 

John  Evens 

18 

Thomas  Bickford 

1 13  0 

Daniel  Evens 

12  0 

Henry  Bickford 

on  3 

Joseph  Evensjun* 

9 5 

Nicholas  Brock 

076 

Benjn  Evens 

1 8 

John  Bussell 

0 15  0 

Joseph  Evens  thd 

11  8 

Willm  Bussell 

012  0 

Solomon  Emerson 

182 

James  Biber 

; O 9 9 

Zech.  Edgerly 

18  9 

Elijah  Bunker 

076 

William  Forst 

7 6 

Azariah  Boody 

IO  2 

Willm  Forst 

1 2 3 

Cap*  Trustirm  Coffin 

I 2 II 

John  Forst 

7 6 

Job  Clemens 

I 10  5 

John  Foye 

9 

Daniel  Clemens 

1 7 6 

John  Foye 

*3  3 

John  Carter 

8 5 

Cap*  John  Gage 

1 7 9 

Hezeriah  Cook 

IO  2 

Jabez  Garlind 

1 4 9 

John  Cloutman 

! 9 5 

John  Gerrish 

1 1 5 

John  Church 

16  1 1 

1 Nathaniel  Garlind 

18 

James  Chesle 

16  6 

Reuben  Gray 

7 ^ 

Richard  Clark 

7 6 

L*  John  Ham  & ) 

Reuben  Chesle 

j 1 7 j S 

his  son  Dodefer  ) 

2 2 — 

James  Clemens 

1 7 6 

Benj  Ham 

I II  II 

Joseph  Conour 

‘ 9 

Ephra  : Ham 

1 71  9 

DOVER. 


699 


L*  James  Davis 

2 

1 

3 

Nath  : Ham 

15 

5 

Francis  Drew 

0 

l7 

3 

Joseph  Ham 

10 

2 

Joseph  Davis 

7 

6 

Dan  : Ham 

15 

9 

Gersom  Downs 

2 

8 

Wd  Lvda  Ham 

6 

5 

Joseph  Daniel  Jr 

12 

9 

Joseph  Hanson  Jur 

r9 

2 

John  Demerit 

l7 

8 

Joseph  Hicks 

1 

l9 

9 

Natha  : Davis 

13 

1 1 

Benj  : Hanson 

l9 

1 1 

Samuel  Davis  Jur 

9 

9 

Will"1  Hanson 

10 

6 

Samuel  Davis 

2 

7 

8 

Benj  : Hanson,  Jur 

18 

5 

Joseph  Hanson  3d 

7 

6 

Joseph  Jackson 

1 

1 

George  Hanson 

7 

6 

John  James 

7 

6 

Sam  : Hodg 

1 1 

8 

Tho8  Johnson 

7 

6 

Joseph  Hall  Junr 

10 

6 

Ezra  Kembal 

1 6 

6 

Wd  Ruth  Hanson 

5 

3 

Nehemiah  Kembal 

l7 

3 

James  Herd 

1 

10 

9 

Stephen  Kelley 

7 

6 

Benj  Herd 

0 

n 

8 

Isaac  Libby 

l9 

2 

Sam11  Herd 

1 

2 

2 

Benj"  Libby 

8 

3 

Sam11  Herd  Junr 

1 

3 

John  Mackelloy 

10 

1 1 

John  Herd 

1 

Patrick  Manning 

7 

6 

Jacob  Horsom 

7 

6 

Andrew  Marshel 

7 

6 

John  Hanson  Junr 

8 

8 

Hercules  Mooney 

7 

6 

Tho8  Horn 

12 

9 

Dan1  Mishaney  Junr 

1 

8 

6 

Willm  Horn 

16 

2 

John  Mills 

8 

8 

George  Horn 

7 

6 

John  Mardin 

8 

3 

Daniel  Horn  & Son  Daniel 

1 

15 

3 

Derry  Pitman 

1 

14 

1 1 

John  Horn 

1 

4 

9 

Daniel  Plumer 

l7 

8 

John  Horn  Junr 

16 

6 

Zechh  Pitman 

16 

2 

Nath1  Horn 

14 

8 

Tho : Peirce 

7 

6 

Isaac  Horn 

7 

6 

En"  Joseph  Roberts 

1 

8 

Dr  John  Hays 

1 

1 

9 

John  Roberts 

l7 

3 

John  Hays  Junr 

9 

9 

Joseph  Rines 

7 

6 

Tho  : Hays 

13 

6 

James  Richards 

8 

3 

Elihu  Hays 

17 

8 

John  Runils  Jur 

8 

3 

Hezeciah  Hays 

7 

6 

Cheney  Smith 

8 

3 

Peter  Hays 

2 

9 

2 

John  Tasker 

2 

5 

9 

Ichabod  Hays 

1 

10 

Will1"  Twomly 

1 

8 

2 

Jona  Hanson 

9 

6 

Will.  Twomly  Jur 

18 

5 

Sam1  Hanson 

i5 

5 

Joseph  Twomly  Jur 

12 

George  Hearn 

7 

6 

Ralph  Twomly 

18 

Philip  Hubbird 

9 

9 

Isaac  Twomly 

*3 

3 

James  Huckins 

13 

2 

Will1"  Twomly  3d 

10 

1 1 

Ralph  Hall 

16 

2 

John  Tebbets 

13 

1 1 

Benj.  Hall 

12 

5 

John  Tebbets  ye  4th 

8 

3 

Will"1  Hill 

l9 

6 

Jeremh  Tebbits 

10 

6 

John  Hubbird 

7 

6 

John  Tomson 

7 

6 

700 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


L*  John  Winget 

2 

4 

3 

Moses  Wingit 

1 

1 

5 

John  Winget  Junr 

9 

9 

David  Watson 

1 

2 

1 1 

Isaac  Watson 

1 

1 1 

1 

Dudly  Watson 

1 

4 

9 

Jona  : Watson 

16 

2 

John  Wood 

10 

2 

Ezekiel  Wentworth 

10 

6 

Ephraim  Wintworth  Jr 

l7 

8 

Spencer  Wentworth 

iS 

5 

John  Waldron 

1 

8 

Richard  Waldron 

1 

l9 

9 

James  Willmets 

1 1 

8 

Wm  Whithouse 

1 2 

9 

John  Whithouse 

7 

6 

James  Wetherell 

8 

3 

Wm  well  and 

1 

8 

2 

Sam1  Williams 

7 

6 

Jonath  Young 

1 

3 

8 

Eleazr  Young 

1 

6 

8 

Tho8  Young 

7 

6 

Isaac  Young 

7 

6 

Eleazar  Young  Junr 

9 

9 

Nath  Young 

Ti 

Daniel  Young 

10 

1 1 

Benj : Young 

10 

11 

A Tax  on  Sloops 

Cap*  John  Gage 

1 

2 

6 

Both  Lists  1 66  of  wch  the  Petitioners  pay  45 


[Mss.  Town  Boundaries,  p.  130.] 


DUBLIN. 


701 


[Mss.  Town  Boundaries,  p.  131.] 

Province  of  > 

New  hampshr  5 May  ye  8th  1744  yu  Walter  Bryent  personally 
appeared  before  me  ye  Subscriber  & made  oath  that  the  above 
plan  is  a true  figure  or  Draught  of  the  town  of  Dover  Lying  be- 
tween (&  Bounded  upon)  Durham  on  ye  South  west  & Summors- 
worth  on  the  North  East  acording  to  the  Best  of  his  Scill  & Judg- 
ment Excepting  the  Cape  Land  which  may  be  a few  acres  more 
or  Less  then  the  figure  Shews  it  being  taken  from  Some  old  plans 
of  he  Sd  Bryents  formerly  making  which  by  Coppying  off  may 
Suffer  Some  Small  Errow  in  the  olteration  of  Some  pionts  or 
Coves 

Coram  Sam11  Smith  Jus4  Peace 


DUBLIN. 

[Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors  as  Monadnock  No.  3,  or  North  Motiad- 
nock,  Nov.  3,  1794,  to  Matthew  Thornton  and  others.  Incorporated  as  Dublin, 
March  29,  1771,  and  named  from  Dublin,  Ireland.  A part  of  the  town  was  annexed 
to  Marlborough  June  13,  1818. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes  ; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  188  ; XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  555;  Index  to  Laws,  157;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of 
Cheshire  County,  1886,  p.  180;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  ofCheshire  County,  1885, 
p.  142;  discourse,  25th  anniversary  of  ordination,  by  Levi  W.  Leonard,  1846,  pp. 
28;  History,  by  same,  1855,  pp.  433;  Map  of  Monadnock  Mountain,  6,  Appala- 
chia, opp.  262;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  255.] 


[Dublin  Incorporated,  1771.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  grace  of  *1-379 
Hampshire  $ God  of  Great  Britain  France  and  Ire- 
land  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  & so  forth. 

\ T o / To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come 
i ‘ * v Greeting. 

^ ^ Whereas  our  Loyal  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  a 

(Dublin)  Tract  of  Land  within  our  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire aforesaid  commonly  called  and  known  by  the  Name 
of  Dublin  or  Monadnock  N°  3 containing  by  estimation  about 
Six  Miles  square  Have  humbly  Petitioned  & requested  us 


702 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


that  they  may  be  erected  and  Incorporated  into  a Township  and 
enfranchised  with  the  same  Powers  and  Priviledges  which  other 
Towns  within  our  said  Province  by  Law  have  and  enjoy  And  it 
appearing  unto  us  to  be  conducive  to  the  general  good  of  our  said 
Province  as  well  as  of  the  said  Inhabitants  in  particular  by  main- 
taining good  order  and  encouraging  the  culture  of  the  Land  That 
the  same  should  be  done  Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace 
certain  knowledge  and  for  the  encouragement  and  promotion  of 
the  good  Purposes  and  ends  aforesaid  By  & with  the  advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Gover- 
nor and  Commander  in  chief  and  of  our  Council  of  the  same  have 
erected  and  ordained  and  by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  and 
Successors  do  will  and  ordain  that  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Tract 
of  Land  and  ethers  who  shall  Improve  and  Inhabit  thereon  here- 
after the  same  being  butted  and  Bounded  as  follows  Viz1  Beginning 
at  a Beech  Tree  being  the  North  East  corner  of  Middle  Monad- 
nock  Township  and  runs  North  Eighty  degrees  West  seven  Miles 
to  a hemlock  Tree  marked  from  thence  running  North  by  the 
needle  Five  miles  to  a Tree  marked,  from  thence  running  South 
Eighty  degrees  East  seven  miles  to  a hemlock  Tree  marked,  from 
thence  running  South  by  the  needle  Five  Miles  to  the  Bounds  first 
mentioned  Be  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  a Town  Corpor- 
ate and  are  hereby  erected  and  Incorporated  into  a Body  politick 
and  corporate  to  have  continuance  for  Ever  by  the  Name  of  Dublin 
with  all  the  Powers  and  Authorities  Priviledges,  Immunities  and 
Franchises  which  any  other  Towns  in  said  Province  by  Law  hold 
and  enjoy  to  the  said  Inhabitants  or  those  who  shall  hereafter 
Inhabit  there  and  to  their  Successors  for  Ever.  Always  reserving 
to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors  All  White  Pine  Trees  that  are 
or  shall  be  found  being  and  growing  within  and  upon  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  use  of  our  Royal  Navy  Reserv- 
ing also  to  us  our  Heirs  and  successors  the  Power  and 
*1-380  *Right  of  dividing  said  Town  when  it  shall  appear  neces- 
sary and  convenient  for  the  Inhabitants  thereof  Provided 
Nevertheless  and  ’Tis  hereby  declared  that  this  Charter  and  Grant 
is  not  intended  and  shall  not  in  any  manner  be  construed  to  affect 
the  private  Property  of  the  Soil  within  the  limits  aforesaid  And  as 
the  several  Towns  within  our  said  Province  are  by  the  Laws 
thereof  enabled  and  Authorized  to  assemble  and  by  the  majority 
of  the  Voters  present  to  chuse  all  Officers  and  to  transact  such 
Affairs  as  in  the  said  Laws  are  declared  We  do  by  these  Presents 
nominate  and  appoint  Thomas  Morse  of  said  Town  to  call  the 


DUMMER. 


703 


first  Meeting  of  said  Inhabitants  to  be  held  within  the  said  Town 
at  any  Time  within  Seventy  days  from  the  date  hereof  giving  legal 
Notice  of  the  Time  and  design  of  holding  such  Meeting  after 
which  the  annual  meeting  of  said  Town  shall  be  held  for  the 
choice  of  said  Officers  and  the  Purposes  aforesaid  on  the  First 
Tuesday  of  March  annually. 

In  Testimony  Whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  our  Gov1'  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  aforesaid  the  Twenty  Ninth  day  of  March  in  the 
Eleventh  year  of  our  Reign  Annoq.  dom  : 1771. 

y Wentworth. 

By  his  Excellency’s  Command  > 
with  advice  of  Council  5 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  30th  March  1771 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  of  Incorporation 
under  the  Province  Seal 

Attr  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


DUMMER. 

[Qranted  March  8,  1773,  to  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  and  others.  Incorpo- 
rated Dec.  19,  1848.  A part  of  Stark  was  annexed  July  1,  1868. 

See  Masonian  Papers  in  following  volumes;  Index  to  Laws,  157;  sketch,  by 
John  B.  Lovejoy,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Cods  County,  1888,  p.  854;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  610.] 


[Dummer  Charter,  1773.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire  *4-157 

George  the  Third  By  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Dummer.  Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  Greeting — 

Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  Special  Grace  Certain  Knowledge  & 
Mere  Motion  for  the  Due  encouragement  of  Settling  a New  Plan- 
tation within  Our  Said  Province  by  & with  the  advice  of  our 
Trusty  & well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & 
Commander  in  Chieff  of  our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


704 

New  England  & of  our  Council  of  the  Said  Province  have  upon 
the  Conditions  & Reservations  hereinafter  made  Given  & Granted 
& by  these  Presents  for  us  Our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give  & 
Grant  in  Equal  Shares  unto  our  Loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of 
Our  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & our  other  Dominions  who 
have  Petitioned  us  for  the  Same  setting  forth  their  Readyness  to 
make  immediate  Settlement  and  to  their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever 
whose  names  are  Entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and 
Amoungst  them  into  Seventy  one  equal  Shares  all  That  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  Scituate  Lying  & being  within  our  Said  Prov- 
ince of  New  Hampshire  containing  by  admeasurement 
*4-158  Twenty*three  Thousand  & forty  Acres  out  of  which  and 
Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  high  Ways  & unimprovable 
Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  & Waters  One  thousand  forty  acres 
free  according  to  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our  Sur- 
veyor General  of  Land  of  our  Said  Province  by  our  Said  Gover- 
nour’s  order  & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  office  of  our  Said 
Province  a Copy  of  which  is  hereunto  annexed  Butted  & Bounded 
as  follows  (Viz)  Begining  at  a Beech  Tree  Standing  one  Hun- 
dred & Twenty  Rods  Southerly  of  Am’onusock  River  and 
Thirty  Rods  Westerly  of  the  Corner  of  Paulsbourg  so  called 
from  thence  runing  North  Eight  Deg9  East  Six  Miles  to  a red 
Birch  Tree,  thence  South  Eighty  two  Deg9  East  Six  Miles  to  a 
Red  birch  thence  South  Eight  Deg8  West  Six  miles  to  Paulsbourg 
Line  from  thence  North  Eighty  two  deg9  We^t  Six  Miles  (Partly 
On  Said  Paulsbourg  Line)  to  the  Bound  began  it  To  have  & to 
hold  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  Expressed  togeather  with 
all  Previledges  and  appurtenances  to  them  & their  Respective 
Heirs  & Assignes  for  ever  By  the  Name  of  Dummer  Upon  the  fol- 
lowing Conditions  Viz — 

First  That  the  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  Clear 
Bridge  & make  Passable  for  Carriages  of  all  Kinds  a road  of  three 
Rods  Wide  thro’  the  Said  Tract  hereby  Granted  as  Shall  be  at  any 
Time  hereafter  directed  by  our  Said  Governour  & Council  which 
road  shall  be  compleated  in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  such  Direc- 
tions in  failure  of  which  the  Premisses  & every  Part  thereof  shall 
be  forfeited  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  to  be  by  us  or  Them  Re- 
entered upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  Loving  Subjects  who 
shall  effectually  Settle  & cultivate  the  Same. 

Second  That  the  Said  Grantees  shall  enclose  or  Cause  to  be 
inclosed  Two  thousand  three  Hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  the  Said 
Land  within  five  Years  from  the  Date  of  this  Grant  and  under  Im- 


DUBLIN. 


705 


provement  & Cultivation  in  Grass  Hemp  Corn  Flax  or  English 
Grain  &ca  as  the  Soil  may  prove  Suitable  for  either  or  all  of  those 
Articles  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  & of  its  reverting 
to  us  Our  Heirs  & Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them  reentered  upon 
& regranted  to  Such  of  our  loving  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  set- 
tle & cultivate  the  Same. 

Thirdly  That  all  white  & other  Pine  Trees  within  the  Said 
Township  fit  for  Masting  our  Royall  navy  be  carefully  preserved 
for  that  Use  and  none  to  be  Cutt  or  felled  without  our  Special 
Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & obtaind  upon  the  Penalty  of  the 
forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  to  us 
our  Heirs  & Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty  of 
any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are  or  hereafter  Shall  be 
Enacted — 

Fourthly  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
amoung  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Center  of  the 
Said  Township  as  the  land  will  admit  of  Shall  be  reserved  & 
marked  out  for  Town  Lotts  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  One  Acre — 

Fifthly  Yield8  & paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & Succes- 
sors Yearly  & every  Year  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  January  one 
thousand  Seven  hundred  and  Eighty  the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian 
Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded — 

Sixthly — That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall 
Yield  & Pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  Yearly  & every  Year 
forever  from  & after  the  Expiration  of  Ten  Years  from  the  Date  of 
this  Grant  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred 
Acres  he  so  owns  Settles  or  Possesses  and  so  in  Proportion  of  a 
greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  Said  Land  which  Money  shall  be 
paid  by  the  respective  Persons  above  Said  their  Heirs  & assigns 
in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  Such  Officer  or 
officers  as  Shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  Same  & this  to  be  in 
Lieu  of  all  other  Rents  & Services  whatsoever 

*In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  *4-159 
our  Said  Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wittness  John 
Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’ander  in  Chieff  aforesaid 
the  Eighth  day  of  March  in  the  Thirteenth  Year  of  our  Reign 
and  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1773. 

John  Wentworth — 

By  his  Excellent  Comand 
With  Advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


44 


70  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


The  Honble  Mark  Hunkg  Wentworth  Esq  David  Call 
Stephen  Sumner  John  Wall  Richd  Shearman 

Francis  Little  John  Paige  Honble  George  Jaffrey  Esq 

John  Fisher  Esq  Honble  Daniel  Peirce  Esq  Isaac  Smith 
Honbl  Peter  Gillman  Esq  John  Giddings  Esq  Nathu  Folsom  Esq 
Nich0  Gillman  Esq  Daniel  Tilton  Esq  Honbl  Jeremiah  Powel  Esq 
Honble  John  Phillips  Esq  Sam11  Folsom  Esq  Major  John  Gillman 
Sam11  Langdon  D-D-  Paul  Langdon  Richard  Langdon 

Samuel  Haven  D-D- Joseph  Haven  Nath11  Appleton  Haven 

John  Sherburne  Eq  Ammi  Ruhamah  Cutter  Jacob  Treadwell 
Nathaniel  Dowse  Walter  Brient  Junr  Esq  John  Wheelock 


Samuel  Gray  Levi  Frisby 

Wm  Cutter  N-Yarmouth  Samuel  Cutter 
Revd  Moses  Parsons  Revd  Isaac  Lyman 
Cap1  Charles  Rundlet  Eliphalet  Hale 
Thomas  Johnson  Nathu  Rogers 

Joshua  Bayley  David  Weeks 

Henry  Eaton  Jacob  Tilton  (Coos) 

Andrew  Savage  Crocker  Mark  Sevey 
Revd  Sam11  Lankton  Jesse  Johnson' 
Mathew  Stanley  Parker  George  King  Esq 
Willm  Waldron  James  Grant 

William  Knight  Esq  John  Wintrop  Esq  F- 


Silvanus  Ripley 
Samuel  Moodey  Esq 
Joseph  Gillman 
Asa  Porter  Esq 
Revd  Nath1  Trask 
Abraham  Palmer 
John  Beard 
Andrew  Smith 
Joseph  Peirce 
James  Lloyd  Esq 
George  Brinley 
R-S  Peletiah  Bliss 


One  Right  or  equal  Share  for  the  Use  & Support  of  a School  in 
Sd  Township  forever — One  Right  or  Eqal  Share  for  the  first 
Settled  Minister  of  the  Gospel  in  Said  Township — One  Right  or 
Equal  Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  in  Said  Town- 
ship for  ever — 

Recorded  According  to  the  original  under  the  Province  Seal  the 
29th  Day  of  May-1773- 


Attesfi  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


DUBININ. 


707 


^Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsm0  15  February  1773  *4-160 

This  Certifys  that  this  Plan  Begining  at  A Beech  Tree 
Standing  one  hundred  & Twenty  rods  Southerly  of  Ammonoosuck 
River  & Thirty  Rods  Westerly  of  the  Corner  of  Paulsbourg  so 
called  from  thence  runing  North  Eight  degs  East  Six  Miles  to  A 
red  Birch  Tree  thence  South  Eighty  Two  deg3  East  Six  Miles  to  a 
red  Birch  Tree  thence  South  8 Deg3  West  Six  Miles  to  Paulsbourg 
line  from  thence  North  Eighty  Two  degrees  West  Six  Miles 
(Partly  on  Said  Paulsbourg  line)  to  the  Bound  began  at  Contains 
Twenty  Three  Thousand  & forty  Acres  of  Land  and  is  a True 
Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  Said  Tract  or  Township  as 
taken  & returnd  to  me  by  Cap4  Hubartus  Neal  Deputy  Surveyer 

Attest1-  Is  Rindge  Sr  G1 
Copy  Attest"  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


708 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


DUNBARTON. 

[Granted  by  Massachusetts,  June  19,  1735,  to  Capt.  John  Gorham’s  men  and 
called  Gorham-town.  Granted  by  the  Masonian  Proprietors,  Dec.  17,  1748,  to 
Archibald  Stark  and  others,  and  called  Stark'' s-town.  Regranted  March  2,  1752. 
Incorporated  as  Dunbarton  Aug.  10,  1765,  and  named  from  a town  in  Scotland. 
A portion  of  Dunbarton  was  included  in  the  limits  of  Hooksett,  incorporated  July 
2,  1822.  The  line  between  Dunbarton  and  Goffstown  was  established  Jan.  7, 
1853,  and  the  line  between  Dunbarton  and  Weare,  July  2,  1853. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding,  and  Masonian  Papers  in  following  vol- 
umes; IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  189;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  558;  Index 
to  Laws,  157;  Early  History,  addresses  by  Amos  Hadley,  1845,  PP-  27  > History, 
by  Caleb  Stark,  i860,  pp.  272;  Centennial  Celebration,  1865,  pub.  1866,  pp.  124; 
Dunbarton,  Past  and  Present,  by  J.  B.  Connor,  4,  Granite  Monthly,  38  ; sketch, 
by  W.  H.  StinsQn,  Hurd’s  History  of  Merrimack  County,  1885,  p.  291  ; sketch, 
12,  Farmer’s  Monthly  Visitor,  101  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cum- 
mings, 1836,  p.  20;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  3 76;  Memoir  of 
John  Stark,  by  Caleb  Stark,  i860;  Historical  Sketch  of  Congregational  Church, 
by  J.  M.  Putnam,  1845,  PP-  The  Stark  Place,  by  F.  M.  Colby,  5,  Granite 


[Dunbarton  Incorporated,  1765.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire 

George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith 
&ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greeting 
Whereas  our  Loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of  a 
Tract  of  Land  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid 
known  by  the  Name  of  Starks  town  have  humbly  Petitioned  and 
Requested  that  they  may  be  errected  And  Incorporated  into 
a Township  & Infranchized  with  the  Same  Powers  & Previledges 
which  other  Towns  have  & Enjoy  within  our  Said  Province  by 
Law  & it  appearing  unto  us  to  be  Conducive  to  the  General  good 
of  our  Said  Province  as  well  as  the  Said  Inhabitants  in  Particular 
by  maintaining  good  order  And  Encouraging  the  Culture 
*1-281  of  the  Said  Lands  that  the  Same  ^Should  be  done  Know 
ye  therefore  that  We  of  our  Special  Grace  certain  Knowl- 
edge & for  the  Encouragement  & Promotion  of  those  good  Ends 
and  Purposes  by  & with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty  & well  beloved 
Benning  Wentworth  Esq  our  Governour  & Com’ander  in  ChiefF  & 


Monthly,  80.] 


*1-280 

Dunbarton 


I.  OS-:  .r,  -.pi.  I>„  ,,  : m i' 

V V 


' 


[Mss 


Town  Boundaries,”  p.  220.] 


? 

a 

y» 


3 


So'tJaZ  oj  l At.  In  A ai  ata.  nts  vvtTia  rtialtn. 

*A  t Intotci  C f iittJtcm  fc  -3ry  .n/j  lint 


ftUmPk*  *»  ZayJD.^nly  a Scute.  oj  on*.  27n«  A A>  «»iV2 
Ui%crilt*%  tu  I.-.  '*«  TUnc/Zt*,  )* 

ft«vn  jDi'O.*/  rt  3y.,  Jil-crri  t A A Paye  «/ -£•  “ 


DUNBARTON. 


709 


of  our  Council  for  Said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  have  erected 
& ordaind  and  by  these  presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors 
do  will  & ordain  that  our  Loving  Subjects  Residing  on  the  Tract 
of  Land  aforesaid  or  that  Shall  hereafter  Reside  & Improve  there- 
on the  Same  being  Limited  & bounded  as  follows  (Viz)  Begining 
at  a stake  & Stones  standing  on  the  Bank  of  the  Westerly  Side  of 
Merrimack  River  which  is  also  the  Northerly  Corner  Bound  of 
Goffs  Town  so  called  thence  runing  Westerly  by  said  Goffs 
Town  till  it  comes  to  the  Town  of  Weare  so  called  then  turning 
off  & runing  Northerly  by  Said  Weare  till  it  comes  to  the  Line 
of  New  Hopkinton  so  called  then  turning  off  & runing  North 
Easterly  by  the  Line  of  New  Hopkinton  aforesaid  till  it  comes  to 
the  Township  of  Bow  then  runing  by  Bow  Line  till  it  comes  to 
Merrimack  River  then  down  Said  River  Southerly  as  that  runs  to 
the  Stake  & Stones  began  at  Shall  be  and  by  thes  Presents  are 
declared  & ordaind  to  be  a Town  corporate  and  are  hereby  erect- 
ed & Incorporated  into  A Body  Politick  & Corporate  to  have  Con- 
tinuence  until  his  Majty3  Pleasure  shall  be  signifyed  to  the  Con- 
trary by  the  Name  of  Dunbarton  with  the  Powers  & Authority s 
Previledges  Immunitys  & Franchizes  which  all  Other  Towns  in 
Said  Province  by  Law  hold  & Enjoy  always  Reserving  to  us  our 
Heirs  & Successors  all  white  Pine  Trees  that  are  or  Shall  be  found 
growing  or  being  on  the  Said  Tract  of  Land  fit  for  the  Use  of  our 
Royal  Navy  Reserving  also  the  Power  & Right  of  Dividing  the 
Said  Town  when  it  Shall  appear  necessary  & Convenient  for  the 
Benefit  of  the  Inhabitants  thereof  Provided  nevertheless  & it  is 
hereby  declared  that  this  our  Charter  & Grant  is  not  intended  or 
shall  in  any  man’er  be  construed  to  extend  to  affect  the  private 
Property  of  the  Soil  within  the  Limits  aforesd  and  as  the  Several 
Towns  within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  are  by  Laws 
thereof  enabled  & authorized  to  Assemble  & by  the  Majority  of 
Voters  Present  to  Chuse  all  Such  Officers  & Transact  all  Such 
Affairs  as  by  the  Said  Laws  are  declared  We  do  by  these  Presents 
Nominate  & Appoint  Caleb  Page  to  call  the  first  Meeting  any 
Time  within  forty  Days  from  the  date  hereof  giving  legall  Notice 
of  the  Time  Place  and  Design  of  holding  such  Meeting  after 
which  the  Annual  Meeting  for  said  Town  for  the  Choice  of  officers 
& management  of  ye  affairs  afore  said  Shall  be  held  within  Said 
Township  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  Annually — 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Wittness  Benning  Wentworth 
Esq  our  Governour  and  Com’ander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  said 


7io 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  the  Tenth  Day  of  August  in  the  Fifth 
Year  of  our  Reign  Annoq  Domini  1765 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Excellencys  Com’and 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Theodr  Atkinson  Jun  Secry 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  the  10th  Day  of  August  A D 1765 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


DURHAM. 

[Petitioned  to  be  set  off  from  Dover  as  a parish  by  the  name  of  Oyster  River, 
May  27,  1669.  Incorporated  as  Durham  May  15,  1732.  Lee  was  set  off  and  incor- 
porated Jan.  16,  1766.  The  south  line  of  the  town  was  established  June  19,  1818. 
A portion  of  Durham  was  annexed  to  Newmarket,  July  2,  1870. 

See  Massachusetts  charters  preceding;  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  234;  XI, 
Hammond  Town  Papers,  566;  Index  to  Laws,  159;  Life  of  John  Sullivan,  by 
Thomas  C.  Amory,  1868;  Memoir  of  Ebenezer  Thompson,  by  Mary  P.  Thompson, 
1886;  Sketches  of  Civil  and  Ecclesiastical  History,  by  Federal  Burt,  5,  Collections 
of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  129;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Strafford  County, 
1882,  p.  616;  Valedictory  Discourse,  by  Curtis  Coe,  1806,  pp.  32;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  326;  Establishment  of  the  N.  H.  College  of  Agriculture 
in  this  town,  Reports  of  Trustees,  1893,  pp.  5,  107;  The  Benjamin  Thompson 
Trust  Fund,  Report  of  State  Treasurer,  1892,  pp.  175  to  220 ; Documentary  His- 
tory, by  W.  F.  Goodwin,  Dawson’s  Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  8,  p.  292  ; 
Marriages,  1713-68,  by  S.  C.  Adams,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  vol.  23,  p.  178, 
to  vol.  33,  p.  345  ; Sullivan  House  and  Its  Associations,  by  F.  M.  Colby,  5,  Gran- 
ite Monthly,  80.] 


[Petition  from  Joseph  Jones  of  Oyster  River,  1731.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  87.] 

To  his  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Governour  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  in  and  over  his  Majesties  Province  of  New  Hampr, 
to  the  Honourable  his  Majesties  Council  and  the  Representatives  of 
the  Sd  Province  in  General  Assembly 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Jones  in  behalfe  of  Sundry  Inhabitants 
of  the  Parish  of  oysterriver  humbly  Sheweth 

That  about  Twenty  months  Since  Sundry  persons  Inhabitants  of 
the  Parish  of  oysterriver  by  Your  Petitioner  did  prefer  to  his 


DURHAM. 


711 

Honour  Jn°  Wentworth  Esqr  then  Lieuu  Governr  of  this  his  Majes- 
ties province  of  New  Hampr  to  the  Honourable  the  Council!  & 
Representatives  of  the  Sd  province  an  humble  Petition  respecting 
the  line  between  Dover  and  the  Parish  of  Oysterriver,  praying  that 
an  equal  line  might  be  Setled  between  them,  which  Petition  hith- 
erto has  not  been  past  upon  nor  considered — 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  in  behalfe  of  the  aforsd  Inhabitants 
humbly  prays  that  your  Excellency  and  General  Assembly  will 
please  to  assign  a day  for  that  end  and  that  you  will  hear  and 
answer  the  Same,  and  Your  Petitioner  Shall  ever  pray  as  in  duty 
&c 

Joseph  Jones 

5th  May.  1731. 

May  the  6th  1731.  In  the  house  of  Representatives 

The  above  Petition  was  Read  : & the  Petitioner  Joseph  Jones  : 
was  told  & shew’d  that  In  Councill  xr  10th  1729  there  past  a vote  : 
which  was  concur’d  with  in  the  house  of  Represen8  viz11  That  those 
of  oyster  River  that  made  Exceptions  to  the  bounds  of  oyster  River  : 
should  have  o^tunity  to  Shew  the  Justice  of  their  objections  by  a 
plat : — and  the  said  Jones  being  askt  for  ye  Plat  answer’d  he  had 
none,  & the  said  Jones  & Coll  James  Davis  prayes  Leave  till  the 
fall  sessions  to  Bring  in  a plat 

voted/  That  the  said  Jones  & Davis  have  Leave  untill  the  fall 
sessions  the  third  day  of  the  sessions  and  that  they  Notifie  the  old 
Town  of  Dover  to  be  present  at  the  hearing — (if  they  See  Cause) 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

In  Coun1  Eodm  die  Read  & Concurr’d 

R Waldron  Secretary — 
May  6 : 1731  I assent  To  The  above  Vote 

J Belcher 


[Committee  on  Durham  Lines,  1757.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  159.] 

At  a town  meeting  holden  at  the  falls  meeting  house  in  Durham 
february  ye  14th  1757)  Then  Samuel  Smith  Esq  Ebenezer  Smith 
esqr  & Ephraim  Davis  yemen  Was  chosen  a ccomittee  or  as  agents 
for  the  Town  of  Durham  to  Joyn  with  any  other  Committee  or 
committees  Person  or  persons  in  any  Capassaty  Whatsoever  that 


712 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


is  or  may  be  Chosen  & authorized  To  settle  and  Confirme  the  Line 
or  lines  between  the  town  of  Durham  afore  said  & the  Parish  of 
new  market  & Ipping  To  Settle  & Confirme  The  afore  said  Line  or 
lines  & in  Case  Said  parishes  or  Either  of  them  neglect  or  Refuse 
to  act  in  the  Said  affair  that  Committee  Chosen  for  Durham  aforesd 
Have  full  power  & authoraty  to  Prosecute  the  affair  as  a ccommittee 
or  agents  for  said  town  to  all  entents  to  the  Settling  of  said  line  or 
lines)  and  that  said  Comitte  also  Joyn  & settle  any  other  line  or 
lines  with  any  Cowrte  or  Commites  person  or  Persons  in  any 
Capassaty  whatso  Ever  that  may  be  Chosen  by  any  town  or  Par- 
ish adjoyning  to  sd  town  of  Durham — to  Settle  & Confirme  Said 
Lines  that  said  Committee  also  have  Power  to  apply  to  the  General 
assembly  or  prosecute  any  other  measures  thay  advisedly  Con- 
sult)— 

A trew  Copy  from  Durham  town  Records — 

Attest  Sam11  Smith  Town  Cler 


EAST  KINGSTON. 

[Set  off  from  Kingston  Nov.  17,  1738,  and  incorporated  as  Kingston  East  Par- 
ish. The  line  between  this  town  and  Kingston  was  established  Aug.  7,  1740,  and 
reestablished  June  16,  1798.  Small  portions  of  the  town  were  annexed  to  South 
Hampton,  Dec.  6,  1824,  and  to  Newton,  July  2,  1845. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  431  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  596;  Index 
to  Laws,  160;  sketch,  by  A.  R.  Brown,  Hurd’s  History ‘of  Rockingham  County, 
1882,  p.  184;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  88.] 


EASTON. 

[Set  off  from  Landaff  and  incorporated  July  20,  1876. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  464;  XII,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  361  ; Index 
to  Laws,  161  ; sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  240;  An 
Ascent  of  Mt.  Kinsman,  by  Gaetano  Lanza,  2,  Appalachia,  168;  note  on  Landaff, 
post.~\ 


EATON. 

[Granted  Nov.  7,  1766,  to  Clement  March  and  others.  The  line  between  Eaton 
and  Tamworth  was  settled  Feb.  8,  1797.  Five  grants  of  land  to  retired  officers 
who  served  in  the  French  War  were  annexed,  December  24,  1795.  Madison  was 
set  off  and  incorporated  Dec.  17,  1852. 


EATON. 


7*3 


See  Masonian  Papeis  in  following  volumes ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  600; 
Index  to  Laws,  161  ; sketch,  Fergusson’s  History  of  Carroll  County,  1889,  p.  788  ; 
Stewart’s  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  375  ; Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H., 
by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  14;  Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  600; 
grants  to  Archibald  Stark  and  Nathaniel  Martin  with  Conway  and  Madison  papers.] 


[Eaton  Charter,  1766.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *3-154 

Eaton  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come, 
Greeting. 

Know  Ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,  Esq ; Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire  in  New-Pngland,  and  of  Our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  Our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  are  entred  on  this  Grant,  to  be 
divided  to  and  amongst  them  into  Seventy  equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  N 'ew - H am p shire,  containing  by  Admeasurement, 
Twenty  three  thousand  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  contain  about  Six 
Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be 
made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds, 
Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres  free, 
according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said  Gov- 
ernor’s Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and  here- 
unto annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Beginning  at 
the  S Easterly  Corner  of  the  Township  of  Tamworth  on  the  Curve 
Line  & thence  runing  on  the  Curve  Line  Easterly  to  the  Prov- 
ince Line  thence  Northerly  on  sd  Prov  : Line  to  Land  granted  to  a 
Number  of  Officers  thence  by  said  Officers  several  Grants  to  the 
N.  W.  Corner  of  a Grant  made  to  Alexander  Blair,  thence  a 


7J4 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Strait  Line  to  the  North  East  Corner  of  the  aforesaid  Town- 
ship of  Tamworth  thence  Southerly  bounding  on  sd  Tamworth  to 
the  bounds  first  mention’d — And  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby  is 
Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of  Eaton  And  the 
Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the  said  Township, 
are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and  Intitled  to  all  and 
every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other  Towns  within  Our 
Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy : And  further  that  the  said 
Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families  resident  and  settled 
thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  two  Fairs , one  of  which 
shall  be  held  on  the  And  the  other  on  the 

annually,  which  Fairs  are  not  to  continue 
longer  than  the  respective  following  the  said 

and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  Town  shall 
*3_I55  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may  be  ^opened  and 
kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week,  as  may  be  thought 
most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants.  Also,  that  the  first  Meeting 
for  the  Choice  of  Town  Officers,  agreable  to  the  Laws  of  our  said 
Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Second  Tuesday  in  December  next 
which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified  by  Walter  Bryent  Esqr  who 
is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator  of  the  said  first  Meeting, 
which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agreable  to  the  Laws  and  Cus- 
toms of  Our  said  Province  ; and  that  the  annual  Meeting  for  ever 
hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers  for  the  said  Town,  shall 
be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  annually,  To  Have  and  to 
Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with 
all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following  Conditions,  viz. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and 
cultivate  five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for 
every  fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of 
Land  in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the 
same  by  additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his 
Grant  or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  them  Re-granted  to 
such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the 
same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 


EATON. 


715 


our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and 
among  the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  alloted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  December.  1767 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
of  December , which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1777  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land ; which  Money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Coun- 
cil Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall 
be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of  all 
other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Prov- 
ince, the  Seventh  Day  of  November  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord 
Christ,  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  Six  And  in  the 
Seventh  Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

T : Atkinson  jr  Secr’y 

Prov  : of  New  Hampshire  10th  Novemr  17 66 

Recorded  from  the  Original  Pattent  under  the  Province  Seal — 

^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


7i  6 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


*3-156  *Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Eaton. 


Clem1  March  Esqr 
Jona  Moulton  Esqr 
Walter  Bryent  Esqr 
Capt : Jeremh  Folsom 
Jeremh  Gilman 
John  Gilman 
Capt : Israel  Gilman  ji 
Thomas  Tash  Esqr 
John  Tash 
Benjn  Chapman 
Sam1  Chapman 
Jona  Robinson 
John  Watson 
Jeremh  Folsom  jr 
John  Folsom  jr 
Jeremy  Brj^ent 
John  Bryent 
E’d  Hall  Bergin 
Edward  Smith 
% John  Johnson 
Barthw  Smart 
Josiah  Johnson 


David  Davis 
Nath1  Steavens 
Jona  Steavens 
Ja3  Burley 
Nathu  Folsom 
Edwd  Stilton  jr 
■ Nich3  Duda 
Tho3  York 
S1  Gilman 
Dd  Gilman 
Joseph  Senter 
John  McDuffee 
Joseph  Young 
John  Smith 
John  Folsom 
John  Pickering 
S1  Livermore  Esqr 
Joshua  Bracket 
John  Harford 
Nich3  Harford 
Dan1  Mason 
Josiah  York 


David  Hicks 
John  Mead 
Benjn  Mead 
Jn°  Mead  Jr 
Geo.  Dutch 
Winthrop  Smart 
Arthur  Bennett 
Tho3.  Bennett 
Nath1  Ewer 
Joshua  Frost 
Walter  Bryent  Jr  Esqr 
John  Burley 
Joseph  Smith 
Joseph  Smart 
Caleb  Bennett 
Wm  Parker  Esqr 
Giles  Seaward 
Jona  Warner  Esqr 
Benjn  Smith  Esqr 
Paul  March  Esqr 
Col : Atkinson  & 

Col : Warner. 


Five  Hundred  Acres  for  his  Excellency , Benning  Wentworth 
Esqr  as  mark’d  B.  W.  in  the  Plan  which  is  to  be  accounted  two 
of  the  within  Shares.  One  Lot  for  the  first  Ordain’d  Minister,  & 
One  Lot  for  a School  for  the  Benefit  of  sd  Town  for  Ever — 


Prove  of  New  Hampshire  Novemr  10th  17 66 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Eaton,  under 
the  Province  Seal 


^ T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


ELLSWORTH. 


717 


Prov  : of  New  Hampshire  Novemr  10th  17 66 
Copy  of  the  Plan  taken  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter 
of  Eaton  under  the  Province  Seal 

T Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


ELLSWORTH. 

[Granted  as  Trecothick,  May  1,  1769,  to  Barlow  Trecothick  and  others,  and 
named  in  his  honor.  Incorporated  as  Ellsworth,  June  16,  1802. 

See  Index  to  Laws,  165  ; sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p. 
241;  Explorations  near  West  Campton,  by  M.  Pychowska,  2,  Appalachia,  166; 
Stewart's  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  252  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches, 
1856,  p.  580.] 


7i8 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


[Ellsworth  Charter,  1769.] 

*4-103  ^Province  of  New  Hampshire. 

(Trecothick.)  George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great 
Britain  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  and  so  forth. 

Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a New  Planta- 
tion within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of  our 
Trusty  and  well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  our  Gover- 
nor & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire in  New  England  & of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province  Have 
upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  after  made,  given  and 
granted  & by  these  Presents  for  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  do  give 
and  grant  in  equal  Shares  unto  our  loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  & our  other  Governments, 
who  have  Petitioned  us  for  the  same,  Setting  forth  their  readiness 
to  make  immediate  Settlement,  and  to  their  heirs  and  Assigns  for 
Ever,  whose  Names  are  entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to  and 
amongst  them  into  Ninety  Two  Equal  Shares  all  that  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  Situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire,  Containing  by  Admeasurement  Twenty  four 
Thousand  Nine  hundred  & Fifty  seven  Acres  & is  to  contain  some- 
thing more  than  Six  Miles  Square,  out  of  which  an  Allowance  is 
to  be  made  for  Highways  and  umimproveable  Lands  by  Rocks 
Ponds,  Mountains  & Rivers  One  Thousand  & Forty  Acres  free, 
according  to  a Plan  & Survey  thereof,  exhibited  by  our  Surveyor 
General  by  our  said  Governor’s  Order  & returned  into  the  Secre- 
tary's Office,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  Annexed,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows,  Viz4 — Beginning  at  a Beech  Tree  standing  at 
the  North  west  Corner  of  the  Township  of  Campton,  thence  run- 
ning North  Five  degrees  East  by  the  Township  of  Thornton 
Five  Miles  & three  Quarters  of  a Mile  to  a Red  birch  Tree  standing 
at  the  South  East  corner  of  the  Township  of  Peeling,  thence 
North  Fifty  Nine  Degrees  West  Six  Miles  by  said  Township  of 
Peeling  to  a Red  birch  Tree  standing  at  the  North  East  corner  of 
the  Township  of  Warren,  thence  running  South  Twenty  four  de- 
grees West  Six  Miles  to  a Maple  Tree  standing  at  the  North  West 
Corner  of  the  Township  of  Rumney,  then  turning  off  and  running 
South  Sixty  four  degrees  East  Seven  Miles  & Two  hundred  & 
ten  Rods  by  said  Township  of  Rumney  to  the  Beech  Tree 


ELLSWORTH. 


719 


standing  at  the  Northwest  Corner  of  the  * Township  of  *4-104 
Campton  aforesaid  the  bounds  first  began  at. 

To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above  ex- 
pressed together  with  all  Priviledges  and  Appurtenances  to  them 
& their  respective  Heirs  & Assigns  for  Ever  by  the  Name  of  Tre- 
cothick  upon  the  following  Conditions,  Viz1 — 

First.  That  the  Grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut,  clear, 
bridge  & make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  Kinds  a Road  of  three 
Rods  wide  thro’  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted,  and  this  to  be  com- 
pleted within  Eighteen  Months  from  the  date  of  this  Grant ; in 
failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof  shall  be  for- 
feited & revert  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them 
reenter’d  upon  & regranted  to  any  of  our  loving  Subjects. 

Second.  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be  set- 
tled Twelve  Families  by  the  first  day  of  March  1771,  who  shall  be 
actually  cultivating  some  part  of  the  Land  & resident  thereon,  & to 
continue  making  further  & Additional  Improvement  Cultivation  & 
Settlement  of  the  Premises  so  that  there  shall  be  Actually  Settled  & 
resident  thereon  Sixty  Families  by  the  first  day  of  March  177 6,  on 
Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  such  delinquent’s  Share  and  of  such 
Share’s  reverting  to  us  our  Heirs  & Successors  to  be  by  us  or  them 
enter’d  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually 
Settle  & cultivate  the  same. 

Third.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said 
Township  fit  for  Masting  our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved 
for  that  use  & none  to  be  cut  or  fell’d  without  our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  & obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture 
of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs 
& Successors  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  the  Penalty  prescribed 
by  any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament. 

Fourth.  That  before  any  division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  & marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

Fifth  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  & 
Successors  *or  before  the  first  day  of  March  1773,  the  Rent  *4-105 
of  One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Sixth  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  Yield 
& Pay  unto  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  Yearly  and  every  Year 
for  Ever  from  & after  the  expiration  of  one  Year  from  the  above- 
said  first  day  of  March  Namely  on  the  first  day  of  March,  which 


720 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


will  be  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  thousand  and  Seven 
hundred  & Seventy  four  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for 
every  hundred  Acres  he  so  Owns  Settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in 
proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land;  which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons  abovesaid  their 
Heirs  or  Assigns  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to 
such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same  : 
And  this  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  Affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esq : our  Governor  & Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  the  first  day  of  May  in  the  Ninth  Year  of  our 
Reign  & in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  One  thousand  Seven  hun- 
dred  & Sixty  Nine. 

By  His  Excellcy’s  Command  ) 
with  advice  of  Council.  $ 

Geo  : King  Depy  Sec^ 


Names  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Township  of  Trecothick. 

Barlow  Trecothick  Esq  :Joshua  Wentworth  Samuel  Warner 
Jonathan  Warner  Esqr  Pearse  Long  John  Wheelwright 

Daniel  Rindge  Esqr  Monsieur  Bunbury  John  Barter 
Leverett  Hubbard  Esqr  George  Wentworth  John  Gregory 
Edmund  Quincy  Esq  : Thomas  Dalling  John  Harris 


Samuel  Cutt  Esqr 
John  Hurd  Esqr 
John  Wendell  Esqr 
Daniel  Fowle  Esqr 
John  Parker  Esqr 
Isaac  Rindge  Esqr 
Giles  Seawards 
George  Turner 
Samuel  Noldred 
Edmund  Coffin 

*4-106  *Peter  Curtis 

Daniel  Jackson 
Joseph  Bass 
James  Miller 
Ichabod  Clark 
Ichabod  Clark  Junr 


Daniel  Wentworth  Wendell  Foster  Treferen 
Timothy  Mountford  Zachariah  Foss 
William  Whipple  John  Brown 
Thomas  Simpson  Bray  Dearing  Underwood 


William  Simpson 
John  Wendell  Junr 
Edmund  Wendell 
Edmund  Wendell  Junr 
William  Pearne 
Robert  Robertson 
Vere  Royse 
Daniel  Sherburne 
Roger  Hayes 
George  Libbey 
Jotham  Blanchard 
Matthew  Haslett 
Samuel  Foster 
Thomas  Wendell 


Thomas  Rickard 
William  Doacks 
Tobias  Lear 
Alexr  Welch 
William  Marshall 
George  Trehern 
John  Jackson 
Richd  Skinner 
John  Gerry 
Henry  Gardner 
John  White, 

Jacob  Wells 
Benjamin  Mackay 
Richard  Jenkins 


ELLSWORTH. 


721 


James  Guppy 
William  Welch 
John  Langdon 
John  Cochran 
Solomon  Davis 
James  Holland 
George  Pearse 
Robert  Lewis  Fowle 
John  Frost 


Thomas  Martin  Robert  Traill  Esqr 
Daniel  Cate  John  Winthrop  Esqr 
Joseph  Harrison  Esqr  of  Boston 
Peter  Harrison  Esqr  of  New  London 
Honble  James  Bowdoin  Esqr  of  Boston 
David  Call  Nathan1  Hurd  of  Boston 

Supply  Clapp  Glebe  for  the  Church 
Daniel  Brewster  of  England  by  Law 
Michael  Fowler  established. 

William  Blunt 


J’  < L.  S.  > Wentworth. 


Recorded  according  to  the  Original  Charter  of  Trecothick  under 
the  Province  Seal  this  25th  day  of  August  1772. 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  27th  May  1769. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  of  the  Township  of  Trecothick  Con- 
taining Twenty  four  Thousand  Nine  hundred  & Fifty  Seven  Acres 
of  Land  is  a True  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said 
Township  as  taken  & returned  to  me  by  Captain  Hubartis  Neal 
Depy  Survr 

Attest,  Is  : Rindge  S.  G1 
45 


722 


CHARTER  RECORDS 


[This  plan  is  taken  from  Vol.  5,  p.  327.] 


*v 


The  foregoing  Charter  & Plan  of  Trecothick  Recorded  Accord- 
ing to  the  original  under  the  Province  Seal 

Attest  E Thompson  Sec17 


ENFIELD. 


723 


ENFIELD. 

[Granted  as  Endfield,  July  4,  1761,  to  Jedediah  Dana  and  others.  Regranted 
as  Relhan,  Aug.  8,  1768,  to  Simon  Stevens  and  others.  Incorporated  Aug.  18, 
1778.  The  act  incorporating  the  town  as  Relhan , was  repealed  Jan.  3,  1784. 
The  town  boundaries  were  settled  June  18,  1802.  A portion  of  Grantham  was  an- 
nexed Jan.  13,  1837. 

See  X,  Bouton  Province  and  State  Papers,  277,  400,  as  to  participation  in  move- 
ment for  union  with  Vermont  towns  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  610  ; Index  to 
Laws,  166;  sketch,  Child’s  Gazetteer  of  Grafton  County,  1886,  p.  243;  Topo- 
graphical Description,  1,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  237;  Stewart’s 
History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  pp.  302,  375  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches, 
1856,  p.  531  ; Eleven  Years  among  the  Shakers  at  Enfield,  by  William  Elking, 

1853.] 


[Enfield  Charter,  1761.] 

^Province  of  New  Hampshire.  *2-5 

Endfield  GEORGE,  the  Third, 

By  the  Gra-ce  of  God,  of  Great-Britain,  France  and 
Ireland,  King,  Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c. 

To  all  Persons  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come , 
Greeting. 

Know  ye,  that  We  of  Our  special  Grace,  certain  Knowledge, 
and  meer  Motion,  for  the  due  Encouragement  of  settling  a New 
Plantation  within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  Advice  of 
our  Trusty  and  Well-beloved  Benning  Wentworth,.  Esq ; Our 
Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  in  New- England , and  of  our  Council  of  the  said 
Province ; Have,  upon  the  Conditions  and  Reservations  herein 
after  made,  given  and  granted,  and  by  these  Presents,  for  us,  our 
Heirs,  and  Successors,  do  give  and  grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto 
Our  loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  Our  said  Province  of  New - 
Hampshire,  and  Our  other  Governments,  and  to  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  for  ever,  whose  Names  areentred  on  this  Grant,  to  be  di- 
vided to  and  amongst  them  into  Sixty  Six  Equal  Shares,  all  that 
Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate,  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
Province  of  New-Hamf shire , containing  by  Admeasurement, 
Twenty  Two  thousand  five  hundred  Acres , which  Tract  is  to  con- 
tain near  Six  Miles  square,  and  no  more  ; out  of  which  an  Allowance 
is  to  be  made  for  High  Ways  and  unimprovable  Lands  by  Rocks, 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


724 

Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers,  One  Thousand  and  Forty  Acres 
free,  according  to  a Plan  and  Survey  thereof,  made  by  Our  said 
Governor’s  Order,  and  returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  and 
hereunto  annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  Viz.  Begining 
at  the  South  East  Corner  of  Labanon  from  thence  South  Sixty 
Eight  Degrees  East  Six  Miles  & Three  Quarters  of  A Mile 
thence  North  forty  three  degrees  East  five  Miles  & one  half  from 
thence  North  fifty  Eight  degrees  West  Seven  Miles  & an  half  to 
the  North  East  Corner  of  Labanon  from  thence  by  the  East  Side 
or  Labanon  to  the  first  Bounds  Mentioned  And  that  the  same  be, 
and  hereby  is  Incorporated  into  a Township  by  the  Name  of 
Endfield  And  the  Inhabitants  that  do  or  shall  hereafter  inhabit  the 
said  Township,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  Enfranchized  with  and 
Intitled  to  all  and  every  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  other 
Towns  within  Our  Province  by  Law  Exercise  and  Enjoy  : And 
further,  that  the  said  Town  as  soon  as  there  shall  be  Fifty  Families 
resident  and  settled  thereon,  shall  have  the  Liberty  of  holding  Two 
Fairs , one  of  which  shall  be  held  on  the 

And  the  other  on  the  annually,  which  Fairs 

are  not  to  continue  longer  than  the  respective 

following  the  said  and  that  as  soon  as  the 

said  Town  shall  consist  of  Fifty  Families,  a Market  may 
* 2-6  be  ^opened  and  kept  one  or  more  Days  in  each  Week, 
as  may  be  thought  most  advantagious  to  the  Inhabitants. 
Also,  that  the  first  Meeting  for  the  Choice  of, Town  Officers,  agre- 
able  to  the  Laws  of  our  said  Province,  shall  be  held  on  the  Last 
Tuesday  of  August  next  which  said  Meeting  shall  be  Notified 
by  Jedediah  Dana  who  is  hereby  also  appointed  the  Moderator 
of  the  said  first  Meeting,  which  he  is  to  Notify  and  Govern  agre- 
able  to  the  Laws  and  Customs  of  Our  said  Province ; and  that  the 
annual  Meeting  for  ever  hereafter  for  the  Choice  of  such  Officers 
for  the  said  Town,  shall  be  on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  an- 
nually, To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as  above 
expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances,  to  them 
and  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever,  upon  the  following 
Conditions,  vi-z. 

I.  That  every  Grantee,  his  Heirs  or  Assigns  shall  plant  and  cul- 
tivate five  Acres  of  Land  within  the  Term  of  five  Years  for  every 
fifty  Acres  contained  in  his  or  their  Share  or  Proportion  of  Land 
in  said  Township,  and  continue  to  improve  and  settle  the  same  by 
additional  Cultivations,  on  Penalty  of  the  Forfeiture  of  his  Grant 
or  Share  in  the  said  Township,  and  of  its  reverting  to  Us,  our 


ENFIELD.  725 

Heirs  and  Successors,  to  be  by  Us  or  Them  Re-granted  to  such  of 
Our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same. 

II.  That  all  white  and  other  Pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  Our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  Use,  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence 
for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained,  upon  the  Penalty  of  the  For- 
feiture of  the  Right  of  such  Grantee,  his  Heirs  and  Assigns,  to  Us, 
our  Heirs  and  Successors,  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penalty 
of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament  that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall 
be  Enacted. 

III.  That  before  any  Division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  and  among 
the  Grantees,  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Centre  of  the  said 
Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked 
out  for  Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee 
of  the  Contents  of  one  Acre. 

IV.  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Succes- 
sors for  the  Space  of  ten  Years,  to  be  computed  from  the  Date 
hereof,  the  Rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only,  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  Day  of  December  annually,  if  lawfully  demanded,  the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day  of  December . 1762 

V.  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant,  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  Us,  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly,  and  every  Year  for- 
ever, from  and  after  the  Expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the  above- 
said  twenty-fifth  Day  o {December,  namely,  on  the  twenty-fifth  Day 
oi  December,  which  will  be  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  1772  One 
shilling  Proclamation  Money  for  every  Hundred  Acres  he  so 
owns,  settles  or  possesses,  and  so  in  Proportion  for  a greater  or 
lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  ; which  money  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their  Heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our 
Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth , or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as 
shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same ; and  this  is  to  be  in  Lieu  of 
all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed.  Witness  Benning  Wentworth, 
Esq  ; Our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  Our  said  Province, 
the  fourth  Day  of  July  In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ,  One 
Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Sixty  one  And  in  the  First 
Year  of  Our  Reign. 

B Wentworth 

By  His  Excellency’s  Command, 

With  Advice  of  Council, 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


726 


Province  of  New  Hampr  July  5th  1761 

Recorded  According  to  the  Original  Charter  of  Endfield  under 
the  Province  Seal 

Attest1  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 
*2—7  *The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Endfield 


Jedediah  Dana 
Nathaniel  Turner 
Elisha  Clark 
Zephaniah  Nicholls 
Uriah  Hanks 
William  Henfield 
Joshua  Hinda 
Samuel  Foster 
Samuel  Butters 
Uriah  Rogers 
Andrew  Storrs 
Lemuel  Burrows 
Constant  Southwork 
John  Usher 
Joseph  Turner 
Judah  Moore 
Jeremiah  LeflBngwell 
Ebenezr  Baldwin 
James  Head 
Samuel  Murdock 
Philip  Turner  junr 


Jabez  Baldwin 
Jedidiah  Dana  junr 
John  Tracey 
Nathan  Dennison 
Samuel  Easterbrook 
Joseph  Easterbrook 
Robert  Usher 
Huckins  Storrs 
Oliver  Clark 
Isaac  Dana 
Asa  Leffingwell 
Daniel  Aldin 
James  Dana 
Silas  Hide 
Andrew  Abel 
John  Beckerd  ye  3d 
Elias  Beckard 
Skif  Freeman 
Richard  Salter 
Samuel  Butters 
Benjamin  Hanks 


Jon*  Sleekland 
Andrew  Campbell 
Jonathan  Lassells 
Jonathan  Dana 
Jabez  Barrows 
Silas  Waterman 
Rufus  Baldwin  junr 
Ebenezr  Lathrop 
James  Lathrop 
John  Gilbert 
John  Salter 
Samuel  Butters  Junr 
The  Hon1*6  Theodr  > 
Atkinson  Esq  $ 
Richard  Wibird  Esq 
John  Nellson 
Rev4  Arthur  Brown 
Rev4  Marmaduke 

Brown] 

& James  Gillmore 


His  Excellence'  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  A Tract  of  Land  as 
Marked  in  the  Plan  to  Contain  five  hundred  Acres  which  is  to  be 
Accounted  Two  Shares  One  share  for  the  Society  for  the  Propa- 
pation  of  the  Gospel  in  foreign  Parts  One  Share  for  the  first  Set- 
tled Minister  of  the  Gospel  One  Share  for  A Glebe  for  the 
Church  of  England  as  by  Law  Established  One  Share  for  the 
Benefit  of  the  School  in  Said  Town 


Province  of  New  Hampr  July  5th  1761 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  original  Charter  of  Endfield 
under  the  Province  Seal. — 

Attest1,  Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


ENFIELD. 


727 


e 


o' 

A 

2 

i 


* 


Province  of  New  Hampr  July  5th  1761 

Recorded  from  the  Back  of  the  original  Charter  of  Endfield 
under  the  Province  Seal 

^ Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 


[Relhan  Charter,  1761.] 

""Province  of  New  > George  the  Third  by  the  Grace  *1-307 
Hampshire  ) of  God  of  Great  Britain  France 
Relhan  Charter  > and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  faith  and 
Now  Enfield  $ so  forth. 

Know  Ye,  that  we  of  our  special  Grace  certain  knowledge  and 
mere  Motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  Setling  a new  Planta- 
tion, within  our  said  Province,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  Trusty 
and  well-beloved  John  Wentworth  Esq  : Our  Governor  & Com- 
mander in  Cheif  of  Our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in  New 


728 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


England  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province,  Have  upon  the 
Conditions  and  Reservations  herein  after  made,  given  and  granted 
& by  these  Presents  for  us  our  heirs  and  Successors,  do  give  and 
grant  in  equal  Shares,  unto  our  Loving  Subjects,  Inhabitants  of  our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  and  our  other  Governments,  who 
have  Petitioned  us  for  the  same  Setting  forth  their  readiness  to 
make  immediate  Settlement,  and  to  their  heirs  and  Assigns  for 
ever,  whose  Names  are  enter’d  on  this  Grant,  to  be  divided  to  and 
amongst  them  into  Ninety  equal  Shares,  all  that  Tract  or  parcel  of 
Land,  known  by  the  name  of  Endfield,  situate,  lying  and  being 
within  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire,  containing  by  Ad- 
measurement Twenty  Six  Thousand,  Seven  hundred  & forty  four 
Acres,  which  is  to  contain  near  Six  miles  Square  and  no  more,  out 
of  which  an  Allowance  is  to  be  made  for  Highways  and  unimprove- 
able  Lands  by  Rocks,  Ponds,  Mountains  and  Rivers  One  Thou- 
sand & Forty  Acres  free,  according  to  a plan  and  Survey  thereof 
exhibited  by  our  Surveyor  General,  by  our  said  Govra  order,  and 
returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office,  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto 
annexed,  butted  and  bounded  as  follows,  viz  : “ Begining  at  the 

South  east  corner  of  Lebanon,  from  thence  South  Sixty  eight  de- 
grees east  Six  miles  & three  Quarters  of  a mile,  thence  North  43^ 
degrees  East  five  miles  and  one  half  mile  from  thence  North  Fifty 
eight  degrees  West  Seven  miles  and  one  half  mile  to  the  North 
East  Corner  of  Lebanon  from  thence  by  the  East  side  of  Lebanon 
to  the  bounds  first  mentioned.”  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said 
Tract  of  Land  as  above  expressed,  together  with  all  Privileges  and 
Appurtenances,  to  them  and  their  respective  heirs  & Assigns  for 
Ever  by  the  name  of  Relhan,  upon  the  following  Conditions, 
Viz.— 

Ist  That  the  said  Grantees  shall  Settle  or  Cause  to  be  Settled 
Twelve  Families  who  shall  be  actually  Cultivating  some 
*1-308  part  of  the  land,  and  resident  thereon  *on  or  before  the 
29th  day  of  September  1769,  and  to  continue  making  fur- 
ther & additional  Improvement,  Cultivation  and  Settlement  of  the 
Premises,  so  that  there  shall  be  actually  Settled  & Resident  there- 
on Sixty  Families  by  the  29th  Septem1  1774  on  the  penalty  of  the 
forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  its  reverting  to  us  our  heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  by  us,  or  them  enter’d  upon  and  regranted  to  such  of 
our  Subjects  as  shall  effectually  Settle  and  Cultivate  the  same. 

2nd  That  all  white  and  other  pine  Trees  within  the  said  Town- 
ship, fit  for  Masting  our  Royal  Navy,  be  carefully  preserved  for 
that  use,  & none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  our  special  Licence  for 


ENFIELD. 


729 


so  doing  first  had  & Obtained,  upon  the  penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of 
the  right  of  such  Grantee,  his  heirs  & Assigns  to  us  our  heirs  and 
Successors,  as  well  as  being  Subject  to  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment, that  now  are,  or  hereafter  shall  be  Enacted. 

3rd  That  before  any  division  of  the  land  be  made  to  and  among 
the  Grantees,  a tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Center  of  the  said  Town- 
ship as  the  land  will  admit  of,  shall  be  reserved  and  marked  out  for 
Town  Lots,  one  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each  Grantee  of  the 
Contents  of  one  Acre. 

4th  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  heirs  and  Successors 
on  or  before  the  29th  day  of  September  1769,  the  rent  of  one  Ear 
of  Indian  Corn  only,  if  lawfully  demanded. 

5th  Every  Proprietor,  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall  yield  and  pay 
unto  us,  our  heirs  and  Successors,  yearly  and  every  Year  forever, 
from  and  after  the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  abovesaid  29th 
day  of  Septem1'  Namely  on  the  29th  day  of  Septemr  which  will  be 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1770,  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money 
for  every  hundred  Acres  he  So  owns,  Settles  or  Possesses,  and  so  in 
proportion  for  a greater  or  lesser  tract  of  the  said  Land ; which 
money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons  abovesaid,  their 
heirs  or  Assigns,  in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsm0  or  to  such 
Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same,  and 
this  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  whatsoever. 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed,  Witness  John  Wentworth 
Esquire,  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  Cheif  of  our 
said  ^Province,  the  Eighth  day  of  August  in  the  year  of  *1-309 
our  Lord  Christ  1768,  and  in  the  Eighth  year  of  our 
Reign. 


By  his  Excellency’s  Command 
with  advice  of  Council. 

T : Atkinson  Junr  Secy 


J’  Wentworth 


Recorded  according  to  the  Original  under  the  Province  Seal 
this  9th  of  August  1768. 


^ : T Atkinson  Jun  Secy 


Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Relhan. 


Simon  Stevens 
Willard  Stevens 
Levi  Willard 


Edwd  Goldstone  Lutwyche  Job  Stevens 
William  Appleton  John  Briard 

Simon  Stevens  2nd  John  Hurd  Esq  : 


730 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


William  Barron  Simeon  Alvord 
John  Chandler  Junr  John  Wells 
Joshua  Willard  Stephen  Alvord 

Abel  Willard  David  Newhall 

Jonathan  Willard  junr  Simeon  Powers 


David  Stone 
John  Armes 
Abijah  Willard 
Abel  Stevens 
Joseph  Stevens 
Canelin  Winslow 
Nathan  Baldwin 
Paul  Moores 
Ephraim  Doolittle 
Edmund  Munrow 


Nath1  Frances  Junr 
James  Wyman 
Thomas  Dean 
John  Symmes 
Samuel  Jenkes 
Samuel  Mansfield 
Jacob  Parker 
Hugh  Floyd 
Nathan  Sargent 
Ezra  Jenkins 
Ezra  Wait 


James  Putnam  Esq  : 

Epphraim  Wilder  Junr  Thomas  Wait 
Richard  Jenness  3rd  John  Newhall 

Joseph  Jenness  Enos  Stevens 

Jonathan  Jenness  Solomon  Stevens 

Isaac  Jenness  Jacob  Tilton 

Levi  Jenness  Meshech  Weare  Joseph  Welch 
Simeon  Jenness  Joshua  Bracket 
Thomas  Brooks  Daniel  Fowle  Hall  Jackson 
Nathaniel  Frances  Rob*  Lewis  Fowle  , 

John  Adams  William  Ferriman 

Mark  Sevey  Cotton  Mather  Stevens 

*1-310  *One  whole  Share  for  the  Incorporated  Society  for  the 
Propagation  of  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  parts,  one  whole 
Share  for  a Glebe  for  the  Church  of  England  by  Law  establish’d 
One  Share  for  the  first  Setled  Minister,  and  one  Share  for  the 
benefit  of  a School  in  said  Town. 

Recorded  from  the  back  of  the  Original  Charter  of  Relhan,  un- 
der the  Province  Seal  this  9th  August  17 68. 

^ T : Atkinson  Jun  Secry 


Edward  Sclate 
Samuel  Hall 
Ammi  Ruhamah  Cutter 
Thomas  Walley 
Samuel  Penhallow 
William  Knight 
Daniel  Rogers 
Geo  : King  Esq  : 

Isaac  Rindge  Esq : 
Anthony  Relhan 
Henry  Rust 
George  Meserve 
William  Torrey 
Revd  Arthur  Browne 
Revd  Samuel  McClintock 
Geo  : Walton  of  Newington 
Seth  Walker 
Obadiah  Wells 
James  Gilmore 
John  Nelson 
William  Welch 

500  acres  to 
Satisfy  these 
2 shares,  to  be 
laid  out  in  the 
S.  W.  Corner. 


ENFIELD. 


731 


A Plan  of  the  Township  of  Endfield  contain8  2674^  2R  I^P 
Protracted  by  a Scale  of  100  ch3  to  an  Inch. — 

Province  of  New  Hampshire  Aug8t  1768. 

These  Certify  that  this  Plan  ofRelhan  contain8  26744  Acres  2 
Roods  & 16  Rods  is  a True  Copy  of  an  Original  Plan  or  Survey 
of  said  Township  as  taken  and  returned  by  Mr  Benja  Sumner  Dy 
Survr — 

Attestd  ^ Is  : Rindge  Sr  Gen1— - 


[Report  of  Committee  on  Bounds  of  Enfield,  1781.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries ” p.  209.] 

Whereas  By  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New 
Hampshire  Passed  the  28th  Day  of  March  1781  Jeremiah  Page 
Esqr  with  us  the  Subcribers  was  appointed  a Committee  to  Settle 
the  Lines  and  Boundaries  of  the  Township  of  Enfield  Alias  Relham 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


and  those  Lines  and  Boundaries  of  the  Townships  of  Canaan  and 
Grafton  which  are  or  may  be  Contiguous  thereto  or  Depending 
thereupon,  persuant  to  Said  appointment  the  Subscribers  have  per- 
formed Said  Service  in  the  Following  manner  (Viz)  Beginning  at 
the  Southeasterly  Corner  Bound  of  the  Township  of  Lebanon 
which  is  the  Southwesterly  Comer  of  the  Township  of  Enfield 
Alies  Relham  Commonly  Calld  Sumners  Bound  and  thence  Run- 
ning South  fifty  Eight  Degrees  East  Six  miles  and  three  fourths  of 
a mile  to  a Henlock  tree  Marked  H G.  W C Thence  Running 
Xorth  fort}'  Degrees  & forty  five  Minits  East  about  five  miles  and 
one  half  mile  to  a Spruce  tree  Markd  as  afore  Said  which  is  the 
Dividing  Line  Between  Enfield  and  Grafton  and  is  the  Xorth 
Easterly  Comer  of  Enfield  Alies  Relham  and  the  South  Eastward- 
ly  Comer  of  Canaan  thence  Running  Xorth  Fifty  Eight  Degrees 
West  Seven  Miles  and  Sixty  Rods  to  a Birch  Stump  which  is  the 
Corner  of  Lebonan,  Enfield  and  Canaan  thence  By  Lebonon  to 
the  Bounds  first  mentioned 

Boscawen  Julv  9th  1781  Henrv  Gerrish  ) r ^ 

Wm  Chamberlin  5 ^om 

To  Ebenezer  Thompson  Esqr  Secretary'  for  the  Sate  of  Xew 
Hampshire 


EPPIXG. 

/ 

[Set  off  from  Exeter  and  incorporated,  Feb.  3,  1741-2.  The  north  line  of  the 
town  was  established  June  19,  1818. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  245  ; XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  616;  Index 
to  Laws,  168;  sketch,  Hurds  History  of  Rockingham  Count)’,  1882.  p.  204;  Bap- 
tist Churches  in  X.  H.,  by  E.  E.  Cummings,  1836,  p.  7:  Lawrence's  X.  H. 
Churches,  1856.  p.  45:  Life  of  William  Plumer,  by  his  son,  1856:  History  of 
Exeter,  by  Charles  H.  Bell,  1888,  p.  184;  Mortality,  1811-21,  2,  Farmer  and 
Moore's  Historical  Collections,  256.] 


EPSOM. 

[Granted  May  18,  1727,  to  the  freeholders  of  Xew  Castle  and  Greenland.  The 
first  meeting  was  held  in  1743. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  246 : XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  628 ; Index 
to  Laws,  168;  sketch,  by  J.  H.  Dolbeer,  Hurd's  History  of  Merrimack  County, 
1885,  p.  443 : Historical  Sketch,  by  Jonathan  Curtis,  2,  Farmer  and  Moore's  His- 
torical Collections.  321:  Stewart's  History  of  the  Free  Baptists,  1862,  p.  375; 
Lawrence’s  X.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  382.] 


EPSOM. 


733 


[Epsom  Charter,  1727.] 

*George  By  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  *1-240 
Britain  France  & Ireland  King  Defender 
of  the  faith  &ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  Shall  come  Greeting 
Know  Ye  that  We  of  our  special  Knowledge  & 
mere  motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  Settling 
A New  Plantation  by  & with  the  advice  & Consent  of  our  Council 
have  given  and  Granted  and  by  these  Presents  (as  far  as  in  us 
Lyes)  do  Give  & grant  unto  all  Such  of  our  Loving  Subjects  as 
were  Inhabitants  & free  holders  in  the  Year  one  thousand  Seven 
hundred  & Twenty  three  in  Our  Town  of  New  Castle  & in  our  Par- 
ish of  Greenland  both  within  our  Province  of  New  Hampr  in  New 
England  to  be  Divided  amoung  them  in  Proportion  to  their  Respect- 
ive rates  which  they  paid  in  the  Year  1723  aforesaid  One  Tract  of 
Land  to  be  laid  out  at  the  head  of  Nottingham  and  Northward  of 
the  Land  formerly  Granted  to  the  Children  of  Coll  Sam11  Allen 
deceased  & the  Same  to  be  Six  Miles  in  Breadth  & four  Miles  in 
Depth  Or  in  Such  Other  form  as  the  Land  ungranted  in  that  Place 
will  admit  so  as  it  contains  the  same  Quantity  of  Land  and  the 
Same  to  be  A Town  Corporate  by  the  Name  of  Epsom  to  the  Per- 
sons aforesaid  forever  To  Have  and  to  hold  the  Said  Tract  of 
Land  to  the  Grantees  & their  Heirs  & Assigns  for  ever  upon  the 
following  Conditions 

i8t  That  they  build  Twenty  Dwelling  Houses  and  Settle  A Fam- 
ily in  Each  within  the  Term  of  four  Years  and  brake  up  three 
Acres  of  Ground  for  Each  Settlement  and  Plant  or  Sow  the  Same 
within  five  years — 

2diy  That  A House  be  built  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God 
within  the  Term  of  Six  Years — 

3d  That  one  hundred  Acres  of  Land  be  Reserved  for  a Parson- 
age One  hundred  Acres  for  the  first  minister  of  the  Gospel  and 
One  hundred  Acres  for  the  Benefit  of  a School 

Provided  Nevertheless  the  Peace  with  the  Indians  Continue  dur- 
ing the  aforesaid  Term  of  four  Years  but  if  it  should  so  happen  that 
a War  with  the  Indians  should  Com’ence  before  the  aforesd  Term 
of  Four  Years  be  Expired  there  Shall  be  allowed  to  the  aforesaid 
Proprietors  the  Term  of  Four  Years  after  the  Expiration  of  the  War 
to  Perform  the  aforesaid  Conditions  Rendring  & Paying  therefor  to 
us  our  heirs  & Successors  or  Such  other  officer  or  officers  as  Shall  be 
appointed  to  Receive  the  Same  the  Annual  quit  rent  or  Acknowledg- 


Epsom 


734 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


ment  of  one  Pound  of  Good  Merchantable  Hem[p]  in  Said  Town  on 
the  first  Day  of  December  Yearly  for  ever  if  Demanded  Reserving 
also  unto  us  our  heirs  & Successors  All  Mast  Trees  growing  on 
the  Said  Land  according  to  Act  of  Parliament  made  & 
*1-241  Provided  in  that  Case  and  for  the  better  order  rule  & *Gov- 
ernment  of  the  Said  Town  We  by  these  Presents  Grant 
for  Us  our  heirs  & Successors  unto  the  aforesaid  Proprietors  and 
those  that  Shall  Inhabit  the  Said  Town  that  Yearly  & every  Year 
upon  the  first  Wednesday  in  May  they  may  meet  (at  any  Place 
within  our  Province  of  New  Hampr  aforesaid  until  the  Settlement 
of  the  aforesaid  Town  is  Perfected  and  afterwards  in  the  Said 
Town)  to  elect  & Chuse  by  the  Major  Part  of  them  Constables 
Select  men  and  all  other  Town  officers  according  to  the  Laws  & 
usage  of  our  aforesaid  Province  with  such  Powers  Previledges  & 
Authority  as  other  Towns  & Town  officers  within  our  sd  Prove  have 
& Enjoy  and  we  appoint  our  Loving  Subjects  Theodore  Atkinson 
Joshua  Foss  & Cap1  Samuel  Weeks  to  be  the  Selectmen  to  manage 
the  affairs  of  Said  Town  for  this  Present  Year  and  until  others  Are 
Chosen  In  their  Room  by  the  aforesaid  Proprietors  In  Testimony 
whereof  we  have  Caused  the  Seal  of  our  Said  Province  to  be  here- 
unto Annexed  Wittness  John  Wentworth  Esq  our  Leiutenant  Gov- 
ernour  & Commander  in  Chieff  in  & over  our  Said  Province  at  our 
Town  of  Portsm0  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  May  in  the  Thirtieth  Year 
of  our  reign  Annoq  Domini  1727 

f J Wentworth 

By  order  of  his  Hone  L*  Govern1 
with  Advice  of  Council 

Richd  Waldron  Cler  Con 

Recorded  the  8th  Day  of  September  1761  According  to  the  Orig- 
inal Charter  under  the  Province  Seal 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 


ERROL. 

[Granted  Feb.  28,  1774,  to  Timothy  Ruggles  and  others.  A large  part  of  the 
grant  was  purchased  by  men  from  Salem  and  Danvers,  Mass.  Incorporated  Dec. 
28,  1836. 

See  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  633  ; Index  to  Laws,  169;  sketch,  Fergusson’s 
History  of  Cods  County,  1888,  p.  948  ; Lawrence’s  N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  p.  610  ; 
Androscoggin  Lakes,  by  Charles  A.  J.  Farrar,  1887,  P-  221.] 


ERROL. 


735 


[Errol  Charter,  1774.] 

^Province  of  New  > George  the  third  by  the  grace  *4-191 
Hampshire  5 °f  God  of  Great  Britain  France  and 
Errol  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  greeting 
Know  ye  that  we  of  our  special  grace  certain  knowledge  and 
meer  motion  for  the  due  encouragement  of  settling  a new  Plan- 
tation within  our  said  Province  by  and  with  the  advice  of  our 
trusty  & well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esqr  our  Governor  and 
Commander  in  chief  of  our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  in 
New  England  and  of  our  Council  of  the  said  Province  have  upon 
the  conditions  and  reservations  herein  after  made  given  and  grant- 
ed & by  these  Presents  for  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  do  give 
and  grant  in  equal  Shares  unto  our  loving  Subjects  Inhabitants  of 
our  said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  and  our  other  Dominions 
who  have  petitioned  Us  for  the  same  setting  forth  their  readiness 
to  make  immediate  Settlement  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns  for- 
ever whose  Names  are  entered  on  this  Grant  to  be  divided  to 
& amongst  them  into  eighty  six  equal  Shares  all  that  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land  situate  lying  and  being  within  our  said 
^Province  of  New  Hampshire  containing  by  admeasure-  *4-192 
ment  Thirty  two  thousand  four  hundred  & eighty  Acres 
out  of  which  an  allowance  is  to  be  made  for  Highways  & unim- 
proveable  Lands  by  Rocks  Mountains  and  Waters  Two  thousand 
Acres  free  according  to  a Plan  or  Survey  thereof  exhibited  by  our 
Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  our  said  Province  by  our  said 
Governor’s  order  and  returned  into  the  Secretarys  Office  of  our 
said  Province  a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed,  butted  and 
bounded  as  follows  viz*  Begining  at  a Stake  standing  in  a 
Meadow  on  the  East  boundary  Line  of ‘our  said  Province  and  is 
the  Northeasterly  Corner  bound  of  Cambridge  (so  called)  from 
thence  runing  North  eight  degrees  East  on  the  Province  Line 
Seven  Miles  and  eighty  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  standing  on  the 
North  side  of  a Pond  mark  H N and  E G thence  North  eighty 
two  degrees  West  Seven  Miles  to  a red  Birch  Tree  Marked  as 
aforesaid  thence  South  eight  degrees  West  Seven  Miles  & eighty 
Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  marked  as  aforesaid  standing  in  the  North 
boundary  Line  of  Dummer  (so  called)  from  thence  South  eighty 
two  degrees  East  by  Dummer  and  Cambridge  to  the  Stake  first 
mentioned  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  as 


7 36 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


above  expressed  together  with  all  Privileges  and  Appurtenances 
to  them  and  to  their  respective  Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  by  the 
Name  of  Errol  upon  the  following  conditions  Viz* 

First  That  the  grantees  at  their  own  Cost  shall  cut  clear, 
bridge  and  make  passable  for  Carriages  of  all  kinds  a Road  of 
four  rods  wide  through  the  said  Tract  hereby  granted  as  shall  be 
at  any  time  hereafter  directed  by  our  said  Governor  and  Council 
which  Road  shall  be  completed  in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  such 
directions  in  failure  of  which  the  Premises  and  every  part  thereof 
shall  be  forfeited  and  revert  to  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  to  be 
by  Us  or  them  reentered  upon  and  regranted  to  any  of  our  loving 
Subjects 

Secondly  That  all  white  pine  and  other  Pine  Trees  within 
the  said  Township  fit  for  masting  our  royal  Navy  be  carefully  pre- 
served for  that  use  and  none  to  be  cut  or  felled  without  special 
Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  and  obtained  upon  the  Penalty  of 
the  forfeiture  of  the  right  of  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  and 
*4-193  Assigns  to  us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  as  well  *as  being 
subject  to  the  Penalties  of  any  Act  or  Acts  of  Parliament 
that  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  enacted 

Thirdly  That  before  any  division  of  the  Land  be  made  to  & 
among  the  Grantees  a Tract  of  Land  as  near  the  Center  of  the 
said  Township  as  the  Land  will  admit  of  shall  be  reserved  & 
marked  out  for  Town  Lots  One  of  which  shall  be  allotted  to  each 
Grantee  of  the  Contents  of  One  Acre 

Fourthly  Yielding  and  paying  therefor  to  us  our  Heirs  and 
Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March  1780  the  rent  of 
One  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded — 

Fifthly  That  every  Proprietor  Settler  or  Inhabitant  shall 
yield  and  pay  unto  Us  our  Heirs  and  Successors  yearly  and  every 
Year  forever  from  and  after  the  expiration  of  ten  Years  from  the 
date  of  this  Grant  One  Shilling  proclamation  Money  for  every 
hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  possesses  and  so  in  proportion 
for  a greater  or  lesser  Tract  of  the  said  Land  which  Money  shall 
be  paid  by  the  respective  Persons  abovesaid  their  Heirs  or  Assigns 
in  our  Council  Chamber  in  Portsmouth  or  to  such  Officer  or 
Officers  as  shall  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same 

Sixthly  That  any  part  of  the  Premises  appearing  well  adapt- 
ed to  the  growth  of  Hemp  and  Flax  or  either  of  them  shall  be 
cultivated  with  those  useful  Articles  of  produce  in  the  proportion 
of  ten  Acres  in  each  and  every  hundred  of  these  granted  Prem- 
ises within  Ten  Years  of  this  date 


ERROL.  737 

Seventhly.  That  Ten  Families  shall  be  settled  and  actually 
resident  in  the  Town  within  Two  Years  of  this  date 

Eighthly  That  additional  Settlements  be  made  so  as  to  com- 
plete Sixty  Families  in  Six  Years  from  this  date 

Ninthly  That  this  Grant  shall  not  interfere  with  any  of  our 
Grants  formerly  made  and  now  in  force  nor  interrupt  the  Grantees 
in  their  improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the  conditions 
thereof — These  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Services  what- 
soever 

In  Testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  the  Seal  of  our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  witness  John  Went- 
worth *Esq  our  Governor  and  Commander  in  chief  *4-194 
aforesaid  the  twenty  eighth  day  of  February  in  the  four- 
teenth Year  of  our  reign  and  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  Christ  1774 
By  his  Excellencys  command 
with  advice  of  Council 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secy 


The  Names  of  the  Grantees  of  Errol 


The  Honble  Timothy  Ruggles  Esqr  James  Brewer  Noah  Dewey 
George  Boyd  Esqr  Jonathan  Hartwell  William  Bell 
James  Reed  Esqr  Henry  Morse  John  Chamberlin 

James  Richardson  Esqr  Jonathan  Hamond  Amos  Peasley 


Phinehas  Hutchins 
James  Reed  junr 
Theodrick  Reed 
Andrew  Colburn 
Joseph  Hemenway 
Joseph  Potter 
Benedic  Webber 
Thomas  Tolman 
Ebenezer  Tolman 
William  Tolman 
Samuel  Bishop 
Elijah  Clays 
John  Whiting 
John  Anger 
John  Fassett 
Samuel  Gravs 
Moses  Whiteney 
Jonah  Harrington 

46 


Greenwood  Carpenter  Robert  Peasley 
Jonathan  Woodcock  junr  Samuel  Ham 


Samuel  Hunt 
Ebenezer  Green 
Benjamin  Grant 
Benjamin  Grant  junr 
Peter  Grant 
Samuel  Smith 
Israel  Morey  Esqr 
Jonathan  Childs 


John  White 
Manasseh  Divell 
John  Solendine 
Phinehas  Butler 
James  Butler 
Robert  Kennedy  junr 
Elijah  Daly 
Azariah  Webb 
Samuel  Cutts 


Amasa  Woodworth 
Joel  Woodworth  Revd  Benja  Stephens  of  Kittery 
William  Thomson  Honble  George  Jaffrey  Esqr 


David  Thomson 
William  Marston 
Jacob  Marston 
Matthew  Miller 
James  Miller 


Edward  Sclate 
Andrey  McGafFy 
Thomas  Macdonogh 
Sam1  Wentworth  Fisher 
Daniel  Sherburne 


73§ 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Edward  Kendal  Timothey  Batholomew  Samuel  Sherburne 
Gershom  Brigham  Benjamin  Chamberlin  Edward  Sherburne 
James  Tiffeny  Noah  Grant  John  Lyford  junr 

Nathan  Hall  Silvanus  Owen  William  Torry 

Edward  Platts  John  Roberts  William  Barker 

Andrew  Bell 

One  whole  Share  for  the  Church  of  England  by  law  establish’d 
One  whole  Share  for  the  benefit  of  a School  in  said  Town  & One 
whole  Share  for  the  incorporated  Society  for  the  propagation  of 
the  Gospel  in  Foreign  parts — 

Wentworth 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  fourteenth  day  of  March  1774 

Attest1  Geo  : King  D Sec7 


erving’s  location. 


739 


Province  of  > 

New  Hampshire  > Portsmouth  20th  Jany  1774  This  certify ’s 
that  this  Plan  of  Errol  begining  at  a Stake  standing  in  a 
Meadow  on  the  East  boundary  Line  of  said  Province  and  is  the 
northeasterly  Corner  bounds  of  Cambridge  (so  called)  from  thence 
runing  North  eight  degrees  East  on  the  Province  Line  Seven  Miles 
and  eighty  Rods  to  a Spruce  Tree  standing  on  the  north  side  of  a 
Pond  marked  H N and  E G thence  North  eighty  two  degrees  West 
Seven  miles  to  a red  Birch  Tree  marked  as  aforesaid  thence  South 
eight  degrees  West  Seven  Miles  and  eighty  rods  to  a Spruce  Tree 
marked  as  aforesaid  standing  on  the  North  boundary  Line  of  Dum- 
mer  (so  called)  from  thence  South  eighty  two  degrees  East  by 
Dummer  and  Cambridge  to  the  Stake  first  mentioned  contains 
thirty  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty  Acres  and  is  a true 
copy  of  an  original  Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  or  Township  as 
taken  and  returned  to  me  by  Cap1  Hubartus  Neal  Dep?  Survr 

Attest  Is  : Rindge  S.  G1 
Copy  examined  by  Geo  : King  D Secry 


[Grant  to  William  Erving,  1775.] 

^Province  of  ) George  the  third  by  the  grace  *4-239 
New  Hampshire  > of  God  of  Great  Britain  France  & 

Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &ca 

To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  greeting 
Whereas  We  have  thought  fit  by  our  Proclama- 
tion at  Starnes’s  the  seventh  day  of  October  in  the 
William  Erving’s  ) third  Year  of  Our  reign  Annoque  Dorn- 
Location’s  > in i 17 63  among  other  things  to  testify 
Our  royal  Sence  and  approbation  of  the  conduct  and  bravery 
of  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  Our  Armies  and  signified  Our 
desire  to  reward  the  same  & have  therein  commanded  and  impow- 
ered  Our  several  Governors  of  Our  respective  Provinces  on  the 
Continent  of  America  to  grant  without  Fee  or  reward  to  such  re- 
duced Officers  as  have  served  in  America  during  the  late  War  and 
to  such  private  Soldiers  as  have  been  or  shall  be  disbanded  there  & 
shall  personally  apply  for  the  same  such  Quantities  of  Land  res- 
pectively as  in  and  by  Our  aforesaid  Proclamation  are  particularly 
mentioned  subject  nevertheless  to  the  same  Quitrents  & Conditions 
of  cultivation  & improvement  as  other  Our  Lands  are  Subject  to  in 
the  Province  in  which  they  are  granted  And  whereas  William 


740 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Erving  of  Boston  had  Our  x\ppointment  as  a Captain  and  served 
in  America  during  the  late  War  & is  now  reduced  & he  having 
made  personal  Application  & sollicited  for  such  Grant  agreable  to 
Our  said  Proclamation. 

Know  ye:  that  We  of  Our  special  grace  certain  Knowledge  and 
meer  motion  do  signify  Our  approbation  as  aforesaid  and  for  the 
encouragement  settlement  & cultivation  of  Our  Lands  within  Our 
said  Province  of  New  Hampshire  have  & by  & with  the  advice  of 
Our  trusty  & well  beloved  John  Wentworth  Esquire  Our  Gov- 
ernor and  Commander  in  chief  of  Our  said  Province  of 
*4-240  New  Hampshire  & of  Our  Council  *of  the  same  agre- 
able to  Our  aforesaid  in  part  recited  Proclamation  & upon 
the  conditions  & reservations  hereafter  mentioned  given  & 

^ o 

granted  & by  these  Presents  for  L"s  Our  Heirs  & Successors  do 
give  and  grant  unto  the  said  William  Erving  & to  his  Heirs  and 
Assigns  forever  a certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  situate  lying  & 
being  in  Our  Province  of  New  Hampshire  aforesaid  containing  by 
admeasurement  Three  thousand  four  hundred  sixty  eight  Acres  & 
three  Rods  of  Land  including  Ponds  Rivers  and  unimproveable 
Mountains  as  by  a Plan  or  Survey  of  said  Tract  exhibited  by  Our 
Surveyor  General  of  Lands  for  Our  said  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire & returned  into  the  Secretary’s  Office  of  Our  said  Province 
a Copy  whereof  is  hereunto  annexed  may  more  fully  appear 
butted  & bounded  as  follows  viz1  Begining  at  a Spruce  Tree 
Marked  J W being  the  Southeasterly  Corner  Bounds  of  the  Town- 
ship of  Cockburn  & runing  south  twenty'  degrees  West  One  Mile 
to  a Fir  Tree  spotted  & marked  J F W E 1774  for  the  Southwest- 
ly  Corner  from  thence  South  seventy  degrees  East  two  Miles  & 
One  hundred  & ten  Rods  to  a Fir  Tree  spotted  & marked  J F W 
E 1774  for  the  Southeasterly  Corner  from  thence  runing  North 
twenty  degrees  East  two  Miles  & one  hundred  Rods  to  a Maple 
Tree  for  the  Northeasterly  Corner  from  thence  runing  North 
Seventv  degrees  West  two  Miles  & One  hundred  & ten  Rods  to 
the  easterly  side  line  of  the  said  Town  of  Cockburne  for  the  north- 
westerly Corner  from  thence  runing  South  twenty  degrees  West 
on  the  Line  of  said  Town  One  Mile  & one  hundred  Rods  to  the 
place  first  began  at  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  granted 
Premises  as  above  expressed  to  him  the  said  William  Erving  his 
Heirs  and  Assigns  forever  upon  the  following  Terms  Conditions  & 
Reservations  viz1 

*4-241  *First  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  cut  clear  & make 
passable  a Road  through  the  said  Tract  of  Land  four  Rods 


erving’s  location. 


741 


wide  for  Carriages  &c  as  shall  be  at  any  time  hereafter  directed  or 
ordered  by  the  Governor  & Council  aforesaid  which  Road  is  to  be 
completed  in  one  Year  from  the  date  of  the  Order  or  direction 
aforesaid  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  this  Grant  and  of  its  re- 
verting to  Us  Our  Heirs  & Successors 

Secondly  That  the  said  Grantee  shall  settle  or  cause  to  be 
settled  three  Families  in  seven  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant  in 
failure  whereof  the  Premises  to  revert  to  Us  Our  Heirs  and  Suc- 
cessors to  be  entered  upon  & regranted  to  such  of  Our  Subjects  as 
shall  effectually  settle  and  cultivate  the  same 

Thirdly  That  all  white  & other  pine  Trees  fit  for  masting 
Our  Royal  Navy  be  carefully  preserved  for  that  Use  & none  to  be 
cut  or  felled  without  Our  special  Licence  for  so  doing  first  had  & 
obtained  on  Penalty  of  the  forfeiture  of  the  Right  of  the  Grantee  to 
Us  Our  Heirs  & Successors  as  well  as  being  subject  to  the  Penal- 
ties prescribed  by  any  present  as  well  as  future  Act  or  Acts  of  Par- 
liament 

Fourthly  That  the  Grantee  yield  & pay  therefor  to  Us  Our 
Heirs  and  Successors  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  1777 
the  rent  of  one  Ear  of  Indian  Corn  only  if  lawfully  demanded. 

Fifthly  That  the  Grantee  his  Heirs  & Assigns  shall  yield  & 
pay  unto  Us  Our  Heirs  & Successors,  yearly  and  every  Year  for- 
ever from  & after  the  expiration  of  eight  Years  from  the  aforesaid 
first  day  of  January  1777  One  Shilling  Proclamation  Money  for 
every  Hundred  Acres  he  so  owns  settles  or  Possesses  & so  in  pro- 
portion for  a greater  or  less  quantity  of  the  Land  aforesaid  which 
Money  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Proprietor  or  Set- 
tler as  aforesaid  *in  Our  Council  Chamber  in  Ports-  *4-242 
mouth  or  to  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  shall  be  appoint- 
ed to  receive  the  same 

Sixthly  That  any  part  of  the  Premises  appearing  well  ad- 
apted to  the  growth  of  Hemp  and  Flax  or  either  of  them  be  culti- 
vated with  these  useful  Articles  of  produce  in  the  proportion  of  ten 
Acres  in  each  & every  hundred  Acres  of  these  granted  Premises 
within  Ten  Years  of  this  date 

Seventhly  That  this  Grant  shall  not  interfere  with  any  of 
Our  Grants  formerly  made  & now  in  force  nor  interrupt  the  Gran- 
tees in  their  Improvements  making  thereon  agreable  to  the  Condi- 
tions thereof — These  to  be  in  lieu  of  all  other  Rents  and  Ser- 
vices whatsoever 

In  Testimony  whereof  We  have  caused  the  Seal  of  Our  said 
Province  to  be  hereunto  affixed  Witness  John  Wentworth 


742 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Esqr  Our  aforesaid  Governor  & Commander  in  chief  the  second 
day  of  June  in  the  fifteenth  Year  of  Our  reign  & in  the  Year  of  our 
Lord  Christ  1775 

J Wentworth 

By  his  Excellency’s  command 
with  advice  of  Councel 

Geo  : King  Depy  Secy 

Recorded  according  to  the  original  Charter  under  the  Province 
Seal  this  3d  day  of  June  1775 

Attestr  Geo  : King  D’  Secy 


js 


Province  of  New  Hampshire  Portsmouth  May  31st  1 775 — 
These  certify  that  this  Plan  of  a Tract  of  Land  laid  out  for  Cap- 
tain William  Erving  Begining  at  a Spruce  Tree  marked  J W 
being  the  southeasterly  Corner  Bounds  of  the  Township  of  Cock- 
burne  & runing  South  twenty  degrees  West  one  Mile  to  a Fir 
Tree  spotted  & marked  J F,  W E 1774  for  the  Southwesterly  Cor- 
ner from  thence  South  seventy  degrees  East  Two  Miles 
*4-244  & *One  hundred  & ten  Rods  to  a Fir  Tree  spotted  and 

Marked  J F W E 1774  for  the  Southeasterly  Corner  from 
thence  runing  North  twenty  degrees  East  two  Miles  & one  hundred 
Rods  to  a Maple  Tree  for  the  Northeasterly  Corner  from  thence 


EXETER. 


743 


runing  North  seventy  degrees  West  two  Miles  & One  hundred  & 
ten  Rods  to  the  easterly  side  Line  of  the  said  Town  of  Cockburne 
for  the  northwesterly  Corner  from  thence  runing  South  twenty  de- 
grees West  on  the  Line  of  said  Town  one  Mile  & one  hundred 
Rods  to  the  Place  first  began  at  contains  three  thousand  four 
hundred  Sixty  eight  Acres  & three  quarters  as  appears  by  the 
original  Survey  and  Plan  taken  and  returned  into  the  Surveyor 
General’s  Office  by  Mr  James  Hersey  Deputy  Surveyor. 

Attest  Joseph  Peirce  pro  Surveyor  General 
Copy  examined  by  Geo  : King  Depy  Sec7 


EXETER. 

[This  was  a part  of  the  Squamscot  or  Swampscot  Patent.  It  was  never  formally 
incorporated  but  corporate  functions  were  assumed  from  the  time  of  settlement. 
John  Wheelwright  and  his  company  made  an  agreement  of  self-government  July  4, 
1639,  under  which  they  lived  until  1641  when  they  submitted  to  the  government  of 
Massachusetts.  Newmarket  was  setoff  and  incorporated  Dec.  15,  1727  ; Epping, 
Feb.  23,  1 741 — 2 ; Brentwood,  June  26,  1742. 

See  IX,  Bouton  Town  Papers,  250;  XI,  Hammond  Town  Papers,  639 ; Index  to 
Laws,  172  ; Farmer’s  Belknap’s  History  of  N.  H.,  chapters  1 and  2,  et  seq.;  Topo- 
graphical Description,  by  Samuel  Tenney,  4,  Collections  of  Mass.  Historical  So- 
ciety, 87  ; address,  at  close  of  second  century  from  settlement,  by  Jeremiah  Smith, 
6,  N.  H.  Historical  Society  Collections,  167;  Exeter  in  1776,  by  Charles  H. 
Bell,  1876,  pp.  39;  Men  and  Things  of  Exeter,  by  Charles  H.  Bell,  1871,  pp.  73; 
Phillips  Exeter  Academy,  A Historical  Sketch,  by  Chas.  H.  Bell,  1883,  pp.  104; 
History,  by  Charles  H.  Bell,  1888,  pp.  469,  88;  Quarter-Millennial  Address,  by 
Chas.  H.  Bell,  1888;  sketch,  Hurd’s  History  of  Rockingham  County,  1882,  p. 
243;  Handbook  of  Exeter,  by  John  A.  Brown,  1888;  Memoir  of  John  Wheel- 
wright, by  Charles  H.  Bell,  1876,  pp.  254;  Baptist  Churches  in  N.  H.,  by  E.  E. 
Cummings,  1836,  p.  13;  discourse  75th  anniversary  2d  Cong.  Ch.,  1888,  by  G. 
E.  Street;  Manual  of  First  Congregational  Church,  1888,  pp.  36;  Lawrence’s 
N.  H.  Churches,  1856,  pp.  47,  50;  Sermon,  at  dedication  of  Universalist  meeting 
house,  1845,  by  Henry  Jewell,  1846,  pp.  15;  Life  and  Public  Services  of  Lewis 
Cass,  by  William  T.  Young,  1852  ; special  papers  relating  to  the  town  in  appendix 
to  this  volume ; see  also  authorities  cited  under  titles,  Dover,  Hampton,  Gos- 
port, New  Castle,  and  Portsmouth ; Palfrey,  History  of  New  England,  passim , and 
authorities  there  cited;  Agreement  of  Settlers  for  Government,  1639,  G Collec- 
tions of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  321  ; Account  of  the  Mob,  1786,  Dawson’s  His- 
torical Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  5,  p.  3 7 ; Bill  of  Mortality,  1810-23,  by  J.  Tilton, 
3,  Farmer  and  Moore’s  Historical  Collections,  232  ; Deposition  of  J.  Foullsam,  Con- 
stable, 1684,  G Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical  Society,  264;  Documentary  History, 
Dawson’s  Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  7,  p.  367,  and  vol.  8,  p.  6;  Early 
Settlers,  by  J.  Wentworth,  25,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  59;  Familiar  Sketches 
of  Phillips  Academy,  by  C.  R.  Corning,  6,  Granite  Monthly,  332  ; The  Home  of  the 
Gilmans,  by  F.  M.  Colby,  id , 27,  39  ; Indian  Deed,  1627,  9,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Reg- 
ister, 208;  Indian  Deeds  to  Wheelwright,  1638,  1,  Collections  of  N.  H.  Historical 


744 


CHARTER  RECORDS. 


Society,  147  ; John  Wheelwright,  His  Writings,  etc.,  and  a Memoir,  by  Charles  H. 
Bell,  1876,  pp.  253;  Journal  of  Congress  Assembled  at  Exeter,  1775,  Dawson’s 
Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  4,  p.  145  ; The  Names  of  Some  Who  Took 
the  Oath  of  Freeman,  1644,  1657,  by  A.  W.  Brown,  8,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register, 
77;  Old  Burial  Places,  by  E.  Nason,  16,  id .,  258;  Papers  Concerning  the  Riot, 
1734,  Dawson’s  Historical  Magazine,  2d  series,  vol.  8,  p.  14;  Phillips  Exeter 
Academy,  1,  Granite  Monthly,  12;  Relationship  of  the  Combination  Settlers, 
1639,  by  J- Wentworth,  21,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  315;  Remarks  on  the 
Authenticity  of  the  Wheelwright  Deed  of  1629,  by  W.  Plumer,  1,  Collections  of 
N.  H.  Historical  Society,  299;  Riot,  1734,  Dawson’s  Historical  Magazine,  2d 
series,  vol.  4,  p.  190;  Exeter  and  Its  Academy,  by  S.  Alice  Ranlett,  10,  New 
England  Magazine,  69;  Centennial  Celebration  Phillips  Exeter  Academy,  1883; 
Town  and  Gown,  sketch,  by  G.  H.  Moses,  16,  Granite  Monthly,  16;  Phillips 
Exeter  Academy,  by  H.  W.  Stevens,  10,  id.,  104;  Origin  of  Signers  of  Early  Exe- 
ter Combination,  23,  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  185;  Deed  from  Capt.  Thomas 
Wiggin  to  Capt.  Richard  Waldron  and  Thomas  Lake,  24,  id.,  234;  An  Ancient 
Inquest,  25,  id.,  295;  Leading  Business  Men,  by  G.  F.  Bacon,  1891;  address, 
Centennial  Celebration,  1838,  by  Jeremiah  Smith;  Familiar  Sketches  of  Phillips 
Exeter  Academy,  by  F.  H.  Cunningham,  1883,  pp.  360.] 


APPENDIX. 


LINES  OE  TOWNS. 


Dunstable  to  Northfield. 
Dunstable  to  Penacook. 

Rumford  to  the  Great  Falls. 
East  Side  of  Connecticut  River. 


748 


APPENDIX. 


[Dunstable  to  Northfield.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  2,  1726.] 

A Petition  of  Jonas  Bond , Francis  Fullam,  and  others,  Com- 
mittees or  Agents  in  behalf  of  the  Towns  of  Watertown  & Weston , 
praying  that  they  may  have  an  Equivalent  of  Lands  now  made  to 
them  in  consideration  of  two  Grants  made  to  the  Towns  of  Water- 
town,  Annis  1637,  & 1651,  which  as  the  Petitioners  aver  has  not 
yet  been  satisfied  or  taken  up.  Read  and  referred  to  the  next  Ses- 
sion for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  9,  1726.] 

On  the  Petition  of  Jonas  Bond , Francis  Fulham  and  others,  in 
behalf  of  the  Towns  of  Watertown  & Weston,  praying,  as  Entred 
the  2d  of  June  last,  and  referred  to  this  Session  : 

Resolved,  That  in  Consideration  of  the  ancient  Grants  made  to 
the  Town  of  Watertown  by  this  Court,  which  (they  say)  have  not 
been  satisfied,  That  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  viz.  The 
Centre  or  Middle-  Town  to  be  laid  out  betwen  the  Rivers  of  Merri- 
mack and  Connecticut,  be  granted  to  the  said  Towns  of  Watertown 
and  Weston,  in  Answer  to  their  Petition ; and  that  they  perform 
the  Conditions  that  this  Court  shall  direct  them,  in  Setling  the 
same  at  the  next  May  Session  of  the  Court,  in  full  Satisfaction  of 
the  Two  Grants  above. 

Sent  up  for  concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal  Dec.  9,  and  Court  Records,  Dec.  21,  1726.] 

Mr.  Speaker  from  the  Committee  appointed  to  take  under  Con- 
sideration the  Petitions  of  sundry  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Prov- 
ince, for  several  Tracts  of  Land  within  the  Province,  in  Order  for 
Settling  the  same,  and  Erecting  them  into  Townships,  as  Entered 
the  25th  of  November , made  Report  thereon,  according  to  Order, 
Which  being  severally  Read  & Considered,  were  Accepted,  viz. 

The  House  having  taken  into  their  serious  & deliberate  Con- 
sideration the  several  Petitions  for  Lands  between  the  Rivers  of 
Merrimack  and  Connecticut;  and  considering  also  the  Forward - 


APPENDIX. 


749 


ness  of  the  great  Number  of  the  Peitioners  to  Settle  themselves 
and  their  Children  thereon  ; and  the  shortning  the  Western  Fron- 
tiers more  than  Sixty  Miles , if  a Line  of  Towns  were  setled  be- 
tween Dunstable  and  Northfield ; and  thereby  the  Charge  of  the 
Government  in  time  of  War  would  be  sunk : 

Voted , That  there  be  a careful  View  and  Survey  of  the  Lands 
between  the  Towns  of  Dunstable  and  Northfield  of  ten  Miles  in 
Width,  by  a Committee  of  able  & suitable  Persons,  who  shall  after 
a due  Knowledge  of  the  Circumstances  thereof,  lay  the  same  into 
as  many  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  as  the 
Lands  will  contain ; and  allow  neither  of  the  said  Towns  to  be 
more  than  Six  Miles  East  & West;  and  make  Report  of  their 
Doings  to  this  Court,  at  their  next  May  Session,  that  so  a Number 
of  the  Petitioners  who  may  be  allowed  Preference,  or  others,  may 
be  admitted  into  each  of  the  Towns,  and  be  obliged  to  perform 
such  Conditions,  and  be  under  such  Regulations  & Directions  as 
may  be  tho’t  proper  by  the  Court  in  their  next  May  Session.  The 
Committee  to  give  Publick  Notice  of  the  Time  of  their  Proceeding 
in  this  Service,  that  so  any  of  the  Petitioners  may  attend  them  and 
assist  herein ; and  that  the  said  Petitions  for  these  Lands  between 
the  Two  said  Rivers,  be  further  continued  to  the  Session  of  the 
Court  in  May  next:  And  that  Maj.  Chandler , Mr.  Wilder  and 
Capt.  Wells , with  such  as  the  Honourable  Board  shall  appoint  be 
a Committee  for  the  Affair  above ; and  that  they  be  impowered  to 
employ  Two  Surveyors,  and  four  Chain-Men  on  Oath  in  the  said 
Service. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  21,  1726.] 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  with  the  Amendmts  And  Samuel 
Thaxter  Esqr  is  joined  in  the  Affair  ; — According  to  which  Amend- 
ments the  said  Vote  would  run  as  follows ; viz. 

Voted  that  there  be  a careful  View  & Survey  of  the  Lands  be- 
tween the  Towns  of  Dunstable  & Northfield  of  ten  Miles  in  Wedth 
by  a Committee  of  able  & suitable  Persons,  who  shall  after  a due 
Knowledge  of  the  Circumstances  thereof,  lay  the  same  into  as 
many  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square  as  the  Lands 
will  contain  & allow ; Neither  of  the  said  Towns  to  be  more  than 
six  Miles  East  & West,  & make  Report  of  their  Doings  to  this 
Court  at  their  next  May  Session,  And  that  Major  Chandler,  Mr 


750 


APPENDIX. 


Wilder  & Mr  Wells  with  such  as  the  Honourble  Board  shall  appoint 
be  a Committee  for  the  Affair  above,  and  that  they  be  impowered 
to  employ  two  Survey'3  & four  Chain  men  on  Oath  in  the  said  Ser- 
vice. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  22,  1726.] 

Jonathan  Belcher , Esq ; bro’t  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  9th  Currant  for  a Survey  of  the  Lands  between  Dunstable  & 
Northfield , &c.  Passed  in  Council,  viz , In  Council,  Decemb.  21st 

1726.  Read  & Concur’d  with  the  Amendments,  viz.  Dele A. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  Vote to  the  words the  shortn- 

ing  &c and  add Whereas Dele B. the 

words would  be  sunk and  add will  in  a great  meas- 
ure be  lessened. Dele  the  words C. That  so  a Num- 
ber &c to  the  End  of  that  Paragraph and  add 

whereby  this  Court  will  be  the  better  directed  what  further  Prog- 
ress to  take  touching  those  Lands  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Province. 

Dele D. from  the  words, The  Committee  to  give 

Notice,  &c to in  May  next.  And  Samuel  Thaxter , 

Esq;  is  joyned  in  the  Affair.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read. 
And  the  Amendments  A.  B.  & D.  Concur’d,  the  Amendment  C. 
Non-concur’d ; and  the  House  insist  on  their  Vote  as  an  Amend- 
ment. Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  28,  1726.] 

The  Vote  of  the  House  for  a Line  of  Towns  between  the  Towns 
of  Dunstable  & Northfield,  with  the  Amendmts  of  the  Board  made 
thereon  (As  entered  Dec.  21,  1726)  was  brought  up  from  the 
House  with  their  Disagreement  to  some  of  the  Amendmts  & 
Agreem1  to  the  other,  noted  thereon. 

In  Council ; Read  & Non  Concur’d  And  the  Board  adhere  to 
their  Amendments. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  30,  1726.] 

The  Vote  of  the  House  on  the  several  Petitions  for  Land  be- 
tween the  Towns  of  Dunstable  and  North-field , as  Entred  the  22d. 


i 


APPENDIX. 


751 


Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council,  Decemb . 28th,  1726.  Read 
and  Non-Concur’d,  and  the  Board  adhere  to  their  Amendment. 
Read  and  the  House  insist  on  their  own  Vote  so  far  as  that  the 
further  Consideration  of  the  said  Petitions,  and  the  Votes  thereon 
be  Referred  to  the  next  May  Session  of  this  Court. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  2,  1727.] 

The  several  Petitions  for  sundry  percels  of  Land  within  this 
Province  in  Order  to  have  the  same  Erected  into  Townships,  as 
entred  the  30th  of  December  past,  and  referred  to  this  Session, 
were  Read,  and  the  House  having  fully  debated  on  and  considered 
the  same  Ordered , That  Mr.  Speaker,  Mr.  Prescott,  Capt.  God- 
dard, Mr.  Cotton,  Capt.  Rolfe , Maj.  Chandler , Thomas  Church 
Esq;  Mr.  Dickenson , and  Col.  Harman,  be  a Committee  to  whom 
the  aforesaid  Petitions  are  referred,  that  they  take  the  same  under 
Consideration,  and  Report  their  Opinion  of  what  may  be  proper 
for  this  Court  to  do  in  Answer  to  them,  and  in  order  to  have  the 
said  Tracts  of  Land  granted  into  Townships  and  effectually  settled. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1727.] 

Mr.  Speaker  from  the  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  (on  the 
Second  Currant,)  the  several  Petitions  for  sundry  parcels  of  Land 
within  this  Province,  in  order  to  have  the  same  Erected  into  Town- 
ships, Reported,  That  the  said  Committee  had  taken  part  of  the 
said  Petitions  into  Consideration,  and  Agreed  on  a Report  so  far, 
which  was  Read  and  Accepted,  and  thereupon  the  House  came 
into  the  following  Vote,  Viz. 

In  Answer  to  sundry  Petitio7is  for  several  Parcels  of  Land 
between  Connecticut  and  Merrimack  Rivers, 

Resolved,  That  it  will  be  greatly  to  the  Advantage  of  this  Prov- 
ince, tend  much  to  the  Defence  and  Security  thereof,  and  many 
Miles  shorten  the  Western  Frontiers,  if  a Line  of  Towns  might  be 
laid  out  and  Setled  between  the  said  Rivers,  and  thereby  the 
Charge  and  Expence  of  a War  if  it  should  happen  be  abundantly 
lessened,  and  room  made  for  great  Numbers  of  His  Majesties 
Subjects  to  Settle  who  are  by  their  Increase  streightened  for  want 
thereof,  That  therefore  a Careful  View  and  Survey  of  the  Land 


752 


APPENDIX. 


of  Fifteen  Miles  in  Weadth,  viz.  Twelve  Miles  Northward,  and 
Three  Miles  Southward  of  a streight  Line  from  Dunstable  North- 
west Corner  to  Northfield  Northeast  Corner,  to  be  made  by 
a Committee  for  this  purpose,  and  after  a due 
knowledge  of  the  Nature  and  Conveniences  thereof,  the  same  be 
laid  out  into  as  many  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square,  and  none  of  them  to  be  more  than  Five  Miles  Wide  East 
and  West,  as  the  Land  will  allow  of,  and  that 
be  a Committee  fully  Authorized  and  Impowred  to  bring  forward 
the  Settlements  in  the  said  Town,  viz  for  Three 

of  the  Towns  next  Connecticut  for  Three  of 

the  Towns  next  Merrimack  River,  and  for  the 

Remainder,  who  shall  admit  such  and  only  such  of  the  Petitioners 
into  the  said  Towns  to  whom  preference  may  be  given,  and  as 
near  as  may  be  unto  the  Place  or  Places  they  Petition  for,  and 
others  that  shall  offer  to  the  Number  of  Sixty  Families  in  each 
Township  who  shall  be  obliged  by  the  said  Committee,  to  Build  a 
Dwelling-House,  Fence  in  and  break  up  at  least  Five  Acres  of 
Land  within  the  Space  of  Five  Years  next  after  their  being  admit- 
ted Inhabitants  by  the  said  Committee ; and  in  Case  any  Person 
shall  not  comply  with  the  Direction  of  the  Committee  in  Setling 
and  Improving,  and  thereby  forfeit  his  Lott  &c.  The  Committee 
shall  take  the  Direction  of  the  General  Court  therein  before  they 
proceed  to  New  Grant  the  same,  and  the  said  Inhabitants  admit- 
ted into  each  and  every  of  the  said  Towns,  shall  pay  into  the 
Hands  of  the  Committee,  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  each,  to  be  laid 
out  to  pay  the  Expences  and  Charges  of  the  Committee  and 
Surveys  in  Allotting  the  House  or  Home  Lotts,  and  a Lott  for  the 
Ministry,  Minister  and  School  in  each  Township,  together  with 
equal  Rights  and  Dividends  &c.  and  after  the  said  Expence  is 
Discharged,  the  Overplus  if  any  be  shall  be  returned  to  the  Town 
for  their  Use  and  Benefit,  as  they  see  Cause,  The  Committees  to 
have  Power  to  determine  the  Place  for  the  Erecting  an  House  for 
the  publick  Worship  of  God  in  the  said  Towns  respectively. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  16,  1727.] 

Mr.  Speaker  from  the  Committee  for  Lands  further  Reported, 
on  the  Petition  of  the  Agents  of  the  Towns  of  Watertown  and 
Weston , Praying  for  an  Equivalent  for  two  Grants  of  Land  made 


APPENDIX. 


753 


the  Town  of  Watertown , Annis  1637  & 1651,  as  entred  the  Sec- 
ond of  June  and  Ninth  of  December  last,  which  was  Read  and 
Accepted,  and  Ordered,  That  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square, 
viz . The  Centre  Town  in  the  Line  of  Towns  between  Merrymack 
and  Connecticut  Rivers  be  granted  to  the  said  Towns  in  such  Pro- 
portion as  they  are  respectively  set  in  the  Province  Tax,  or  other- 
wise as  they  shall  agree,  Provided , That  within  the  space  of 
Eight  Years  from  the  Grant  hereof,  they  settle  Sixty  Families, 
and  an  Able,  Learned,  Orthodox  Minister,  and  lay  out  a Lot  for 
him,  and  another  for  the  Ministry,  also  a Lot  for  the  School, 
together  with  equal  Rights  and  Dividends,  which  the  other 
Inhabitants  to  be  Admitted  therein  may  be  Entitled  to,  in  full 
Consideration  of  the  within  mentioned  Grants. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  24,  1727.] 

A Vote  came  up  from  the  House  of  Represent™3  for  granting  a 
Line  of  Towns  from  Connecticut  River  to  Merrimack  River, 
(much  in  the  same  Form  of  that  pass’d  in  the  last  Fall  Session,) — 
Upon  which  Vote,  the  Board  Concurr’d  with  the  Amendm13  noted 
thereon  ; Agreeing  so  far  with  the  House  as  that  the  Land  be  sur- 
veyed & laid  out ; But  Disagreing  with  them  as  to  its  being 
granted  & allotted  out  to  Settlers  at  this  Time. 

Which  Amendm13  being  sent  down  to  the  House  for  their  Con- 
currence thereon,  were  sent  up  again  to  the  Board  with  their  Vote 
of  Non  Concurrence,  & that  they  adhere  to  their  own  Vote. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  4,  1727.] 

Upon  a Motion  made  at  the  Board  to  reconsider  the  Vote  of  the 
Board  referring  to  a Line  of  Towns  between  Connecticut  River  & 
Merrimack  River.  It  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  reconsidered  : 

And  after  Re-Consideration,  the  Board  Voted  a Non  Concur- 
rence to  the  Vote  of  the  House,  and  that  they  insist  on  their  Am- 
endments. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Voted  that  a Conference  be  had 
between  the  Houses  on  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  Vote  of  the  Honble 
Board  for  Amending  the  Vote  of  the  House  on  the  several  Petitions 
for  sundry  Parcels  of  Land  between  Merrimack  & Connecticut 
Rivers  The  Conference  to  be  attended  to  Morrow,  If  the  Honble 
Board  please. 

47 


754 


APPENDIX. 


In  Council;  Read  & Concur’d,  The  Conference  to  be  held  To 
Morrow  at  eleven  a Clock  in  the  Fore  Noon. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Concur’d. 

And  the  Board  appointed  Nathaniel  Byfield,  John  Cushing 
Benjamin  Lynde,  Edmund  Quincy,  Thomas  Fitch  & Jonathan 
Belcher  Esqrs  to  be  Managers  of  the  said  Conference  on  their  Part. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  5,  1727.] 

Mr  Speaker  & the  House  came  up  to  the  Council  Chamber  ac- 
cordingly ; And  the  Two  Houses  proceeded  to  the  said  Conference, 
And  when  it  was  finished,  the  Represent^  return’d  back  to  their 
Chamber 

And  after  the  Conference,  the  Question  was  put  Whether  the 
Board  would  reconsider  their  vote  pass’d  on  the  Vote  of  the  House 
for  granting  a Line  of  Towns  &c?  And  it  pass’d  in  the  Negative! 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  20,  1727.] 

The  Vote  of  the  House  for  several  Lines  of  new  Towns, 
Amended  by  the  Board  the  13th  of  December  Instant,  was  brought 
up  with  the  Agreenff  of  the  House  to  some  of  the  Amendments  and 
their  Disagreem*  to  the  most  material  ones  with  their  Vote  of  Ad- 
herence : — In  Council,  Read  & Non  Concur’d,  And  the  Board  in- 
sist on  their  Amendmta  / 

In  Council,  Voted  that  Nathaniel  Byfield,  Thomas  Fitch,  Ed- 
mund Quincy,  Jonathan  Belcher  & Samuel  Thaxter  Esqr  be  a 
Committee  to  confer  with  a Committee  of  the  Honble  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives upon  the  Matter  in  Difference  between  the  two 
Houses  on  the  Vote  for  making  three  Lines  of  Towns  on  the  Fron- 
tiers of  this  Province  : — In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & Con- 
cur’d ; And  Voted  that  Mr  Speaker,  Mr  Wells,  Cpt.  Eastwick,  Major 
Tilestone,  Mr  Miller,  Major  Chandler,  & Mr  Prescot  be  a Com- 
mittee on  the  Part  of  the  House  to  confer  with  a Committee  of  the 
Honble  Board  on  the  Subject  Matter  above. 


[Dunstable  to  Penacook.] 

[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  9,  1726.] 

The  House  having  taken  into  Consideration  the  Petitio7is  of  sun- 
dry of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  antient  Towns  of  Ipswich,  Newbury 


APPENDIX. 


755 


and  Almsbury,  for  several  Tracts  of  Land  on  both  sides  of  Mer- 
rimack River,  extending from  the  Northerly  Bounds  0/ Dunstable, 
to  the  New  Town  lately  granted  at  Penny-Cook  ; and  that  there  are 
Inhabitants  end  in  those  Towns  to  make  good  & regular  Settle- 
ments of  the  said  Lands,  and  would  speedily  Do  it  if  they  might 
have  a Grant  & Authority  therefor  from  this  Court,  if  the  Irish 
People  do  not  prevent  them ; the  House  being  informed  they  have 
already  begun  to  lay  out  and  allot  -part  thereof: 

Voted,  That  all  the  Lands  lying  between  the  Bounds  aforesaid, 
on  each  side  of  Merrimack  River,  That  is  to  say.  Three  Miles  to 
the  Eastward  of  the  said  River,  and  Five  Miles  to  the  Westward 
thereof,  be  carefully  Viewed  & Surveyed  by  a Committee  of  this 
Court,  who  may  be  able  after  being  acquainted  with  the  Nature  & 
Scituation  thereof,  to  Lay  the  same  out  into  as  many  Townships  of 
the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  as  the  same  will  contain  for  the 
Accommodation  of  the  Petitioners,  or  such  other  Persons  as  in  the 
Judgment  of  the  Committee  for  that  Service  to  be  appointed,  may 
be  tho’t  most  capable  of  bringing  forward  the  Settlements  under 
such  Regulations  as  the  Court  shall  Order.  The  Committee  to 
give  Publick  Notice  of  the  Time  of  their  Proceeding  in  this  Ser- 
vice, that  so  any  of  the  Petitioners  may  attend  if  they  see  Cause  ; 
and  they  are  to  Report  their  Doings  to  this  Court  at  the  next  May 
Session,  and  that  the  said  Petitions  be  referred  to  the  said  Ses- 
sion, for  further  Consideration  accordingly.  And  Capt.  John 
Shipley,  Mr.  Isaac  Cushman,  and  Mr.  Edward  White,  with  such 
as  the  Honourable  Board  shall  appoint  be  a Committee  for  the 
Affair  above  ; And  that  they  be  allowed  and  impowered  to  Employ 
a Surveyor  and  Two  Chain-men  upon  Oath,  in  the  said  Service. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

[The  above  entered  in  Court  Records,  Dec.  21,  1726.  Non- 
concurred  in  Council.] 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  30.  1726.] 

The  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  9th  Currant,  on  the  several  Peti- 
tions for  Land  on  Merrimack  River  between  Dunstable  and  the 
New  Town  lately  granted  at  Penny-Cook,  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz . 
In  Council,  Decemb.  21,  1726.  Read  & Non-concur’d.  Read. 
And  the  House  insist  on  their  own  Vote,  so  far  as  that  the  further 
Consideration  of  the  said  Petitions  be  referred  to  the  next  May 
Session  of  this  Court. 


75<5 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  19,  1727.] 

Mr.  Speaker  from  the  Committee  for  Lands  further  reported, 
On  the  several  Petitions  for  lands  up  and  on  each  side  of  Mer- 
rimack-Rivev,  which  was  Read  and  Accepted,  and  thereupon 
Ordered , That  a careful  Survey  be  made  of  the  Lands  on  each 
side  of  that  River,  viz.  Three  Miles  on  the  East-side  and  Five 
Miles  on  the  West-side  thereof,  by  a Committee 

from  this  Court,  after  which  Survey,  the  same  be  laid  out  into  as 
many  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square  as  the  Land 
will  allow  of,  and  that  be  a Committee,  viz . 

for  three  of  the  Towns  Southward  of  that 
already  laid  out  at  Penny-Cook,  and  for  the 

remainder  of  the  Towns  to  Dunstable , And  the  first  Township 
next  that  already  Granted  at  Penny-Cook  be  allowed  and  Granted 
unto  the  Soldiers  under  the  Command  of  the  late  Capt.  "John 
Lovewell , if  they  offer  to  settle  there  with  others,  by  the  said  Com- 
mittee, who  shall  be  fully  Authorized  and  Impowred  hereunto,  as 
well  as  to  Admit  into  each  of  the  other  Townships  Sixty  Families 
of  the  Petitioners  or  others,  who  shall  be  obliged  to  bring  forward 
Settlements  by  Building  each  a Dwelling-House,  breaking  up  and 
Improving  at  least  five  Acres  each  Person,  within  the  space  of  five 
Years,  next  after  they  are  Admitted,  and  to  Pay  into  the  Hands  of 
the  Committee,  Five  Pounds  each  Man,  to  defrey  the  Charges  of 
the  necessary  Surveys  and  other  Charges  in  laying  out  the  House 
or  Home  Lotts,  as  near  to  each  other  as  may  be,  and  the  Over  plus 
if  there  be  any  such,  to  be  returned  to  the  Tow[n]s  respectively,  to 
employed  as  they  shall  see  cause,  in  any  Publick  Buildings,  &c. 
The  Committee  to  determine  the  place  for  Building  a Meeting 
House  on  in  each  Town,  and  lay  out  a Lot  for  the  Ministry  Minister 
and  School ; and  if  any  Person  shall  not  comply  with  the  Terms, 
on  wrhich  they  shall  be  Admitted  by  the  said  Committee,  and 
thereby  forfeit  their  Lotts,  &c.  that  the  Committee  shall  apply  for, 
and  take  the  further  Direction  of  this  Court,  before  they  grant  out 
the  same  again. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

[June  5,  1727,  a conference  of  both  Houses  was  held  “ on  the 
Subject  matter  of  the  Vote  of  the  Honourable  Board,  for  amending 
the  Vote  of  the  House  on  the  several  Petitions  for  sundry  percels 
of  Land  between  Merrimack  and  Connecticut  Rivers.”  Nothing 
was  accomplished,  and  the  matter  was  referred  to  the  next  session.] 


APPENDIX. 


757 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  24,  1727.] 

Samuel  Browne  Esq ; brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  14th.  currant,  in  Answer  to  sundry  Petitions  for  several  percels 
of  Land  between  Connecticut  and  Merrimack  Rivers.  Pass’d  in 
Council,  viz.  In  Council,  June  23^,  1727.  Read  and  Concur’d, 
with  the  Amendments,  viz.  Dele — the  Preamble  of  the  Vote,  viz. 
In  Answer  to  &c . Dele  the  Words — Who  are  by  their  Increase 
Streightened  for  want  thereof — Dele  from  the  Words — as  the 
Land  will  aUow  off,  and  that — to  the  End  of  the  Vote,  & add — 
And  make  a plann  thereof,  describing  therein  the  Scituation  of  the 
several  Townships,  and  how  they  are  respectively  Accomodated 
with  Upland  and  Meadow,  the  charge  thereof  to  be  born  by  the 
Province,  and  make  return  thereof  to  this  Court  as  soon  as  may  be. 
Sent  down  for  Concurrence. 

Read  and  Non-concurr’d,  and  the  House  Adhere  to  their  own 
Vote. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  27,  1727.] 

A Vote  was  brought  up  from  the  House  of  Represent™3  (which 
was  pass’d  by  that  House)  for  surveying,  laying  out  & granting  a 
Line  of  Towns  on  Merrimack  River  from  Penicook  to  Dunstable  ; 
— Which  Vote  being  read  & debated  in  Council,  was  Non  Con- 
cur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  27,  1727. J 

Voted , That.  Mr.  Speaker,  Mr.  Cooke,  Mr.  Wainwright , Major 
Chandler , Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Shove,  Capt.  Eastwicke,  Capt.  Wil- 
lard, and  Mr.  Wright  be  a Committee  to  project  a proper  Method 
for  the  Setling  the  Lines  of  Towns  between  the  Rivers  of  Mer- 
rimack and  Connecticut ; and  from  Dunstable  to  Penny-Cook  ; and 
also  from  Newichawannick  River  to  Casco  ; and  for  the  Emitting  a 
suitable  Sum  of  Money  for  the  Encouragement,  and  Effectual 
bringing  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  said  Lines  of  Towns,  the 
Effecting  of  which  will  be  for  the  Defence  and  Support  of  the  Gov- 
ernment, and  the  Protection  and  Preservation  of  the  Inhabitants 
thereof. 


758 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  5,  1727.] 

Mr.  Speaker,  from  the  Committee  Appointed,  the  27th  ult.  to 
consider  of  and  Report  a proper  Method  for  the  Setling  a Line  of 
Towns,  from  Merrimack  to  Connecticut  River,  from  Dunstable  on 
each  side  of  Merrimack  to  Penny-Cook,  and  from  Newichawanick 
River  to  Falmouth  in  Casco-Bay , made  Report  thereon  according 
to  Order ; which  being  Read  twice  was  accepted,  and  thereupon 
the  House  came  into  the  following  Vote  : 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  December  5th.  1727. 

Resolved , That  it  will  be  greatly  to  the  Honour  of  His  Majesties 
Government,  and  tend  to  the  Security  and  Protection  of  the  In- 
habitants of  this  Province  ; very  much  Shorten  our  Inland  Fron- 
tiers, both  Westward  and  Eastward , and  vastly  lessen  the  Charge 
of  the  Defence  of  this  Government  in  time  of  War,  if  there  was  a 
Line  of  Towns  Setled,  as  near  each  other  as  possible,  and  in  as 
streight  or  direct  a Course  as  the  Nature  of  the  Land  will  allow  of 
between  the  said  Rivers,  and  up  the  said  Merrwnack , and  be- 
tween Newichawannick  and  Falmouth  aforesaid. 

Therefore  that  be  a Committee  carefully  to  View 

and  Survey  all  the  Lands  in  a streight  Course  from  Northfield 
North-east  Corner,  to  Dunstable  North-west  Corner,  Ten  Miles  to 
the  North-ward  of  the  said  Line,  and  Five  Miles  South-ward  there- 
of, and  after  a due  Consideration  of  the  Quality  thereof,  the  said 
Committee  lay  the  same  out  into  as  many  Townships  as  the  dis- 
tance will  allow  of,  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  each,  and 
none  to  be  more  than  Five  Miles  Eastward  and  Westward,  or  in 
Width,  and  make  Report  thereof  to  this  Court  as  soon  as  may  be. 
And,  That  be  the  Committee  to  make  the  like  care- 

ful View  and  Survey  on  each  side  of  Merrimack  River  ; That  is 
to  say,  Three  Miles  Eastward  thereof  to  Six  Miles  Westward,  and 
after  a due  Consideration  of  the  Nature  and  Scituation  thereof,  to 
lay  out  the  whole  Tract  from  Dunstable  North  Line  to  Penny- 
Cook  Township’s  South  Line,  into  as  many  Townships  of  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  Square,  as  the  same  will  allow  of,  and  none  of 
the  Towns  to  be  more  than  Five  Miles  North  and  South,  or  on  the 
River,  And,  That  be  a Committee  to  take  a care- 

ful View,  and  make  an  exact  Survey  of  the  Lands  Ten  Miles 
Northward,  of  a streight  Line,  from  the  Northwest  Corner  of  Ber- 
wick on  Newichawannick  River  to  Falmouth  West  Corner;  and 
after  a full  Consideration  of  the  Quality  thereof,  they  lay  out  the 


APPENDIX. 


759 


same  into  as  many  Townships  of  the  like  Contents  of  Six  Miles 
Square  as  it  will  allow  of,  none  to  be  more  than  Five  Miles  North- 
east and  Southwest,  and  make  Report  to  this  Court  as  soon  as 
may  be  : and  that  each,  and  every  of  the  Townships  to  be  Viewed 
and  Surveyed,  and  laid  out  as  aforesaid,  be  Given,  Granted  and 
Confirmed  to  His  Majesties  Subjects  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Prov- 
ince upon  their  Settling  thereon,  improving  thereof,  and  perform- 
ing the  Conditions  hereafter  prescribed  : And  therefore  for  the  bet- 
ter Ordering,  Settling  and  Perfecting  this  great  and  beneficial 
Affair,  That  be  a Committee  for  Three  of  the  said 

Townships  nearest  Connect  cut  River.  That 

be  a Committee  for  Three  of  the  said  Townships  next  Marri- 
mack  River.  That  be  a Committee  for  the  re- 

maining Townships  between  the  said  Two  Rivers.  That 

be  a Committee  for  the  Townships  on  each  side  of  Mar- 
rimack , River.  And,  That  be  a Committee  for 

the  Towns  in  the  Eastward  Frontier,  or  between  Newichawannick 
and  North  Yarmouth , who  shall  be  full  Authorized  and  Im- 
powred  to  admit  into  Grant,  and  lay  out  to  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Province  House  or  Home  Lotts,  not  to  exceed  Forty  Perch  Wide. 
That  is  to  say , Not  more  that  One  Lot  to  One  Person,  for  the 
Erecting  a dwelling  House  on,  and  to  admit  into  each  Township 
Sixty  Families  or  Persons,  their  House  Lotts  to  be  Forty  Acres  at 
the  least,  and  not  to  exceed  Sixty  Acres,  according  to  the  Quality 
thereof,  and  to  be  Contiguous  and  in  as  defensible  a Manner  as 
may  be  : To  lay  out  in  each  Township  a Lot  for  the  Minister, 

One  for  the  School,  and  another  for  the  Ministry ; and  each  Lot, 
viz.  Sixty  three  Lots  in  each  Township  to  draw  or  be  Entitled  to 
equal  Parts,  Proportions  or  Dividends  in  the  Townships  in  which 
the  said  House  Lots  are  ; The  Committee  to  determine  the  Place 
for  Erecting  a House  for  the  Publick  Worship  of  God  ; and  also  lay 
out  One  high  Way  or  Road  through  each  Town  of  at  least  Four 
Rods  wide  ; and  that  the  Committee  of  each  Number  of  Towns  as 
aforesaid  be  directed  to  admit  such  and  only  such  as  in  their  Judg- 
ment will  Settle  and  effectually  bring  forward  Settlements  on  their 
Lots,  and  make  Improvement ; and  that  the  said  Committees  take 
effectual  care  to  enjoyn  and  oblige  the  Setlers  respectively  to  build 
a Dwelling  House  each,  and  break  up,  fence,  & improve  Three 
Acres  each  within  the  space  of  Two  Years,  and  Two  Acres  more 
each  year  after,  until  every  Grantee  or  Setler  have  the  Quantity 
of  Ten  Acres  under  Improvement : The  whole  Charge  of  the 


760 


APPENDIX. 


Committees  to  be  born  by  and  paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury; 
and  they  are  to  make  Report  of  their  proceedings  herein  to  the 
General  Court  Annually,  at  their  May  Session. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

[The  above  is  entered  in  Court  Records,  Dec.  13,  1727  : ‘‘In 
Council ; Read  & Concu^r’d  with  the  Amendments.”] 


[Mass.  House  Journal  Dec.  15,  1727.] 

John  Wheelwright  Esq  : brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  5th  Currant  for  setling  a Line  of  Towns  on  the  Eastern  and 
Western  Frontiers.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council,  December 
13th  1727 . Read  and  Concurr’d  with  the  Amendments,  viz.  dele 

the  words and  make  Report  thereof  to  this  Court  as  soon  as 

may  be and  add The  said  Townships  so  Surveyed  to  be 

described  & delineated  in  a Plan  or  Plans,  setting  forth  the  Nature 
and  Quality,  together  with  the  Scituation  and  Circumstances  of  the 
Land  of  all  which  the  said  Committee  shall  make  return  to  this 

Court  as  soon  as  may  be  : and  between  the  words North 

and  South,  or  on  the  River, and and  that be  a 

Committee,  add The  said  Townships  so  Surveyed  to  be  de- 

scribed and  delineated  in  a Plan  or  Plans  setting  forth  the  Nature 
and  Quality  together  with  the  Scituation  and  Circumstances  of  the 
Land,  of  all  which  the  said  Committee  shall  make  return  to  this 

Court  as  soon  as  may  be  : Dele  the  words  following,  North 

East  and  South - West \_and  make  re-port  to  this  Court  as  soon 

as  may  be ] and  add  -• — The  said  Townships  so  Surveyed 

to  be  described  & delineated  in  a Plan  or  Plans,  setting  forth  the 
Nature  and  Quality  together  with  the  Scituation  and  Circumstances 
of  the  Land,  of  all  which  the  said  Committee  shall  make  return  to 

this  Court  as  soon  as  may  be Dele  Irom  the  words the 

Conditions  hereafter  prescribed,  and  therefore  &c.  to  the  End  of 

the  Vote and  add Such  conditions  as  this  Court  shall 

hereafter  judge  reasonable  for  the  Ordering,  Setling  and  Perfect- 
ing so  great  and  beneficial  an  Affair ; Provided,  upon  the  return 
of  the  said  Committees,  it  shall  appear  practicable,  The  charge 
of  Surveying  & laying  out  the  said  Lands  into  Townships,  as 
aforesaid  to  be  born  by  the  Province,  and  paid  out  of  the  Publick 
Treasury. 


APPENDIX. 


761 


Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read,  and  the  House  Concur 
with  the  Three  first  Amendments.  The  two  last  Amendments 
Non-concurr’d ; and  the  House  adhere  to  their  own  Vote  as  now 
Amended,  viz,  after  the  words Perfecting  this  great  and  bene- 
ficial Affair add If  the  same  by  the  respective  Committees 

Returns  be  reported  practicable Dele,  from  the  words 

the  said  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  House  or  Home  Lotts to 

the  End  of  the  Vote,  and  add, — The  said  Inhabitants  of  this  Prov- 
ince, House  or  Home  Lots  for  their  Accommodation,  and  Erecting 
Houses  thereon,  viz . Sixty  Families  in  each  of  the  Towns,  or  so 
many  of  the  Towns  as  the  Committees  for  Laying,  Surveying  and 
Platting  of  them  shall  Report  to  this  Court  fit  for  Inhabitants,  and 
practicable  to  be  setled ; and  the  several  & respective  Grantees 
or  Persons  admitted  as  abovesaid,  shall  be  under  such  other  and 
further  Directions  and  Conditions  as  this  Court  shall  order  ; Always 
-provided,  they  shall  have  their  Grants  without  any  Purchase  Con- 
sideration, or  paying  any  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money  therefor,  and 
the  charge  of  the  Committees  as  aforesaid,  to  be  born  by  the  Prov- 
ince, and  paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury,  & the  Committees  for 
admitting  the  Inhabitants  Annually  to  lay  before  this  Court  in 
their  May  Session,  an  account  of  their  proceeding  for  further 
Direction. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

[June  5,  1728,  this  bill,  as  amended,  was  passed  by  the  House 
and  sent  up  for  concurrence.  Entered  in  Court  Records  June  14, 
1728,  with  action  of  Council,  as  follows:] 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  so  far  as  that  Committees  be 
appointed  & directed  to  survey  the  Lands  before  mentioned  & 
make  a Plan  thereof,  expressing  the  Nature,  Circumstances  & 
Quality  of  the  Land  in  the  several  Lines,  & return  the  same  to 
this  Court  as  soon  as  may  be  in  Order  to  their  further  Proceedure 
thereon. 


[Rumford  to  The  Great  Falls,  And  On  East  Side  of  Con- 
necticut River.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  14,  1735-6.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Ordered  That  Col0  Chandler  Mr 
Pierson  Col0  Prescott,  Mr  Danforth  and  Majr  Brattle  with  such  as 
the  Honble  Board  shall  Appoint  be  a Comtee  to  take  into  considera- 


762 


APPENDIX. 


tion  the  Several  petitions  for  Townships  now  before  the  Court  and 
Report  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  thereon  the  Com- 
mittee to  sit  forthwith  and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be. — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  and  Edmd  Quincey  William  Dud- 
ley Ezekiel  Lewis  and  Anthony  Stoddard  Esqrs  are  Joined  in  the 
Affair — 


[Mass  House  Journal,  Jan.  15,  1735-6.] 

William  Dudley , Esq ; brought  down  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  the  Petitions  for  Townships  &c.  which  is  as  follows,  viz . 

The  Committee  appointed  the  14th,  currant,  to  take  into  consid- 
eration the  several  Petitions  for  Townships  now  before  the  Court, 
and  report  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Court  to  do  thereon,  having 
met  and  maturely  considered  the  same,  are  humbly  of  opinion, 
that  there  be  a careful  view  and  survey  of  the  Lands  between 
Merrimack  and  Connecticut  River , from  the  North  West  Corner 
of  Rumford  on  Merrimack,  to  the  Great  Falls  on  Connecticut , of 
twelve  miles  at  the  least  in  breadth,  or  North  and  South,  by  a 
Committee  of  eleven  able  and  suitable  Persons,  to  be  appointed  by 
this  Court,  who  shall  after  a due  knowledge  of  the  nature  and  cir- 
cumstances thereof,  lay  out  the  same  into  as  many  Townships  of 
the  contents  of  six  miles  square,  as  the  Land  in  wedth  as  aforesaid 
will  allow  of,  no  Township  to  be  more  than  six  miles  East  and 
West;  and  also  lay  out  the  Land  on  the  East  side  of  Connecticut 
River  from  said  Falls,  to  the  Township  laid  out  for  fosiah  Will - 
ard  and  others,  into  as  many  Townships  of  the  contents  of  six 
miles  square  as  the  same  will  allow  of;  and  also  the  Land  on  the 
West  side  of  the  River  of  Connecticut  from  said  Falls  to  the  Equiv- 
alent Land,  into  one  or  two  Townships  of  the  contents  of  six  miles 
square,  if  the  Land  will  allow  thereof;  five  of  which  Committee  to 
be  a Quorum  for  surveying  and  laying  out  the  Townships  from 
Rumford  to  Connecticut  River  as  aforesaid,  and  three  of  the  Com- 
mittee aforenamed  shall  be  a Quorum  for  surveying  and  laying 
out  the  Townships  on  each  side  of  Connecticut  River  as  aforesaid; 
and  that  the  said  Committee  make  report  of  their  doings  to  this 
Court  at  their  Session  in  May  next,  or  as  soon  as  conveniently 
they  can,  that  so  the  Persons  whose  names  are  contained  in  the 
several  Petitions  hereafter  mentioned,  viz . In  the  Petition  of  Hof- 
kington,  in  the  Petition  of  Salisbury  and  Almsbury , in  the  Petition 
of  Cambridge , in  the  Petition  of  Bradford  and  Wen  ham,  in  the 


APPENDIX. 


763 


Petition  of  Haverhill,  in  the  Petition  of  Milton  and  Brookline , in 
the  Petition  of  Samuel  Chamberlain  and  Jonathan  Jewet,  and  in 
the  Petition  of  Nathanael  Harris  &c.  in  the  Petition  of  Stevens 
and  Golding  &c.  in  the  Petition  of  Morgan  Cobb  &c.  "Jonathan 
Wells  &c.  Liscomb  and  Johnson  &c.  in  the  Petition  of  Isaac 
Little  &c.  in  the  Petition  of  Jonathan  Powers  &c.  that  have  not 
been  heretofore  admitted  Grantees  or  Settlers  within  the  space  of 
Seven  years  last  past  of  or  in  any  former  or  other  Grant  of  a 
Township,  or  particular  Grant  on  condition  of  settling  and  that 
shall  appear  and  give  security  to  the  value  of  Forty  Pounds  to 
perform  the  Conditions  that  shall  be  enjoyned  by  this  Court,  may 
by  the  major  part  of  the  Committee  be  admitted  Grantees  into  one 
of  the  said  Townships,  the  Committee  to  give  publick  notice  of  the 
time  and  place  of  their  meeting  to  admit  the  Grantees,  which  Com- 
mittee shall  be  impowred  to  employ  Surveyors  and  Chain  men  to 
assist  them  in  surveying  and  laying  out  said  Townships ; the  Prov- 
ince to  bear  the  Charge  and  be  repaid  by  the  Grantees  (who  may 
be  admitted)  the  whole  Charge  they  shall  advance ; which  Com- 
mittee we  apprehend,  ought  to  be  directed  and  impowred  to  admit 
sixty  Settlers  in  each  Township,  and  take  their  bonds  payable  to 
the  Committee  and  their  Successors  in  the  said  trust,  to  the  use  of 
the  Province,  for  the  performance  of  the  Conditions  of  their  Grant, 
viz.  That  each  Grantee  build  a dwelling  House  of  eighteen  feet 
square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the  least  on  their  respective  Home 
Lots,  and  fence  in  and  break  up  for  ploughing,  or  clear  and  stock 
with  english  Grass  five  acres  of  Land  within  three  years  next  after 
their  admittance,  and  cause  their  respective  Lots  to  be  inhabited, 
and  that  the  Grantees  do  within  the  space  of  three  years  from  the 
time  of  their  being  admitted,  build  and  finish  a convenient  Meeting 
House  for  the  publick  Worship  of  GOD,  and  settle  a learned 
orthodox  Minister : And  in  case  any  of  the  Grantees  shall  fail  or 
neglect  to  perform  what  is  enjoined  as  above,  the  Committee  shall 
be  obliged  to  put  the  bonds  in  suit  and  take  possession  of  the  Lots 
and  Rights  that  shall  become  forfeit,  and  proceed  to  grant  them 
to  other  Persons  that  will  appear  to  fulfil  the  Conditions  within 
one  year  next  after  the  said  last  mention’d  Grant.  And  if  a 
sufficient  number  of  Petitioners  that  have  had  no  Grant  within 
Seven  years  as  aforesaid,  viz.  Sixty  to  each  Township  do  not 
appear,  others  may  be  admitted,  provided  they  have  fulfilled  the 
Conditions  of  their  former  Grant,  the  Committee  to  take  care  that 
there  be  sixty  three  House  Lots  laid  out  in  as  regular  compact  and 
defensible  manner  as  the  Land  will  allow  of,  one  of  which  Lots 


764 


APPENDIX. 


shall  be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  second  Minister 
and  one  for  the  School,  to  each  of  which  an  equal  proportion  of 
Land  shall  accrue  in  all  future  divisions. 

The  Committee  are  further  of  opinion,  that  there  be  four  Town- 
ships opened  on  the  road  betwixt  Westfield  and  Shejfield,  and  that 
they  be  contiguous  to  one  another ; and  either  join  to  Shejfield  or 
to  the  Township  lately  granted  to  the  Proprietors  of  Sujfield,  each 
of  the  contents  of  six  miles  square,  and  that  they  be  situated  on  or 
• as  near  to  the  said  road  as  the  Land  will  allow,  and  that  there  be 
sixty  three  Home  Lots  laid  out  in  each  Township,  one  of  which  to 
be  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  second  settled  Minister, 
and  one  for  the  School,  and  one  for  each  Grantee,  which  shall 
draw  equal  shares  in  all  future  divisions,  said  Lots  to  be  laid  in  as 
regular  compact  and  defensible  manner  as  may  be,  that  so  the  sev- 
eral Persons,  whose  names  are  contained  in  sundry  Petitions  for 
Townships  (to  be  laid  out  on  or  near  said  road)  which  have  not 
been  heretofore  admitted  Grantees  or  Settlers  within  the  space  of 
Seven  years  last  past  of  or  in  any  former  or  other  Grant  of  a Town- 
ship, or  particular  Grant  on  condition  of  Settlement,  and  that  shall 
appear  to  give  Security  to  the  value  of  Forty  Pounds  to  perform 
all  things  on  their  Lots,  and  within  their  respective  Townships 
wherein  they  are  admitted  Settlers,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
Grantees  in  any  of  the  Towns  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecticut 
and  Merrhnack  as  aforesaid  ; and  that  there  be  a Committee  of 
five  suitable  Persons  appointed  by  this  Court  for  the  service  afore- 
said, and  impowred  and  obliged  as  is  before  provided  for  with 
respect  to  the  bringing  forward  the  Line  of  Towns  between  the 
Rivers  aforesaid. 

per  order  of  the  Committee,  Edmund  £>iuncy 

Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council  January  i$th,  1735.  Read 
and  sent  down.  Read  and  accepted  with  the  Amendment,  viz. 
after  the  words — The  Petition  of  Jonathan  Powers  &c. — add — 
John  Whitman  Esq;  and  others,  Samuel  Heywood  and  others , 
Josiah  Fassett  and  others , John  Flint  and  others,  Jonathan  Howard 
and  others,  of  Bridgewater.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Ordered,  That  Josejh  Gerrish,  Benjamin  Prescot,  Josiah 
Willard , Job  Almy,  Esqrs;  Mr.  Moses  Pierson,  and  Capt. 
Josejh  Gold,  with  such  as  the  honourable  Board  shall  join  be  a 
committee  to  all  Intents  and  Purposes,  to  effect  the  business  pro- 
jected by  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  both  Houses,  to  consider 
the  Petitions  for  Townships,  which  passed  this  day,  viz.  on  the 
proposed  Line  between  Merrimack  and  Connecticut  Rivers,  and 


APPENDIX. 


765 


on  both  sides  of  Connecticut  River ; and  that  John  Alden,  Esq; 
Capt  Stephen  Skiffe , and  John  Fisher , Esq ; with  such  as  the 
honourable  Board  shall  join,  be  a Committee  to  effect  the  business 
as  above  projected  for  the  Townships  on  the  road  between  West- 
field  and  Sheffield ; and  that  there  be  granted  and  allowed  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  shillings  per 
diem  to  each  one  of  the  Committee  for  every  day  he  is  in  the  Ser- 
vice in  the  Woods,  and  subsistence  ; and  ten  shillings  per  diem  for 
every  day  to  each  one  of  the  said  Committee  while  in  the  Service 
in  admitting  Settlers  into  the  said  Towns,  and  subsistence,  to  be 
paid  as  aforesaid.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Ordered  that  Joseph  Gerrish  Ben- 
jamin Prescott  Josiah  Willard  Job  Almy  Esq13  Mr  Moses  Pierson 
and  Cap4  Joseph  Gold  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall  Join  be 
a Committee  to  all  Intents  and  purposes  to  Effect  the  business 
projected  by  the  Report  of  the  Comtee  of  both  Houses,  to  Consider 
the  petitions  for  Townships  which  passed  this  day  viz4  on  the  pro- 
posed line  between  Merrimack  and  Connecticut  Rivers  and  on 
both  sides  of  Connecticutt  River ; and  that  John  Alden  Esqr  Cap4 
Stephen  Skiffe  and  John  Fisher  Esqr  with  Such  as  the  Honble 
Board  shall  Join  be  a Comtee  to  Effect  the  business  above  projected 
for  the  Townships  on  the  Road  between  Westfield  and  Sheffield  ; 
and  that  there  be  Granted  and  allowed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  pub- 
lick  Treasury  after  the  Rate  of  fifteen  shillings  ^ diem  to  each 
one  of  the  Commtee  for  every  day  he  is  in  the  Service  in  the 
Woods  and  Subsistance,  and  ten  shillings  ^ diem  for  every  day 
to  each  one  of  the  said  Comtee  while  in  the  Service  in  Admitting 
Settlers  into  the  said  Townships  and  Subsistance  to  be  paid  as 
aforesaid. 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d  & William  Dudley,  Samuel 
Welles,  Thomas  Berry,  Joseph  Wilder  and  John  Chandler  junr 
Esqr  are  Joined  with  the  Comtee  of  the  House  for  the  line  between 
Merrimack  and  Connecticutt  Rivers  &c  and  Edmund  Quincey  & 
Ebenezer  Burrill  Esqr9  with  the  Comtee  on  the  other  line 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


7 66 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  26,  1736.] 

John  Jeffries,  Esq ; brought  down  a Plat  of  the  Towns  lately 
ordered  by  this  Court  to  be  laid  out  on  each  side  Connecticut 
River  from  Fort  Dummer  to  the  Great  Falls,  in  which  Plat  is  set 
forth  the  true  bearings  and  distances  between  the  said  Falls  and 
the  Townships  of  Rumford  & Contoocook  on  the  West  side  of  the 
River,  as  the  same  was  run  with  a Chain  by  Col.  Josia/i  Willard 
and  others.  Read. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Nov.  30,  1736.] 

Anthony  Stoddard , Esq ; brought  down  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  the  Line  of  Towns  &c.  between  the  Rivers  of  Merri- 
mack and  Connecticut  &c.  with  the  Plat  thereof,  the  Report  is  as 
follows,  Viz. 

The  Committee  of  this  Court  for  the  Line  of  Towns  &c.  make 
further  Report  of  their  Proceedings  thereabout,  as  follows : Hav- 
ing been  informed  that  the  North  Bounds  of  the  Equivalent  Lands 
on  the  West  side  of  Connecticut  River,  did  not  run  West  as  we 
platted  it,  but  was  twenty'  two  degrees  thirty  minutes  North,  which 
obliged  us  to  run  the  two  Townships  on  that  side  of  the  River 
accordingly,  which  is  altered  in  the  grand  Plat.  And  having  sent 
some  of  the  Committee  to  view  and  run  the  Lines  of  the  Ashuelot 
Townships,  that  we  might  be  certain  of  not  interfering  with  them, 
and  also  the  North  Bounds  of  Arlington  so  called  on  the  East  side 
of  Connecticut  River , we  found  that  one  of  our  Towns  laid  out  on 
that  side  did  actually  interfere  with  one  of  the  Ashuelots , we  were 
therefore  obliged  to  alter  the  Lines  of  all  the  four  Townships  on 
the  East  side  of  the  said  River ; and  have  reformed  them  in  the 
said  grand  Plat  accordingly,  which  we  now  humbly  present  for 
acceptance. 

The  Committee  further  report,  that  having  notified  the  many 
Petitioners  for  Townships  tq  meet  at  Concord  in  September  last 
when  and  where  we  admitted  sixty  Persons  or  Grantees  into  the 
Townships  following,  No.  1,  2,  3,  4,  on  the  East  side  of  Connec- 
ticut River,  No.  1,  2,  on  the  West  side ; in  the  Line  of  Towns  No. 
1,  2,  5,  6,  and  have  taken  Bonds,  according  to  Order,  of  each 
Grantee  for  the  fulfilments  of  their  respective  Grants.  We  have 
further  notified’ the  rest  of  the  Petitioners  and  others  to  meet  us  at 


APPENDIX.  767 

Woburn  the  7 th  of  December  next  in  order  to  admit  into  and  fill 
up  the  other  Towns,  viz . No  3,  4,  7,  8,  & 9. 

Wm.  Dudley , by  order  of  the  Committee. 
Pass’d  in  Council,  viz . In  Council  Nove?nber  30th,  17 36.  Read 
and  sent  down.  Read  and  Ordered , That  this  Report  be  accepted. 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

The  Plat  of  the  Line  of  Towns  &c.  mentioned  in  the  aforego- 
ing Report,  pass’d  in  Council,  viz . In  Council  Novemb . 30 th, 
1736.  Read  and  sent  down. 

Read  and  Ordered , That  this  Plat  be  accepted. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  30,  1736.] 

A plat  of  the  Townships  laid  out  by  the  Comtee  for  the  Line  of 
Towns  &c  by  them  corrected  as  Mentioned  in  their  Report  entred 
this  day — 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Read  & Ordered  that  the  plat  be 
Accepted 

In  Council  Read  & Concurrd — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  17,  and  House  Journal,  Dec.  4, 

1736-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent3  Voted  that  Mr  Samuel  Chamber- 
lain  of  Westford  be  & hereby  is  fully  Authorized  and  Impowered 
to  Assemble  & Convene  the  Grantees  or  proprietors  of  the  Town- 
ship Number  One ; Nathanael  Harris  Esqr  in  like  manner  to 
Assemble  the  Grantees  or  Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number 
two ; John  Flynt  of  Concord  Esqr  in  like  manner  to  Assemble  the 
Grantees  or  proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  three  ; Thomas 
Welles  of  Deerfield  Esqr  in  like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grantees 
or  Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  four;  on  the  East  Side, 
& next  Adjoining  to  Connecticut  River ; And  that  Thomas 
Stevens  of  Amesbury  in  like  Manner  to  Assemble  the  Grantees  or 
Proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  One  ; Mr  John  Hutchins  of 
Bradford  in  like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grantees  or  proprietors 
of  the  Township  Number  two  ; John  Jones,  of  Hopkinton  Esqr  in 
like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grantees  or  proprietors  of  the  Town- 


768 


APPENDIX. 


ship  Number  five  ; and  John  Whitman  of  Stow  in  like  manner  to 
Assemble  & Convene  the  Grantees  or  proprietors  of  the  Township 
Number  Six,  lying  in  the  line  of  Towns  between  the  Rivers  of 
Connecticutt  & Merrimack,  All  the  Grantees  or  proprietors  afore- 
mentioned of  the  Towns  aforesaid  to  Assemble  in  such  places  as 
they  shall  be  Respectivly  Notified  and  Warned  to  Assemble  & 
Convene  at,  by  the  persons  Respectively  thereto  Impowred,  as 
aforesaid ; The  proprietors  of  each  Township  so  iVssembled  to 
Chuse  a Moderator  & Clerk  & Comtee  to  Alot  & Divide  their 
Lands,  & to  dispose  of  the  same,  and  to  pass  Such  Votes  & Orders 
as  by  them  may  be  thought  Conducive  for  the  Speedy  Fulfillment 
of  their  Grants  And  also  to  Agree  Upon  Methods  for  Calling 
Meetings  for  the  future,  provided  none  of  their  Votes  concerning 
the  Dividing  or  disposing  of  their  Lands  that  shall  be  pass’d  while 
they  are  Under  the  direction  of  the  Comtee  of  this  Court  shall  be 
of  force  before  they  are  Allowed  of  by  said  Committee 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  4,  and  House  Journal,  Jan.  3, 

1736-7] 

In  the  House  of  Represent*1  Voted  that  Cap1  Samuel  Jackson 
be  & hereby  is  fully  Authorized  and  Impowred  to  Assemble  and 
Convene  the  Grantees  and  proprietra  of  the  Township  Number 
four,  Cap1  Caleb  Blodget  in  like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grant- 
ees or  proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  Eight,  Mr  Samuel 
Liscomb  in  like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grantees  or  proprietors 
of  the  Township  Number  Nine,  Mr  Isaac  Gardner  in  like  manner 
to  Assemble  the  Grantees  or  proprietors  of  the  Township  Number 
three,  and  Mr  John  Hill  in  the  like  manner  to  Assemble  the  Grant- 
ees or  proprietors  of  the  Township  Number  Seven,  lying  in  the 
line  of  Towns  between  the  Rivers  of  Connecticutt  & Merrimack 
all  the  said  Grantees  or  Proprietors  aforenamed  of  the  Towns 
aforesaid  to  Assemble  in  such  places  as  they  shall  be  Respectivly 
Warned  to  Convene  & Assemble  at  by  the  persons  thereto  Respec- 
tivly impowred  as  aforesaid  : The  proprietors  of  each  Township 
so  assembled  to  Chuse  a Moderator  & Clerk  & Comtee  to  Alot  & 
divide  their  lands  & dispose  of  the  same  and  to  pass  such  Votes 
and  Orders  as  by  them  may  be  thought  conducive  for  the  Speedy 
fulfillment  of  the  Conditions  of  their  Grant,  and  also  to  Agree 


APPENDIX.  769 

upon  Methods  for  Calling  of  Meetings  for  the  future  ; provided 
none  of  their  Votes  concerning  their  Dividing  or  disposing  of  their 
Lands  that  shall  be  pass’d  while  they  are  under  the  direction  of 
the  Comtee  of  this  Court  shall  be  of  force  before  they  are  allowed 
by  said  Comtee — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


48 


ASHUELOT  TOWNSHIPS. 


GENERAL. 


772 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  28,  1726.] 

A Petition  of  Ebenezer  Dickinson , Edward  Greaves , and  others, 
praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  a Place  called  Ashawelot , 
in  order  to  the  Setling  and  making  a Township  there.  Read  and 
referred  to  the  next  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  28,  1726.] 

A Petition  of  Francis  Miller , Francis  Stebbins,  and  others, 
praying  for  a Grant  of  a Tract  of  Land  at  a Place  called  Ashawelot, 
in  order  for  the  Settlement  thereof,  and  erecting  a Township 
there.  Read  and  referred  to  the  next  Session  for  further  Consid- 
eration. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  May  30,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  Joseph  Miller,  for  himself  and  sundry  others 
former  Petitioners  for  a Tract  of  Land  of  six  miles  square,  for  a 
Township  at  Ashawelot,  setting  forth,  that  when  their  Petition  for 
the  said  Tract  of  Land  which  they  desired  to  be  sixteen  Miles 
from  Northjield,  came  under  the  Consideration  of  this  House  the 
last  Fall  Session,  there  was  another  Petition  from  Ebenezer  Dick- 
inson, and  sundry  others  for  a Tract  of  Land  for  a Township,  ten 
or  fourteen  Miles  from  Northjield,  both  which  had  the  Counte- 
nance of  the  House,  and  sent  up  to  the  Honourable  Board  for 
Concurrence,  but  a Proviso  was  made  in  the  Grant  to  the  said 
Dickinso7i  and  his  Associates  to  be  first  accommodated  under  a 
Pretence  of  their  being  the  first  Petitioners,  therein,  also  informing, 
that  there  is  a sufficiency  of  Lands  at  Ashawelot  above  Northjield, 
for  the  Accommodation  of  Two  Townships  of  the  Contents  of  six 
Miles  square  each  : Praying,  That  the  said  Dickinson  and  those 
that  Petition  with  him,  might  be  obliged  to  account  for  their  Town- 
ship from  Northjield  Meeting-House,  and  the  Petitioners  lie  next 
to  them,  and  be  put  under  a Committee  for  their  Inspection  and 
Regulation,  &c.  for  Reasons  mentioned. 

Read. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  1,  1730-1.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Hunt,  of  Billerica,  in  behalf  of  himself 
and  sundry  others,  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  praying  for  a 


APPENDIX. 


773 


convenient  Tract  of  Land  for  a Township  at  a place  called  Ashazve- 
lot , between  JWorthfield  and  the  Block-house  above  Northjield, 
and  that  they  may  bring  in  a Plan  thereof.  Read  and  committed 
to  Mr.  Lynde,  Maj.  Chandler  and  Mr.  Wright , to  take  the  same 
under  Consideration,  and  Report  what  may  be  proper  to  be  done 
thereon. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  12,  1731.] 

Mr.  Welles  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  28th.  of  May  last, 
to  consider  of  the  Six  new  Townships  proposed  to  be  settled, 
Reported,  Read,  Accepted,  and  accordingly, 

Ordered , That  before  the  Terms  on  which  those  Townships 
may  be  granted,  are  concluded  on,  Six  Tracts  of  Land  of  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  square  each,  be  Surveyed  and  Platted  ; and  that 
it  be  as  soon  as  may  be,  by  such  Committees  as  this  Court  shall 
appoint,  whose  Proceedings  shall  be  laid  before  this  Court  at  their 
next  Fall  Session,  in  order  to  their  more  particular  Determination 
on  the  Method  of  settling  them  ; and  that  those  Six  Townships  be 
laid  out  at  or  about  the  following  places,  viz.  two  Townships  both 
lying  part  on  each  side  Merrimack  River,  between  Naticook  and 
LoveV s Town  ; one  at  or  near  Ware  or  Swift-River ; two  upon  or 
about  Ashawelot  River ; one  at  the  Head  of  Berwick , Butting  on 
Newichawonnuck  on  one  side,  and  on  Bannabeague  on  the  other 
side. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  17,  1731.] 

Ordered , That  Mr.  Hall  go  up  with  a Message  to  the  Honour- 
able Board,  to  inquire  what  they  have  done  on  the  Vote  of  the 
1 2th.  Instant,  referring  to  the  Six  new  Townships  proposed  to  be 
settled.  Who  accordingly  delivered  the  Message,  and  brought 
down  said  Vote  not  pass’d  on  by  the  Honourable  Board. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  17,  1731.] 

Voted,  That  it  is  very  necessary  for  the  Accommodation  of 
diverse  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  that  Six  new  Townships 
should  be  opened  for  Settlement,  but  that  before  the  Terms  of 


774 


APPENDIX. 


granting  them  are  concluded  on,  Six  Tracts  of  Land  of  the  Con- 
tents of  Six  Miles  square  each,  be  Survey’d  and  Platted  as  soon 
as  may  be,  by  such  Committees  as  this  Court  shall  appoint,  whose 
Proceedings  shall  be  laid  before  this  Court  at  their  next  Fall  Ses- 
sion, in  order  to  their  more  particular  Determination  on  the 
method  of  settling  them,  and  that  those  Six  Townships  be  laid  out 
at  or  about  the  following  places,  viz.  Two  Townships,  both  lying 
on  each  side  Merrimack  River  between  Naticook  & LoveVs 
Town,  one  at  or  near  Ware  or  Swift  River,  two  upon  or  about 
Ashawelot  River,  one  at  the  Head  of  Berwick , Butting  on  New- 
ichawonnuck , on  one  side,  and  Bonnebeague  on  the  other  side 
Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  24,  1731.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Voted  that  it  is  very  necessary 
for  the  accommodation  of  divers  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  that 
six  new  Townships  shd  be  opened  for  settlement : But  before  the 
Terms  of  granting  them  are  concluded  on,  six  Tracts  of  Land  of 
the  Contents  of  six  miles  square  each  be  surveyed  & platted  as 
soon  as  may  be  by  such  Committees  as  this  Court  shall  appoint, 
whose  Proceedings  shall  be  laid  before  this  Court  at  their  next 
Fall  Session,  in  order  to  their  particular  determination  on  the 
method  of  settling  them,  & that  those  six  Townships  be  laid  out  at 
or  about  the  following  Places  : viz,  two  Townships,  both  lying 
part  on  each  side  of  Merrimack  River  between  Naticook  & Lovels 
Town ; one  at  or  near  Ware  or  Swift  River,  two  upon  or  about 
Ashawelet  River ; One  at  or  near  the  Head  of  Berwick,  butting 
on  Newitchawannock  River  on  one  side  & on  Bonebeague  on  the 
other  side. 

In  Council : Read  & Refer’d  to  the  next  Session  of  this  Court. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  14,  1732.] 

Col.  Stoddard  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  7 th  Currant  to 
consider  of  that  Part  of  His  Excellency’s  SPEECH  which  relates 
to  the  ungranted  Lands  made  Report,  which  he  read  in  his  place, 
and  then  laid  it  on  the  Table. 

The  said  Report  was  read  again  and  accepted,  and  thereupon 
the  House  came  into  the  following  Vote,  viz. 


APPENDIX. 


775 


/ 

Upon  Consideration  that  Power  is  given  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly to  grant  Lands , especially  for  the  Pla7iting  or  Setting  of  the 
Province,  and  that  by  the  great  Increase  of  His  Majesty's  good 
Subjects  many  that  are  inclined  to  Industry  have  not  been  able  to 
obtain  Lands  for  the  Employment  of  themselves  and  Families, 
and  great  Numbers  have  removed  to  neighbouring  Colonies  for 
their  Accommodation , 

Voted,  That  there  be  Seven  Towns  opened  of  the  Contents  of 
Six  Miles  square  each,  viz . One  West  of  the  Narraganset  Town 
that  is  near  Wachuset-Hill , One  between  the  Equivalent  Land  and 
Rutland,  on  or  near  the  Road  lately  laid  out  from  SwiftRiver  to 
Rutland:  One  at  Pequoiog  or  Miller s- Riv er ; One  West  of  the 
Town  called  North  Town  ; Two  on  Ashuelot  River  above  North- 
field  ; The  other  in  the  Eastward  Country  at  the  Head  of  Berwick . 
All  to  be  Surveyed  in  October  or  November  next  at  farthest,  by 
the  direction  of  Committees  to  be  appointed  by  the  General  Court, 
and  their  several  Surveys  to  be  reported  at  the  Fall  Session,  and 
the  charge  of  the  Committee  and  of  the  Survey  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  publick  Treasury. 

That  Committees  be  appointed  to  admit  Setlers  to  lay  out  the 
House-Lots,  so  that  the  Settlements  may  be  made  in  a defensible 
manner,  and  to  direct  in  the  drawing  thereof,  but  not  to  lay  out 
any  other  Divisions  without  further  directions  from  this  Court, 
each  home-lot  to  consist  of  so  many  Acres  as  the  Court  shall 
order,  after  report  is  made  of  the  quality  and  other  circumstances 
of  the  Land,  the  Committees  to  be  paid  as  the  Court  shall  order. 
That  there  be  sixty-three  House  Lots  laid  out  in  each  Township, 
One  for  the  first  setled  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry,  One  for 
the  School,  and  one  for  each  of  the  sixty  Setlers,  who  shall  settle 
thereon  in  his  own  person,  or  by  one  of  his  Children,  the  rest  of 
the  Land  to  be  allotted  or  divided  equally  in  sixty  three  parts. 

That  One  year  be  allowed  from  the  Survey  for  the  admission  of 
Setlers,  and  that  the  Committee  be  directed  to  demand  and  re- 
ceive from  each  Setldr  at  his  admission  Five  Pounds,  part  of 
which  shall  be  employed  for  reimbursing  the  Province  the  Money 
to  be  advanced  for  paying  the  Committee  and  the  charge  of  the 
Survey,  the  remaining  part  to  be  employed  for  building  Houses  of 
publick  Worship,  or  otherwise  as  the  General  Court  shall  order. 

That  each  Setler  actually  live  on  his  Land  within  three  years 
from  his  admission  and  continue  there  for  the  space  of  two  years 
after  in  person,  and  with  his  Family,  if  such  he  have. 

That  he  do  within  five  years  from  his  admission  build  an  House 


776 


APPENDIX. 


on  his  Land  of  eighteen  feet  square  and  seven  feet  stud  at  the 
least,  and  within  the  same  time  do  sufficiently  fence  in  and  till  or 
fit  for  mowing  eight  Acres  of  Land,  each  Setler  to  have  his  Land 
on  condition  that  he  perform  the  foregoing  Injunctions.  And 
in  case  any  Setler  fail  of  performance  in  the  whole  or  in  part,  his 
right  to  be  forfeited  and  such  Land  shall  revert  to  the  Province. 

And  the  Committee  to  be  appointed  to  admit  Setlers  are  directed 
at  the  time  of  admission  to  take  a Bond  of  Twenty  Pounds  of  each 
Setler,  to  be  paid  to  them  or  their  Successors  for  the  use  and  ben- 
efit of  the  Setlers,  in  case  he  fail  of  performing  the  several  Con- 
ditions or  Injunctions  before-mentioned. 

And  that  the  Setlers  in  each  Town  be  obliged  to  build  a suitable 
Meeting-House  and  to  settle  a learned  orthodox  Minister  in  such 
Town  within  the  space  of  five  years  from  the  admission  of  the 
Setlers. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  20,  1732.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3 — In  Answer  to  that  Part  of  His 
Excellency’s  Speech  wch  relates  to  the  ungranted  Lands  of  the 
province — Upon  Consideration  that  power  is  given  to  the  General 
Assembly  to  Grant  Lands  especially  for  the  planting  & Settling  of  the 
province  & that  by  the  great  increase  of  His  Majesty’s  good  Sub- 
jects many  that  are  inclined  to  Industry  have  not  been  able  to 
obtain  Lands  for  the  Imployment  of  themselves  & Families  & 
great  numbers  have  removed  to  Neighbouring  Colonies  for  their 
Accommodation.  Voted  that  there  be  seven  Towns  opened  of  the 
Contents  of  six  miles  sqnare,  One  West  of  the  Narraganset  Town 
that  is  near  Wachuset  Hill,  One  between  the  Equivalent  Land  & 
Rutland,  on  or  near  the  Road  lately  laid  out  from  Swift  river  to 
Rutland,  One  at  Saquoiag  on  Miller’s  River,  One  West  of  the 
Town  called  North  Town,  Two  on  Ashawelot  River  above  North- 
field,  The  other  in  the  Eastern  Country  at  the  Head  of  Berwick, 
All  to  be  surveyed  in  October  or  November  next  at  furthest  by  the 
Direction  of  Commtees  to  be  appointed  by  the  General  Court,  & 
their  several  Surveys  to  be  reported  at  the  Fall  Session,  And  the 
Charge  of  the  Commtees  & of  the  Survey  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
publick  Treasury  ; That  Commtees  be  appointed  to  admit  Settlers 
to  lay  out  House  Lotts,  so  that  the  Settlemts  may  be  made  in  a 
defensible  manner,  & to  direct  in  the  drawing  thereof,  but  not  to 


APPENDIX. 


777 


lay  out  any  other  Divisions,  without  further  Direction  from  this 
Court,  Each  Home  Lot  to  consist  of  so  many  Acres  as  the  Court 
shall  order  after  report  is  made  of  the  Quality  & other  Circum- 
stances of  the  Land,  The  Commtees  to  be  paid  as  the  Court  shall 
Order,  that  there  be  sixty  three  House  Lots  laid  out  in  Each 
Township,  One  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  One  for  the  Ministry, 
One  for  the  school  & one  to  Each  of  the  sixty  Settlers  who  shall 
settle  thereon,  in  his  own  person  or  by  any  of  his  Children,  the 
rest  of  the  Land  to  be  allotted  or  Divided  equally  into  Sixty  three 
parts,  That  one  Year  be  allowed  from  the  Survey  for  the  Admis- 
sion of  the  Settlers,  & that  the  Commtee  be  directed  to  Demand  & 
receive  from  each  Settler  at  his  Admission,  Five  pounds,  part  of 
wch  shall  be  employed  for  reimbursing  the  Province  the  Money  to 
be  advanced  for  paying  the  Commtee  & the  Charge  of  the  Survey, 
The  remaining  part  to  be  employed  for  building  Houses  of  pub- 
lick  Worship  or  otherwise  as  the  General  Court  shall  Order,  that 
each  Settler  actually  live  on  his  Land  within  three  Years  of  his 
Admission,  & continue  there  for  the  Space  of  two  Years  after  in 
person  & with  his  Family  if  such  he  have,  That  he  do  within  five 
Years  from  his  Admission  build  an  House  on  his  land  of  Eighteen 
feet  square  & seven  feet  stud  at  the  least,  & within  the  same  Time 
do  sufficiently  fence  in,  & till,  or  fit  for  Mowing  eight  Acres  of 
Land,  Each  Settler  to  have  his  Land  on  Condition  that  he  per- 
form the  foregoing  Injunctions  & in  Case  any  Settler  fail  of  per- 
formance In  the  whole  or  in  part,  his  Right  to  be  forfeited,  & such 
Land  shall  revert  to  the  province.  And  the  Commtee  to  be 
appointed  to  admit  Settlers,  are  directed  at  the  Time  of  Admission 
to  take  Bond  of  Twenty  pounds  of  Each  Settler  to  be  paid  to  them 
or  their  Successors  for  the  Use  & Benefit  of  the  Settlers  in  Case 
he  fail  of  performing  the  Several  Conditions  or  Injunctions  before 
mentioned  And  that  the  Settlers  in  Each  Town  be  obliged  to  build 
a sutable  Meeting  House,  & to  settle  a learned  & Orthodox  Min- 
ister in  such  Town  within  the  space  of  five  Years  from  the 
Admission  of  the  Settlers — 

In  Council  read  & non  Concur’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  29,  1732.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Voted  that  Coll : Stoddard  Mr 
Wells,  Major  Chandler,  Mr  Choate,  Major  Brattle  Mr  Tyng  & Mr 
Samuel  Chandler  be  a Commtee  on  the  part  of  the  House  to  Confer 


778 


APPENDIX. 


with  such  Commtee  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Honble  Board  on 
their  part,  on  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  Vote  for  opening  some 
New  Towns ; The  Commtees  to  sit  forthwith  & report  as  soon  as 
may  be — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d,  & Benjamin  Lynde  Thomas 
Hutchinson  Samuel  Thaxter,  Spencer  Phips  Simonds  Epes  & 
Jonathan  Remington  Esqr9  are  appointed  a Commtee  of  the  Board 
of  sd  Conference. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  July  i,  1732.] 

Upon  ye  Report  of  the  Commtee  appointed  to  confer  on  the  Vote 
ab*  new  Towns 

The  Board  reconsidered  yr  Vote  of  Non  Concurrence  & then 
pass’d  a Concurrence  On  the  sd  Vote  with  Amendmts  Wch  were 
agreed  to  by  the  House — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  July  3,  1732.] 

Thomas  Cushing  Esq ; brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  4 th  past 
for  opening  some  new  Towns,  pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council 
June  20 th.  1732.  Read  and  non  concur’d.  July  1.  1732.  Read 
again  and  reconsidered,  and  voted  a Concurrence  with  the  Amend- 
ments, viz  dele  A.  seven and  add  — five  — dele,  these 

words  - one  west  of  the  Town  called  North-Town , two  on  Ashue- 
lot- River  above  Northjield,  dele.  B - sixty  three  House  Lots  & 
add  eighty  three  House  Lots,  dele  the  word  - twenty  between  the 
words  - a Bond  of  — and  - Pounds  - and  add  thirty  - Sent  down 
for  Concurrence.  Read  and  the  House  concur  with  the  Amend- 
ment A - the  second  Amendment  concur’d  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
proposed  Town  to  the  West  of  North-Town  — the  other  part  of 
that  Amendment  non-concur’d.  The  Amendments  B & C non- 
concur’d, and  the  House  agree  to  the  Vote  as  now  amended  with 
their  own  Amendment,  viz.  the  two  proposed  Towns  in  the  Vote 
marked  o dele. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  7,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Samuel  Sadey , Oliver  Hayward,  and  sundry 
others,  praying  for  a Grant  of  Land  at  Ashuelot  at  a place  called 


APPENDIX.  779 

the  Bow,  to  extend  on  Northjield  East  Line.  Read  and  referred 
to  the  next  May  Session  for  further  Consideration. 


' [Mass.  Court  Records,  April  20,  1733.] 

The  following  Vote  pass’d  both  Houses  in  July  last,  viz  : 

In  Answer  to  that  part  of  His  Excellency’s  Speech  which  relates 

to  the  ungranted  Lands  of  the  Province Upon  Consideration 

y1  Power  Is  given  the  General  Assembly  to  grant  Lands  especially 
for  the  Planting  or  Settling  of  the  province,  & that  by  the  Great 
Increase  of  His  Majesty’s  good  Subjects,  many  that  are  inclined 
to  Industry  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  Lands  for  the  Employ  m* 
of  themselves  & Families,  & great  Numbers  have  removed  to 

Neighbouring  Colonies  for  their  Accommodation. Voted 

that  there  be  four  Towns  opened  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles 
square  Each  viz — One  at  Pequoiag  on  Miller’s  River,  Two  on 
Ashuwelet  River  above  Northfeild,  the  other  in  the  Eastern 
Country  at  the  Head  of  Berwick,  all  to  be  surveyed  in  October  or 
November  next  at  furthest  by  the  Direction  of  Commtees  to  be 
appointed  by  the  General  Court  & their  several  Surveys  to  be 
Reported  at  the  Fall  Session  & the  Charge  of  the  Commtees  & 
Survey  to  be  paid  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  yt  Commtees  be 
appointed  to  admit  Settlers  & to  lay  out  the  House  Lots  so  that  ye 
Settlemts  may  be  made  in  a Defensible  manner,  & to  direct  in  the 
drawing  thereof,  but  not  to  lay  out  any  other  Divisions  without 
further  Directions  from  this  Court,  Each  Home  Lot  to  consist  of  so 
many  Acres  as  the  Court  shall  Order  after  Report  is  made  of  the 
Quality  & other  Circumstances  of  the  Land,  the  CommteeS  to  be 
paid  as  the  Court  shall  Order,  that  there  be  sixty  three  House 
Lots  laid  out  in  each  Township,  One  for  the  first  Settled  Minister, 
One  for  the  Ministry,  one  for  the  School  & one  for  Each  of  the 
Sixty  Settlers  who  shall  Settle  thereon  in  his  own  person  or  by 
one  of  his  Children  The  rest  of  the  Land  to  be  allotted  or  Divided 
equally  into  Sixty  three  Parts;  That  one  Year  be  allowed  from 
the  Survey  for  the  Admission  of  Settlers,  and  that  the  Commtee  be 
directed  to  Demand  & receive  from  Each  Settler  at  his  Admission 
Five  pounds  part  of  which  shall  be  employed  for  reimbursing  the 
Province  the  Money  to  be  advanced  for  paying  the  Committee  & 
the  Charge  of  the  Survey,  the  remaining  part  to  be  employed 
for  building  Houses  for  publick  Worship  or  otherwise  as  the  Gen- 


780 


APPENDIX. 


eral  Court  shall  Order,  That  Each  Settler  actually  live  on  his 
Land  within  three  Years  from  his  Admission,  build  an  House  on 
his  Land  of  eighteen  feet  square  & Seven  feet  Stud  at  the  least, 
& within  the  same  Time  do  sufficiently  fence  in  & till  or  fit  for 
mowing  Eight  Acres  of  Land,  Each  Settler  to  have  his  Land  on 
Condition  that  he  perform  the  foregoing  injunctions,  & in  Case 
any  Settler  fail  of  performance  in  the  whole  or  in  part,  his  Right 
to  be  forfeited  & such  Land  shall  revert  to  the  province  & the 
Commee  to  be  appointed  to  Admit  Settlers  are  directed  at  the  Time 
of  Admission  to  take  a Bond  of  Twenty  pounds  of  each  Settler  to 
be  paid  to  them  or  their  Successors  for  the  Use  & Benefit  of  the 
Settlers  in  Case  he  fail  of  performing  the  several  Conditions  & 
Injunctions  before  mentioned,  & that  the  Settlers  in  each  Town  to 
be  obliged  to  build  a sutable  meeting  house  & to  settle  a learned 
orthodox  Minister  in  such  Town  within  the  space  of  five  Years 
from  the  Admission  of  the  Settlers. — 

Consented  to  J.  Belcher. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  and  House  Journal,  April  20,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Voted  that  Major  Chandler,  Mr 
Choate  & Mr  Samuel  Chandler  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board 
shall  appoint  be  a Commtee  to  Survey  & lay  out  by  a Survey1  & 
Chain  men  on  Oath  the  three  New  Towns  in  the  Western  Frontiers 
agreable  to  the  Vote  of  the  third  of  July  last.  viz.  One  at  Paquoiag 
& two  at  Ashawelet  River  & return  Plans  thereof  to  this  Court  in 
the  next  May  Session. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  & the  Honble  Spencer  Phips  Esqr 
& William  Dudley  Esqr  are  joined  in  the  Affair. — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  and  House  Journal,  Oct.  19,  1733-] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Whereas  this  Court  at  their  Sit- 
ting in  April  last  past  did  appoint  a Committee  to  survey  and  lay 
out  three  Townships  in  the  Western  Frontiers,  agreable  to  the 
Vote  of  the  third  of  July  preceeding,  one  at  Paquoiag,  & two  at 
Ashuelot  River,  & return  plats  to  this  Court  at  the  then  next  May 
Session,  which  Service  has  not  yet  been  perform’d  & the  greater 
Part  of  the  Committee  being  Members  of  the  General  Assembly — 


APPENDIX. 


78l 


wherein  their  Attendance  is  necessary,  And  the  House  being  cer- 
tified that  there  are  great  Numbers  of  Persons  desirous  to  settle 
themselves  in  said  Townships  in  the  next  Spring  of  the  Year, 
which  cannot  be  unless  there  be  a speedy  Survey  thereof. 

Therefore  Voted  that  Joseph  Kellog  & Timothy  Dwight  Esqrs 
& Cpt.  William  Chandler  (or  any  two  of  them)  be  a Committee  for 
that  Purpose,  & that  they  be  directed  forthwith  to  repair  to  those 
Lands,  & with  Chain  men  on  Oath  to  lay  out  a Township  at 
Paquoiag  & two  Townships  at  Ashuelot  agreable  to  the  said  Vote 
of  the  third  of  July  1732,  unless  they  find  that  by  reason  of  the 
laying  out  of  the  Township  granted  to  Coll0  Willard  & others  the 
Land  remaining  at  Ashuelot  River  will  not  well  serve  for  two 
Townships,  that  then  they  lay  out  only  one  Township  on  Ashue- 
lot, & that  they  return  Plats  thereof  to  this  Court  at  the  present 
Sitting. 

In  Council,  Read  & Concur’d. — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  6,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^8  Ordered  that  Mr  Israel  Williams 
& Mr  Samuel  Chandler  with  such  as  the  Hono’ble  Board  shall 
appoint  be  a Commee  to  admit  such  persons  as  they  shall  think 
proper  to  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of  the  new  Towns  lately 
granted  at  Ashuelot  & Paquoiag,  who  shall  be  subjected  to  the 
Conditions  made  in  the  said  Grant  pass’d  this  Court  in  the  May 
Session  1732,  That  the  Committee  make  Report  of  their  doings  as 
soon  as  may  be. — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d  & Ebenr  Burrill  Esqr  is  Joined  in 
ye  Affair. — 

Consented  to,  J.  Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  21,  1733-4.] 

A Plat  of  two  Townships,  each  of  the  Contents  of  six  miles 
square  laid  out  by  William  Chandler  & Nath1  Dwight  by  Order  of 
this  Court  situate  on  each  side  of  Ashuelet  River  above  the  Tract 
of  Land  lately  granted  to  Coll  Josiah  Willard  & others;  beginning 
at  a Spruce  or  White  Pine  Tree  standing  about  Midway  between 
the  South  & East  Branches  of  said  Ashuelet  River,  about  five 


782 


APPENDIX. 


perch  East  of  the  Bank  of  the  Main  River  marked  West  thus  q & 
East  with  three  Chops  with  an  Ax,  & from  thence  running  each 
way  as  described  in  the  Plat. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Read  & Ordered  that  the  Plat  be 
and  hereby  is  accepted  ; And  the  Lands  contained  in  the  said  two 
Townships  are  declared  to  ly  in  & be  accounted  as  Part  of  the 
County  of  Hampshire  hence  forward. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  : — 

Consented  to,  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Feb.  21,  1733-4.] 

A Plat  of  two  Townships,  each  of  the  contents  of  six  Miles 
square,  situate  on  each  side  of  Ashuelot  River  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire  above  the  tract  lately  granted  to  Col.  yosiah  Willard 
and  others,  surveyed,  one  by  Capt  William  Chandler  Surveyor 
and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath  ; the  other  by  Nathanael  Dzvight 
Surveyor  and  two  Chain-men  on  Oath,  platted  by  order  of  this 
Court  of  the  third  of  yuly  1732,  and  one  other  order  at  the  sitting 
begun  the  third  of  October  last  was  presented  for  allowance. 
Read  and  Ordered , That  the  Plat  be  and  is  hereby  accepted,  and 
the  Lands  contained  in  the  said  two  Townships  are  declared  to 
lay  in  and  be  accounted  as  part  of  the  County  of  Hampshire  hence 
forward. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  16,  1734.] 

In  Council ; Whereas  this  Court  in  their  Sessions  held  in  July 
1732,  ordered  three  Towns  to  be  laid  out,  two  on  Ashuelet  River, 
& one  at  Paquoig  & directed  the  Committee  to  lay  out  Home  or 
House  Lots  to  consist  of  so  many  Acres  as  the  Court  shall  order, 
Voted  that  the  Home  Lots  to  be  laid  out  in  the  said  three  new 
Towns  do  consist  of  so  many  Acres  (between  twenty  & forty)  as 
the  Committee  shall  think  fit  considering  the  Quality  of  the  said 
Land ; & that  Edward  Goddard  Esqr  be  of  the  said  Committee  in 
the  room  of  William  Clark  Esqr  who  desires  to  be  excused  from 
the  said  Service  : — 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Concur’d 

Consented  to, 


J Belcher 


APPENDIX. 


783 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June,  15,  1734.] 

Jacob  Wendell,  Esq ; brought  down  the  Report  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  both  Houses  appointed  the  sixth  of  November  & first  of 
March  last,  for  laying  out  House  Lots  in  the  two  new  Towns  on 
Ashuelot  River , in  consequence  of  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant  of 
the  Court  at  their  May  Session  1732,  signed  Ebenezer  Burrell, 
Edward  Goddard,  Charles  Church,  Samuel  Chandler,  John 
Hobso7i.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council  June  i$th,  1734. 
Read  and  sent  down.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  Report  be  ac- 
cepted. Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

Two  Plats  of  the  two  Townships  at  Ashuelot  laid  out  by  Order 
of  this  Court,  with  House  Lots  therein  protracted  & described,  viz. 
The  House  Lots  in  the  upper  Township  as  described  and  protract- 
ed were  presented  for  allowance. 

Read  and  accepted.  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  17,  1734-] 

The  Report  of  the  Comtee  for  laying  out  the  house  Lotts  in  the 
two  Towns  on  Ashuelet  River  June  1734 — 

Pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  Great  & General  Court  we  Re- 
paired to  Ashuelet  where  we  found  in  each  of  the  said  Towns  Re- 
spectivly  That  a very  large  Body  of  the  Land  lyes  in  one  intire 
parcell  being  Interval  Land  and  other  low  lands  Altogether  Un- 
suitable for  House  Lotts  and  from  the  best  View  and  observation 
that  we  Respectivly  were  able  to  make  of  the  value  and  quality  of 
the  Land  there,  we  apprehend  it  Impracticable  to  lay  it  out  in  a 
Defenceable  manner  and  to  lay  out  between  twenty  & forty 
Acres  to  each  house  Lot  according  to  the  order  of  the  Court  and 
there  being  (in  our  humble  Opinion)  no  other  way  in  which  the 
House  lotts  could  be  laid  out  but  would  Render  (at  least)  many  of 
them  for  less  Accommodable  to  the  Intervals  and  also  very  Scat- 
tering and  Remote 

We  Concluded  that  to  lay  out  Small  House  lotts  lying  Contiguous 
& also  Convenient  for  the  Interval  lands  would  be  more  agreeable  to 
the  Intentions  of  this  Honble  Court  then  either  for  us  to  Desist  & Re- 
turn without  doing  anything  or  to  lay  out  large  Lotts  which  must 
have  been  Extreemly  Scattering  & indefencible  and  therefore  pro- 
ceeded as  follows  viz1.  To  lay  out  in  the  uppermost  of  the  said 
Ashuelet  Townships  fifty  four  Lotts,  in  the  most  Convenient  place 


784 


APPENDIX. 


\ 

for  Building  on  & adjoyning  to  each  other  each  Lott  Containing 
eight  Acres  and  that  place  not  Accomodating  more  lotts  there,  we 
were  obliged  to  lay  out  the  other  Nine  Lotts  about  three  Quarters 
of  a Mile  Distant  from  the  Fifty  four  Lotts  aforesaid  We  also  laid 
out  a Street  thro  each  Division  of  Land  aforesaid  four  Rods  wide — 

In  the  other  Township  of  Ashuelet  we  Could  find  but  one  parcell 
of  Land  Sutable  for  House  lotts  (in  a like  Compact  and  Defence- 
able  manner)  which  is  a Plan  consisting  of  no  more  than  about 
four  hundred  Acres  and  therefore  were  obliged  to  lay  out  the 
whole  number  of  lots  being  Sixty  three  in  that  place  which  yet 
would  not  afford  above  Six  Acres  (exclusive  of  ways)  to  each 
house  without  Runing  upon  Intervals  or  mountainous  land  which 
would  be  very  Difficult  to  Equalize  and  a great  part  thereof  fit  for 
Neither  Tillage  nor  mowing  we  therefore  laid  out  the  whole  Sixty 
three  Lotts  there  and  also  a Street  of  Eight  Rods  wide  and  where- 
as each  Settler  is  obliged  within  the  Term  aforesaid  to  till  or  fitt  for 
mowing  Eight  Acres  within  five  Years  We  humbly  propose  that 
no  damage  or  forfeiture  Accrue  to  any  Settler,  who  shall  within  the 
term  aforesaid  till  or  fit  for  mowing  his  house  Lott  there  and  shall 
also  as  soon  as  shall  be  next  after  another  Lott  or  division  of  Land 
shall  be  laid  out  till  or  fit  for  mowing  the  Remainder  of  said  Eight 
Acres  on  such  other  Lott  or  Division  wrhich  with  the  whole  of  this 
Representation  or  Report  is  humbly  Submitted  to  the  Wisdom  & 
Candour  of  this  Honb,e  Court — 

Sam1  Chandler  Ebenezer  Burrill 

John  Hobson  Edwd  Goddard 

Charles  Church 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Ordered  that  this  Report 
be  Accepted 

In  Council  Read  & Concurred — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  14,  and  House  Journal  June  19, 

1 734-] 


The  following  vote  was  omitted  Entring  in  the  proper  place 
viz1 — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  June  19,  1743 — 

Whereas  the  Com***  that  have  laid  out  the  Home  Lotts  in  the 
Township  Westward  of  Ashuelott  River  & Paquoig  have  noti- 
fied all  persons  that  are  desirous  to  take  up  Lotts  upon  the  Terms 


APPENDIX. 


7§S 


and  Conditions  that  this  Court  has  directed  to  meet  at  Concord  on 
Wednesday  the  Twenty  Sixth  Instant  And  it  being  Necessary  after 
such  Lotts  are  drawn  that  the  Grantees  be  assembled  & come  into 
proper  Methods  for  the  Settlement  of  their  said  Lotts  &c 

Voted  that  after  the  Sixty  persons  for  each  Township  shall 
have  Drawn  Lotts  and  given  Bond  and  paid  their  five  pounds  Ac- 
cording to  the  order  of  this  Court  July  1732  that  they  forthwith  as- 
semble at  Concord  and  then  and  there  Choose  a Moderator  a Pro- 
prietors Clerk  and  Agree  upon  Rules  & methods  for  the  fulfillment 
of  their  Respective  Grants  and  for  making  any  further  Divisions 
and  for  Calling  other  Meetings  for  the  future  and  any  other  Mat- 
ters or  things  for  the  Speedy  Settlement  of  the  said  Township 
In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 

Examd  from  the  original  ^ Simon  Frost  Dep.  Secry 

49 


CANADA  TOWNSHIPS. 


GENERAL. 


7 88 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  26,  1735.] 

Robert  Hale , Esq ; from  the  Committe  appointed  last  night  on 
the  Grants  to  the  Canada  Officers  and  Soldiers,  &c.  Anno  1690, 
made  report,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  thereupon  the 
following  Vote  passed,  viz.  Whereas  it  has  been  ordered  by  this 
Court  that  the  several  Committees  anointed  to  lay  out  the  Towns 
granted  in  answer  to  the  Petitions  of  the  Canada  Soldiers  in  their 
Expedition  Anno  1690,  shall  take  Bonds  of  the  Grantees  for  the 
performance  of  the  Conditions  of  their  respective  Grants ; and 
whereas  by  reason  of  the  Death  of  most  of  the  said  soldiers , and 
minority  or  inability  of  many  of  their  Heirs  and  Descendants, 
the  intention  of  the  Court  in  rewarding  their  Service , and  for 
settling  the  Lands  may  be  defeated  without  the  special  direction  of 
this  Court: 

Ordered , That  the  said  Committees  and  all  others  that  may 
hereafter  be  appointed  by  this  Court  for  that  Service  on  Petitions 
for  Canada  Soldiers  in  that  Expedition,  shall  take  Bond  of  One, 
personally  the  Heir  Descendant  or  Representative  of  one  Soldier 
(preference  to  be  given  to  the  eldest  Male  if  such  there  be,  other- 
wise the  eldest  Female,  who  shall  appear  at  such  time  and  place 
as  the  Committee  shall  appoint  and  give  publick  notice  of)  and 
the  Grant  shall  belong  to  such  Obligor  his  heirs  and  assigns  for 
ever  (provided  the  Conditions  of  the  Bond  be  performed)  such 
Obligor  paying  to  the  other  Descendants  or  Heirs  such  proportion- 
able  part  of  Ten  Pounds  as  such  Descendants  or  Heirs  would  be 
intitled  to  in  the  Land,  if  said  Land  descended  according  to  the 
Law  of  this  Province  for  the  Settlement  of  Intestate  Estates,  and 
also  what  Charge  any  of  said  Descendants  may  have  been  at  to 
prove  or  bring  forward  said  Claims  Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  27,  1735.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent8  Whereas  it  has  been  Ordered  by 
this  Court  that  the  Several  Committees  Appointed  to  lay  out  the 
Towns  Granted  in  Answer  to  the  petitions  of  the  Canada  Soldiers 
in  their  Expedition  Anno  1690  shall  take  Bonds  of  the  Grantees 
for  the  performance  of  the  Conditions  of  their  Respective  Grants, 
And  Whereas  by  Reason  of  the  death  of  Most  of  the  said  Soldiers 
& Minority  or  Inability  of  many  of  their  heirs  or  Descendants, 
the  Intention  of  the  Court  in  Rewarding  their  Service  & for  Set- 


APPENDIX. 


789 


tling  the  Lands  may  be  defeated,  without  Special  direction  of  this 
Court ; Ordered  that  the  said  Committee  and  all  others  that  may 
hereafter  be  Appointed  by  this  Court  for  that  Service  on  petitions 
for  Canada  Soldiers  in  that  Expedition  shall  take  Bond  of  one 
person  only  the  heir  descendant  or  Repesenta  of  one  Soldier 
(Preference  to  be  Given  to  the  Eldest  Male  if  such  there  be  other- 
wise to  the  Eldest  Female  who  shall  Appear  at  such  time  & place 
as  the  Comtee  shall  Appoint  and  give  publick  Notice  thereof)  and 
the  Grant  shall  belong  to  such  Obligor  his  heirs  and  assignes  for- 
ever provided  the  Conditions  of  the  Bond  be  performed  such 
obligors  paying  to  the  other  Descendants  or  heirs  such  proportion- 
able  part  of  Ten  pounds  as  such  Descendants  or  heirs  would  be 
entitled  to  in  the  Lands,  if  said  Land  descended  According  to  the 
Law  of  this  Province  for  Settlement  of  Intestate  Estates  & also 
what  Charge  any  of  said  Descendants  may  have  been  at  to  prove 
or  bring  forward  said  Claim — 

In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan.  16,  1735-6.] 

The  Deputy  Secretary  was  Sent  down  to  the  House  with  the 
following  Message  from  the  Board  viz1 — 

The  Board  takeg  into  Consideration,  as  well  the  Several  Grants 
made  by  the  House  Upon  petitions  for  Townships  of  the  Canada 
Officers  and  Soldiers  that  have  pass’d  the  whole  Court,  as  those 
Depending  at  the  Board,  & finding  the  form  & the  direction  of  the 
Descent  of  the  Estate  to  be  Essentially  differing ; which  the  Board 
Apprehend  is  not  only  inconsistant,  but  also  Unequal  and  Unjust 
As  to  the  Different  form  of  the  Grants,  pass’d  thro’  the  whole 
Court ; the  Board  observe  that  on  the  four  first  petitions  viz4  Gal- 
lop, Newell,  Tileston,  & Tiltons,  there  Seems  to  be  an  Inconsis- 
tancy,  the  Grantees  therein  being  obliged  to  give  Bond  to  the 
Comtee3  Appointed  to  lay  out  the  same  and  Yet  the  said  Comtees  are 
to  Transmit  into  the  Secretarys  office,  Lists  of  the  Grantees  names 
and  places  of  Abode  to  be  Regulated  by  an  after  Comtee  which 
Necessarily  Implys  giving  Bonds  before  Admission  In  the  order ; 
on  two  Several  petitions  of  Shubal  Goreham  & Samuel  King  the 
Board  observe  no  Bonds  Ordered  to  be  Given  or  lists  to  be  Trans- 
mitted as  above  ; In  the  Order  on  the  three  Several  petitions  of 
Ebenezer  Hunt  of  William  Raymond  & Joseph  Silvester,  no  list 
is  Ordered  to  be  taken  or  transmitted  for  future  Regulation  ; The 


79° 


APPENDIX. 


Board  therefore  propose  to  the  Honble  House  that  a Comtee  of  this 
Court  be  Appointed  to  take  a List  of  the  names  and  places  of 
Abode  of  the  said  Officers  and  Soldiers  and  of  the  Descendants  of 
such  as  are  deceased,  in  Order  to  a Regulation  by  a Comtee  of  this 
Court,  and  so  Sixty  of  them  may  be  Admitted  Grantees  and  Set- 
tlers in  each  Township  of  Six  Miles  Square,  to  be  laid  out  pursu- 
ant to  such  forementioned  Regulation ; And  as  to  the  Descent  of 
the  Estate  Granted  to  the  said  Officers  and  Soldiers,  the  Board 
observe  that  in  all  those  made  by  the  whole  Court,  they  all  Agree 
Except  that  made  to  Cap4  Silvester  & his  men ; which  last  men- 
tioned is  not  to  the  Descendants  of  those  that  are  dec’ed  as  the 
others  are  ; Which  General  Method  of  Descent  the  Board  are  of 
Opinion  is  not  only  most  practicable,  but  also  most  Reasonable 
and  just,  and  will  be  Attended  with  much  less  Expence  to  the 
province  and  Greatly  conduce  to  the  Speedy  fulfillment  of  the 
Conditions  of  the  Grant ; Therefore  move  that  the  said  Silvester 
Grant  may  be  Reduced  to  the  said  General  Rule  as  well  as  the 
Rest  of  the  Canada  Grants. — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Read  & Referred  to  the  next  Sitting 
of  the  Court  for  Consideration — 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  23,  1735-6.] 

On  the  Message  from  the  Board  to  the  House  Referring  to  the 
late  Grants  of  Townships  as  Entred  the  16  Jaffry  1735 — 

In  the  House  of  Represent  Ordered  That  John  Chandler  Rob- 
ert Hale  and  Daniel  Epes  Esqr8  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board 
shall  appoint  be  a Committee  to  take  this  Message  under  Consid- 
eration and  Report  what  may  be  proper  in  their  Opinion  for  the 
Court  to  do  for  the  More  Effectual  bringing  forward  the  Settle- 
ment of  the  Canada  Towns  so  Called  lately  granted  by  this  Court 
In  Council  Read  and  Concurr’d  & Edmund  Quincey  William 
Dudley  and  Samuel  Welles  Esq"  are  Joined  in  the  Affair — 

[The  s.ame  vote  is  entered  again,  March  26,  1736.] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  27,  1736.] 

The  following  Report  of  the  Comtee  on  the  Affair  of  the  Canada 
Towns  was  Read  and  Accepted  by  both  Houses  viz1 


APPENDIX. 


791 


The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  and  Report  their  Opinion 
what  may  be  proper  to  be  done  on  the  Message  from  the  Board  of 
Jan’ry  16  last  Relating  to  the  more  Effectual  bringing  forward  the 
Settlement  of  the  Canada  Towns  so  Called,  are  of  Opinion,  That 
the  Grants  Respectivly  of  the  four  Townships  viz1  Gallop,  New- 
ell, Tileston,  & Tiltons,  so  Called,  which  were  made  to  the  officers 
Soldiers  in  the  Canada  Expedition  Anno  1690,  and  the  Descend- 
ants of  such  as  are  Since  Deceased,  are  well  Explained  by  the 
Order  of  this  Court  of  the  26  of  June  last;  and  the  Several 
Comtees  Appointed  to  lay  out  and  bring  forward  the  Settlement  of 
the  Said  Four  Townships  and  all  other  Comtees  thereafter  to  be 
Appointed  for  the  like  Service,  are  by  the  same  Order  fully 
Impowred  and  Directed,  as  to  the  Admission  of  the  Grantees  &c, 
and  shall  be  obliged  to  proceed  Accordingly ; And  instead  of  their 
Transmitting  into  the  Secretarys  office  Lists  of  the  Respective 
Grantees  &c  they  shall  be  and  hereby  are  Obliged  to  take  the  best 
Care  they  can  in  Examining  & Regulating  the  Claims  of  all 
persons  that  shall  Appear  as  heirs  descendants  or  Represent*1,  and 
shall  make  and  keep  fair  lists  of  the  names  and  places  of  Resi- 
dence of  the  Respective  Grantees  or  Settlers  of  the  said  Towns, 
in  order  to  prevent  Mistakes  in  Settling  and  Regulating  the 
Claims  and  admission  of  the  Grantees  ; And  further  the  Comtee  are 
of  Opinion,  that  the  Grantees  Admitted  or  that  may  be  Admitted 
into  the  two  Townships,  Granted  to  Shubal  Goreham  & Samuel 
King  & others  In  which  Grants,  thro’  Some  omission,  no  Bonds 
are  Ordered  to  be  Given,  there  be  the  Same  Bonds  Given  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Province  and  in  the  Same  manner  as  has  been 
ordered  in  and  by  the  other  Grants,  that  have  been  made  to  the 
Canada  Soldiers  That  in  as  much  as  the  Grants  made  to  the  Can- 
ada officers  & Soldiers  are  to  be  laid  out  & the  Settlers  to  be 
Admitted  at  the  Expence  of  the  province  which  Expence  is  not  to 
be  Reimbursed  by  the  Grantees  as  is  provided  in  the  Grants  of  the 
line  of  Towns  so  Called  the  said  Expence  and  Charge  shall  be 
Allowed  & Advanced  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  to  the  Amount 
of  Fifty  pounds  for  each  Township  and  no  more  and  if  it  exceeds 
that  sum  it  shall  be  paid  by  the  Grantees  before  they  draw  their 
Lotts — 

Consented  to 


J Belcher 


, 


NARRAGANSETT  TOWNSHIPS. 


GENERAL. 


794 


APPENDIX. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June,  17,  1727.] 

Mr.  Speaker  from  the  Committee  for  Lands  further  Reported, 
On  a Petition  of  sundry  Soldiers  that  served  their  Country  in  the 
late  Narraganset-N ar , and  their  Descendants,  several  whereof 
Subscribed  the  said  Petition,  shewing  that  the  General  Court  in 
the  Year,  1685,  made  a grant  to  them  of  Eight  Miles  square  of 
certain  Lands  lying  in  the  Ni^mugg  Country,  for  their  said  Ser- 
vice, which  has  not  as  yet  been  laid  out,  Praying  that  an  Equiva- 
lent for  the  said  Grant  may  be  now  made  them  for  the  Reasons 
mentioned,  which  was  Read  and  Accepted,  and  in  Answer  to  this 
Petition,  Resolved,  That  Major  Thomas  Tilestone , Capt.  "John 
Alden,  Mr.  Edward  Shove,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Healy  of  Newton,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Chandler  of  Concord,  be  a Committee  fully  Author- 
ized and  Impowred  to  Survey  and  lay  out  the  contents  of  Eight 
Miles  square  in  some  of  the  Unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Prov- 
ince, and  that  the  said  Lands  be  granted  and  disposed  of,  to  the 
Persons  whether  Officers  or  Soldiers  belonging  to  this  Province, 
who  were  in  the  Service  of  their  Country  in  the  Narragansett 
War,  or  to  their  Lawful  Representatives  as  a Reward  for  their  Pub- 
lick  Services,  and  is  in  full  Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  formerly  made 
them  by  the  Great  and  General  Court,  And  for  as  much  as  it  is  the 
full  Intent  and  Purpose  of  this  Court,  that  every  Officer  and  Soldier 
who  served  in  the  said  War,  should  have  a compensation  made 
them,  over  and  above  what  Wages  or  Gratuities  any  of  them  have 
already  received,  That  the  said  Committee  give  Publick  Notice  in 
the  News  Letters  or  otherways,  Six  Months  at  least  before  the 
Time  of  their  Meeting,  when  and  where  they  intend  to  meet,  that 
so  every  Officer  and  Soldier  that  Served  in  the  said  War,  or  their 
Lawful  Representative  of  such  as  served  and  are  since  Deceased, 
may  have  an  Opportunity  of  inlisting  their  Names  with  the  said 
Committee,  who  are  hereby  directed  to  take  a List  accordingly,  and 
when  and  so  soon  as  the  said  Committee  has  received  a Compleat 
List  of  the  Names  of  such  Persons  as  have  served  as  aforesaid,  or 
their  legal  Representatives,  which  they  are  Enjoynedtodo  with  all 
convenient  speed  ; the  Grantees  shall  be  Obliged  to  Assemble  with- 
in as  short  time  as  they  can  conveniently,  and  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  a Committee  to  regulate  the  Propriety,  who  shall  pass 
such  Orders  and  Rules  as  will  effectually  oblige  them  to  settle 
Sixty  Families  at  least  thereon,  with  a Learned  Orthodox  Minis- 
ter, within  the  space  of  Seven  Years  from  the  date  of  the  Grant. 


APPENDIX. 


795 


Provided  nevertheless , That  if  the  said  Grantees  shall  not  effec- 
tually Settle  the  said  number  of  Families,  and  also  lay  out  a Lot, 
for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the 
School,  they  shall  have  no  Advantage,  but  forfeit  this  Grant : Any 
thing  contained  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal  Dec.  12,  1727.] 

"John  Wheelwright  Esq  ; brought  down  the  Vote  of  the  House  of 
the  17th  of  June  last,  for  Making  a Grant  of  some  Lands  to  the 
Soldiers  that  Served  in  the  late  Narraganset  War,  or  their  Des- 
cendants. Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council,  July  1st.  1727. 
Read  and  Referred  for  further  Consideration  to  the  next  Fall  Ses- 
sion ; with  a Message  that  the  Board  were  of  Opinion,  That  it  was 
most  proper  for  the  House  to  Originate  the  Grant  of  the  Lands  to 
the  said  Soldiers,  or  their  Descendants,  it  being  referred  by  the 
Board  only.  Read,  and  in  Answer  to  this  Petition,  Resolved,  That 
Major  Thomas  Tilestone , Capt.  John  Alden , Mr.  Edward  Shove , 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Healey  of  Newton , Mr.  Samuel  Chandler  of  Con- 
cord, John  Wainwright,  & Ezra  Bourne  Esqrs ; be  a Committee, 
any  Four  of  whom  to  be  a Quorum,  fully  Authorized  and  Im- 
powred  to  Survey  and  lay  out  two  Tracts  of  Land  for  Town- 
ships of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  Square  each,  in  some  of  the 
Unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province,  and  that  the  said  Lands 
be  granted  and  disposed  of  to  the  Persons  whether  Officers  or 
Soldiers  belonging  to  this  Province,  who  were  in  the  Service  of 
their  Country  in  the  said  Narraganset  War,  or  their  lawful  Repre- 
sentatives, as  a Reward  of  their  Publick  Services,  and  is  in  full 
Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  formerly  made  them  by  the  Great  and 
General  Court.  And  forasmuch  as  it  is  the  full  Intent  and  -pur - 
pose  of  this  Court,  that  any  Officer  and  Soldier  who  served  in  the 
said  War  should  have  a Compensation  made  them  over  and  above 
what  Wages  or  Gratuities  any  of  them  have  already  received; 
That  the  said  Committee  give  Publick  Notice  in  the  News  Letters, 
or  otherways  Six  Months  at  least  before  the  time  of  their  Meeting, 
when  and  where  they  intend  to  Meet,  that  so  the  Officers  and  Sol- 
diers that  Served  in  the  said  War,  or  their  lawful  Representative 
of  such  as  Served,  and  are  since  Deceased,  may  have  an  Oppor- 
tunity of  inlisting  their  Names  with  the  said  Committee,  who  are 
hereby  directed  to  take  a List  accordingly,  and  when  and  so  soon 


796 


APPENDIX. 


as  the  said  Committee,  has  received  a Compleat  List,  of  the 
Names  of  such  Persons  as  have  served  as  aforesaid,  or  their  legal 
Representatives,  which  they  are  Enjoyned  to  do  with  all  Convenient 
speed  ; the  Grantees  shall  be  obliged  to  Assemble  within  as  short  a 
time  as  they  can  conveniently,  and  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a Com- 
mittee, to  regulate  each  Propriety,  who  shall  pass  such  Orders  and 
Rules  as  will  Effectually  oblige  them  to  settle  Sixty  Families  at 
least  in  each  Township,  with  a learned  Orthodox  Minister,  within 
the  space  of  Seven  Years  from  the  date  of  the  Grant;  Provided 
nevertheless.  That  if  the  Grantees,  shall  not  Effectually  settle  the 
said  Number  of  Families  in  each  Township,  and  also  lay  out  a 
Lott  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for 
the  School  in  each  of  the  said  Townships,  they  shall  have  no  Ad- 
vantage of  but  forfeit  the  Grant ; anything  to  the  contrary  con- 
tained notwithstanding. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  15,  1727. J 

John  Wheelwright  & John  Chandler  Esqrs  ; brought  down  the 
Vote  of  the  House  of  the  12th  Currant,  on  the  Petition  of  the  JVar- 
raga7iset  Soldiers.  Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Council,  Decemb . 
15th.  1727.  Read  and  Concurr’d  with  the  Amendments  hereto 
annexed,  viz.  Dele — any  Four  of  whom  to  beia  Riorum — and  add, 
to  be  joyned  with  Nathctniel  Byfield , John  Cushing , Benjamin 
Lynde  and  Edmund  £juincy  Esqrs  ; five  of  which  Committee  to  be 
a Quorum  ; Provided , Two  be  of  those  Nominated  by  the  Board. 
Between  the  words General  Court and and  Foras- 
much as add Provided,  That  no  Officer  or  Soldier,  or 

their  lawful  Representatives  shall  receive  benefit  from  this  Grant, 
unless  they  make  their  Claims  by  giving  in  and  enlisting  their 
Names  with  the  Committee  within  the  space  of  Twelve  Months 
from  the  Date  of  this  Grant,  and  one  of  the  lawful  Representatives 
only  of  each  Officer  or  Soldier  deceased  be  admitted  to  a share, 
the  preference  always  to  be  given  to  the  right  Heirs  of  such  Officer 
or  Soldier  respectively.  Dele,  from  — a List  accordingly  — to  — 
the  Grantees  shall  be  obliged  — between  the  words can  Con- 
veniently   and and  proceed,  add,  — not  exceeding  Six 

Months,  — between  the  words  — each  of  the  said  Townships  — 
and  — they  shall  have  — add  — within  the  Term  of  Seven  Years, 
as  aforesaid  — and  before  the  words  — anything  to  the  contrary 


APPENDIX. 


797 


— add  — That  the  Committee  be  further  Impowred  to  call  the 
first  Meeting  of  the  Grantees  in  order  to  the  Choice  of  a Commit- 
tee to  regulate  each  Propriety,  as  aforesaid.  Sent  down  for  Con- 
currence. Read,  and  the  House  Concur  only  with  the  Amend- 
ment, [ not  exceeding  Six  Months ] the  other  Amendments  Non- 
Concurr’d ; and  the  House  adhere  to  their  own  Vote  as  amended 
with  an  Amendment.  — Dele  the  words  — The  Grant  — between 
— forfeit  — and — anything  — and  add  — their  respective  Grants. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 

[This  bill,  as  amended,  was  passed  by  the  House  June  7,  1728, 
and  sent  up  for  concurrence,] 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  15,  1728.] 

In  the  House  of  Representves  In  Answer  to  the  Petition  of  the 
Soldiers  that  served  in  the  Narraganset  War;  Resolved  that 
Major  Chandler,  Mr  Edward  Shove,  Major  Tilestone  & Mr  John 
Hobson  (or  any  three  of  them)  be  a Committee  fully  impowered  & 
authorized,  to  survey  & lay  out  two  Townships  of  the  Contents 
of  six  miles  square  each  in  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of 
this  Province  ; And  that  the  said  Lands  be  granted  & disposed 
of  to  the  Persons,  whether  Officers  or  Soldiers  belonging  to  this 
Province  who  were  in  the  Service  of  their  Country  in  the  said 
Narraganset  War,  or  to  their  lawful  Represent^9  as  a Reward  for 
their  publick  Services,  & as  a full  Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  formerly 
made  them  by  the  Great  & General  Court : And  inasmuch  as  it  is 
the  full  Intent  & Purpose  that  every  Officer  & Soldier  who  served 
in  the  said  War  should  have  a compensation  made  him  over  & 
above  what  Wages  & Gratuities  any  of  them  have  already  receiv- 
ed ; — That  publick  Notice  be  given  in  the  News  Letters  & Adver- 
tisements posted  up  in  every  Town  in  the  Province,  notifying  all 
Persons  that  now  survive,  & were  in  that  Fight  & the  legal  Repre- 
sent 9 of  those  deceased,  that  they  give  or  send  a List  of  their 
Names  & Descents  to  the  Court  in  their  next  Fall  Session;  And 
when  such  List  is  Compleated  by  a Committee  then  to  be  appointed 
by  this  Court,  the  Grantees  shall  be  obliged  to  assemble  in  as 
short  a time  as  they  can  conveniently,  not  exceeding  six  months,  & 
proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a Committee,  to  regulate  each  Propriety, 
who  shall  pass  such  Orders  & Rules  as  will  effectually  oblige  them 
to  settle  sixty  Families  at  least  in  each  Township  with  a learned 
orthodox  Minister  within  the  Space  of  seven  years  from  the  Date  of 


798 


APPENDIX. 


the  Grant ; Provided  nevertheless  if  the  said  Grantees  shall  not 
effectually  settle  the  said  Number  of  Families  in  each  Township, 
& also  lay  out  a Lot  for  the  said  settled  Minister,  one  for  the 
Ministry  & one  for  the  School  in  each  of  the  said  Townships, 
they  shall  have  no  Advantage  but  forfeit  their  said  Grants;  Any 
thing  to  the  contrary  herein  contained  notwithstanding. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to,  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  20,  1729.] 

A List  taken  by  a Committe  of  the  House  of  Representve9  of  the 
Claimers  of  the  Land  granted  by  this  Court  to  the  Officers  & Sol- 
diers that  were  in  the  Narraganset  War  & their  legal  Representa- 
tives. 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & Accepted,  & Voted  that 
the  said  Tracts  of  Lands  be  granted  to  the  Persons  contained  in 
within  written  List,  & that  the  said  Claimers  or  Grantees  meet  at 
Boston  if  the  small  Pox  be  not  there  ; If  they  be,  then  at  Cam- 
bridge on  the  first  Wednesday  of  June  next  ensuing  ; Then  & there 
to  chuse  a Committee  for  ordering  their  Affairs,  & do  other  things 
needful  in  settling  said  Tracts  of  Land,  pursuant  to  the  Resolve  of 
this  Court  at  their  Session  in  June  1728,  & that  publick  Notifications 
be  given  by  Order  of  this  Court  that  they  rpeet  by  themselves  or 
Agents  accordingly. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to  Wm  Dummer 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  30,  1730.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent^8  Whereas  an  Order  pass’d  this  Court 
in  December  last  to  notify  the  Grantees  of  the  two  Narraganset 
Towns  to  assemble  in  the  Town  of  Cambridge  upon  the  first  Wed- 
nesday in  June  next  to  chuse  a Committee  for  ordering  the  Affairs 
relating  to  the  said  Townships,  And  Notice  of  that  Order  being 
published  in  the  News  Papers  only,  whereby  many  of  the  Gran- 
tees may  not  be  acquainted  therewith,  And  for  the  preventing  any 
unnecessary  Charge  to  them;  Voted  that  the  said  Order  be 
superseded  & the  Grantees  assemble  in  this  Town  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  Fall  Session  to  do  the  Matters  & Things  in 


APPENDIX. 


799 


the  said  Vote  contained,  & that  the  Represent™3  of  the  several 
Towns  be  desired  to  give  publick  Notice  of  this  Vote  in  their  Towns 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to  by  the  Lieut.  Governor 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  28,  1730.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Whereas  an  Order  pass’d  this  Court 
the  thirtieth  of  May  last  for  assembling  the  Grantees  of  the  two 
Narraganset  Towns  at  the  Town  of  Cambridge  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  Fall  Session  by  reason  of  the  Small  Pox 
being  in  the  Town  of  Boston,  which  is  now  removed  from  thence  ; 
Voted  that  the  said  Grantees  assemble  in  the  Town  of  Boston  on 
the  second  Wednesday  of  the  next  Sitting  of  this  Court  after  a 
Recess ; to  transact  the  Affairs  mentioned  in  an  Order  pass’d  by 
this  Court  in  December  last,  & that  the  Represent™3  of  the  several 
Towns  be  desired  to  give  publick  Notice  in  their  Town  of  this  Vote 
with  all  convenient  speed  : — 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d  ; — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Dec.  29,  1730.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Tilestone  & others  a Committee  for  the 
Officers  & Soldiers  that  were  in  the  Narraganset  War,  Shewing 
that  the  Number  of  the  said  Soldiers,  & the  legal  Represent™3  of 
those  that  are  deceased  is  so  great  that  the  Grant  of  Land  already 
made  to  them  will  make  so  small  a Portion  to  each  Family,  as  will 
be  or  little  or  no  Benefit  to  them  & Praying  that  the  said  Grant 
may  be  enlarged  as  also  that  a further  Time  may  be  allowed  to 
Persons  to  put  in  their  Claims,  there  being  many  that  are  not  yet 
enter’d 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Ordered  that  there  be 
liberty  be  given  to  Persons  to  bring  in  their  Claims  to  the  Narra- 
ganset Lands  to  a Committee  to  be  appointed  by  this  Court  until 
the  first  Wednesday  in  April  next,  and  that  such  further  Grant  of 
Land  be  made  to  the  Petitioners  as  that  each  hundred  & twenty 
Persons  whose  Claims  shall  be  allowed  by  this  Court  may  be  al- 
lowed a Township  of  the  Contents  of  six  miles  square  under  the 


8oo 


APPENDIX. 


same  Restrictions  & Limitations  with  those  already  granted ; And 
that  the  Province  be  at  the  Charge  of  laying  out  the  Land  to  be 
granted  as  above  into  Tracts  of  six  miles  square,  but  not  of  any 
Sub-divisions  to  particular  Grantees ; And  that  the  Committees 
formerly  appointed  to  lay  out  the  Towns  for  the  Narraganset  Sol- 
diers & for  examining  the  Claims  of  said  Soldiers  be  the  respec- 
tive Committees  for  performing  the  like  service  above  directed. 

In  Council : Read  & Concur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Dec.  30,  1730.] 

The  Petition  of  the  Narrganset  Soldiers,  entred  the  18th  of 
December  Instant,  and  the  30th.  of  June  last,  brought  down  Yes- 
terday by  Melatiah  Bourn  Esq  ; Pass’d  in  Council,  viz.  In  Coun- 
cil, December  29,  1730.  Read  and  concurred  with  the  Amend- 
ment at  A (viz.  Afril  instead  of  January ) and  that  the  Commit- 
tees formerly  appointed  to  lay  out  the  Towns  for  the  Narraganset 
Soldiers,  and  for  examining  the  Claims  of  the  said  Soldiers,  be 
the  respective  Committees  for  performing  the  like  Services  as 
above  directed  to. 

Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and  concurred,  and  sent  up. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  13,  and  House  Journal,  Feb.  16, 

1730-1-] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Hunt  & others  a Committee  for  the  Nar- 
raganset Soldiers,  Setting  forth  that  their  number  is  so  great  that 
the  Grant  of  Land  already  made  will  not  be  sufficient,  when  it 
comes  to  be  divided  among  them  all,  to  make  any  tollerable  Lots 
for  settlem*  And  therefore  Praying  an  Enlargem1  of  the  sd  Grant, 
as  also  that  further  time  may  be  allowed  for  Persons  to  put  in  their 
Claims  to  said  Lands 

In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & Ordered  that  there  be 
Liberty  given  to  the  Persons  to  bring  in  their  Claims  to  the  Nar- 
raganset Lands  to  a Committee  to  be  appointed  by  this  Court  until 
the  first  Wednesday  in  June  next;  & that  such  further  Grant  of 
Land  be  made  to  the  Petitioner,  as  that  each  One  hundred  & 
twenty  Persons,  whose  Claims  are  or  shall  be  allowed  of  by  this 
Court,  may  have  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square, 


APPENDIX. 


801 


under  the  same  restrictions  & limitations,  with  those  already 
granted,  And  that  the  Committees  formerly  appointed  to  lay  out 
the  Towns  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers,  & for  examining  the 
Claims  of  said  Soldiers  be  the  respective  Committees  for  perform- 
ing the  like  services  as  above  directed  to  ; And  that  the  Province 
be  at  the  Charge  of  laying  out  the  Land  to  be  granted  as  above 
into  Tracts  of  six  miles  square,  but  not  of  any  subdivisions  to  par- 
ticular Grantees. 

In  Council ; Read  & Non  Concur’d,  & Ordered  that  there  be 
Liberty  given  to  all  Persons  Concerned  to  bring  in  their  Claims  to 
the  Lands  granted  to  the  Officers  & Soldiers  in  the  Narraganset 
War,  unto  the  Committee  formerly  appointed  by  this  Court  for 
that  service,  until  the  First  Wednesday  in  June  next,  & that  the 
Lands  already  granted  by  this  Court  to  the  said  Officers  & Soldiers 
& their  legal  Represent™3  under  certain  Conditions  & Restrictions 
be  & hereby  are  absolutely  given  & granted  to  such  Persons 
whose  Claims  arer  or  shall  be  allowed  by  this  Court  & to  their 
Heirs  & Assigns  forever ; Any  former  Order  of  this  Court  refer- 
ring to  the  said  Grant  notwithstanding. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  5,  1730-1.] 

On  the  Order  of  the  Board  pass’d  on  the  Narraganset  Soldiers 
Petition,  as  enter’d  the  17th  of  Feb’ry:  last: — In  the  House  of 
Represent™8  Read  & Non  Concur’d,  And  the  House  adhere  to 
their  own  Vote. 

In  Council  Read  & Non  Concur’d. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  March  5,  1730-1.] 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  Hunt  and  others,  in  behalf  of  them- 
selves and  their  Associates,  the  Soldiers  that  served  in  the  Narra- 
ganset War,  entred  the  16th.  of  February  last.  Pass’d  in  Council, 
viz.  In  Council,  Feb.  17,  1730.  Read,  and  Non-concurred,  and 
Ordered,  That  there  be  Liberty  given  to  all  Persons  concerned, 
to  bring  in  their  Claims  to  the  Lands  granted  to  the  Officers  and 
Soldiers  in  the  Narraganset  War,  unto  the  Committee  formerly 
appointed  by  this  Court  for  that  Service,  until  the  first  Wednesday 
in  June  next,  and  that  the  Lands  already  granted  by  this  Court 
to  the  said  Officers  and  Soldiers,  and  their  legal  Representatives, 

50 


802 


APPENDIX. 


under  certain  Conditions  and  Restrictions,  be,  and  hereby  are 
absolutely  given  and  granted  to  such  Persons  whose  Claims  are  or 
shall  be  allowed  by  this  Court,  and  to  their  Heirs  and  Assigns 
forever ; any  former  Order  of  this  Court  referring  to  the  said 
Grant  notwithstanding.  Sent  down  for  Concurrence.  Read  and 
Non-concurred,  And  the  House  adhere  to  their  own  Vote. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  3,  1731.] 

A Memorial  of  Thomas  Hzmt  and  others  in  behalf  of  themselves 
and  Partners,  Proprietors  of  the  Towns  granted  to  the  Narragan- 
set  Soldiers,  &c.  praying,  That  they  may  have  such  other  and 
further  additional  Grants  of  Land  made  them  suitable  to  their 
great  Number,  and  that  effectual  Provision  may  be  made  for  a 
speedy  and  regular  Settlement  thereof,  for  Reasons  mentioned. 
Read,  and 

Ordered , That  there  be  liberty  given  to  the  Persons  to  bring  in 
their  Claims  to  the  Narraganset  Lands,  to  a Committee  to  be 
appointed  by  this  Court  until  the  first  Wednesday  in  September 
next,  and  that  such  further  Grant  of  Land  be  made  to  the  Peti- 
tioners, as  That  every  Hundred  and  Twenty  Persons,  whose 
Claims  are  or  shall  be  allowed  by  this  Court,  may  have  a Town- 
ship of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square,  under  the  same  Restric- 
tions and  Limitations  with  those  already  granted,  and  that  the 
Committees  formerly  appointed  to  lay  out  the  Towns  for  the  Nar - 
raganset  Soldiers,  and  for  examining  the  Claims  of  the  said 
Soldiers,  be  the  respective  Committees  for  performing  the  like 
Services  as  above  directed  to,  and  that  the  Province  be  at  the 
Charge  of  laying  out  the  Land  to  be  granted  as  above,  into  Tracts 
of  Six  Miles  square,  but  not  of  any  Subdivisions  to  particular 
Grantees. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  4,  1731.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Hunt  & others  a Committee  in  behalf  of  the 
Officers  & Soldiers  that  were  in  the  Narraganset  War  & the  Repre- 
sent™3 of  those  that  are  deceased,  Shewing  that  upon  one  of  their 
former  Petitions  the  two  Houses  were  pleased  to  vote  a Town  of 


APPENDIX. 


803 


six  miles  square  to  each  hundred  & twenty  Claimers  & to  lengthen 
out  the  Time  for  receiving  Claims ; Which  Vote  was  revived  by 
the  House  of  Represent™8  but  not  agreed  to  by  the  Council,  who 
instead  thereof  voted  an  absolute  Grant  of  the  two  Towns  formerly 
granted  to  the  Petition"  & that  they  should  not  be  obliged  to  per- 
form the  Conditions  of  the  Grant ; Which  Vote  was  Non  Concur’d 
by  the  House  & so  nothing  finally  done  to  answer  the  Petition ; so 
that  the  Petition"  are  under  great  Discouragem*8  as  to  the  settling 
the  Lands  formerly  granted ; And  therefore  Praying  for  an  addi- 
tional Grant  of  Lands,  & that  the  Claimers  may  have  further  Time 
to  bring  in  & prove  their  several  Claims. 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Read  & Ordered  that  there  be 
Liberty  given  to  Persons  to  bring  in  their  Claims  to  the  Narragan- 
set  Lands  to  a Committee  to  be  appointed  by  this  Court  until  the 
first  Wednesday  in  September  next,  And  that  such  further  Grant 
of  Land  be  made  to  the  Petitioners  as  that  every  hundred  & 
twenty  Persons  whose  Claims  are  or  shall  be  allowed  by  this 
Court  may  have  a Township  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square, 
under  the  same  restrictions  & Limitations  with  those  already 
granted ; & that  the  Committees  formerly  appointed  to  lay  out  the 
Towns  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers  & for  examining  the  Claims  of 
the  said  soldiers  be  the  respective  Committees  for  performing  the 
like  services  afore  directed  to,  & that  the  Province  be  at  the 
Charge  to  lay  out  the  Land  to  be  granted  as  above  into  Tracts 
of  six  Miles  square  but  not  of  any  Sub-divisions  to  particular 
Grantees  : — 

In  Concil ; Read  & Non  Concur’d. 


/ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Jan  19,  1731-2.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Ordered  that  ye  following  mes- 
sage be  sent  up  to  the  Honblc  Board.  Viz — Whereas  there  have 
been  several  Endeavours  to  accomodate  the  Narraganset  Soldiers 
& their  Descendants  with  a Suitable  quantity  of  Land  for  thr 
Settlem1  as  an  Acknowledgem*  & Reward  of  their  great  Service  to 
this  Country  which  have  failed  hitherto  of  the  desired  Success  ; 
This  House  have  thought  it  might  tend  to  promote  a good  Under- 
standing & Harmony  in  this  Court  to  lay  before  the  Honble  Board, 
Wherefore  it  is  that  the  Represent™3  have  come  into  the  Grant  of  a 
Tract  of  six  miles  square  to  Each  Number  of  One  hundred  & 


APPENDIX. 


804 

Twenty  persons  which  they  have  made  this  Session  in  Answer  to 
the  Petition  of  Thom9  Tilestone  & others  a Commte  in  behalf  of 
themselves  & the  rest  of  the  Soldiers  & their  Descendants,  who 
were  in  the  Narraganset  War.  And  one  great  Reason  is  that  there 
was  a Proclamation  made  to  the  Army  in  the  Name  of  the  Gov- 
ernm4  (as  living  Evidences  very  fully  testify)  when  they  were 
muster’d  on  Dedham  Plain  where  they  began  their  march,  that  if 
they  played  the  man,  took  the  Fort  & Drove  the  Enemy  out  of  the 
Narraganset  Country,  which  was  their  great  seat,  that  they  should 
have  a gratuity  in  Land  besides  their  Wages ; And  it  is  well 
known,  & our  Sitting  to  hear  this  Petition  is  an  Evidence  that  this 
was  done ; And  as  the  Conditions  has  been  performed,  certainly 
the  promise  in  all  Equity  & Justice  ought  to  be  fulfilled  ; And  if 
We  Consider  the  Difficulties  these  brave  Men  went  thro’  in  Storm- 
ing the  Fort  in  the  Depth  of  Winter,  & the  pinching  wants  they 
afterwards  underwent  in  pursuing  the  Indians  that  escaped  thro’  a 
hideous  Wilderness  famously  known  throughout  New  England  to 
this  Name  by  the  Name  of  the  hungry  March,  and  if  we  further 
Consider  that  until  this  brave  tho’  small  Army  thus  played  the 
Man,  the  whole  Country  was  filled  with  Distress  & fear,  & We 
trembled  in  this  Capital  Boston  it  self,  & that  to  the  Goodness  of 
God  to  this  Army  We  owe  our  Fathers  & our  own  Safety  & Estates, 
We  cannot  but  think  y4  those  Instrumts  of  Our  Deliverance  & 
Safety  ought  to  be  not  only  justly  but  also  gratefully  & generously 
rewarded  & even  with  much  more  than  they  prayed  for,  If  we 
measure  w4  they  receive  from  Us,  by  w4  we  enjoy  & have  receiv’d 
from  them,  We  need  not  mention  to  ye  Honble  Board  the  Wisdom 
Justice  & Generosity  of  Our  Mother  Country  & of  the  Ancient 
Romans  on  such  Occasions,  Triumphs,  Orations  Hereditary 
Honours  & Priviledges  all  the  Riches,  Lands  & Spoils  of  War  & 
conquer’d  Countrys  have  not  been  thought  too  great  for  those  to 
whom  they  have  not  owed  more  if  so  much  as  We  do  to  those  our 
Deliverers  : & We  ought  further  to  observe  what  greatly  adds  to 
their  merit  that  they  were  not  Vagabonds  & Beggars  & Outcasts, 
of  wch  Armies  sometimes  are  considerably  made  up  who  run  the 
Hasards  of  War  to  Avoid  the  Danger  of  Starving;  so  far  from 
this  that  these  were  some  of  ye  best  of  Our  Men,  the  Fathers  & 
Sons  of  some  of  ye  greatest  & best  of  Our  famil3  & could  have  no 
other  View  but  to  Serve  yr  Country  & whom  God  was  pleased  ac- 
cordingly in  a very  remarkable  mannr  to  Honour  & Succeed.  Of 
these  things  the  Honble  the  General  Court  of  the  Late  Colony  of  the 
Massachusetts  in  those  days  was  not  insensible  & accordingly  gave 


APPENDIX. 


805 


to  yr  Soldiers  being  upward  of  Five  Hundred,  ab*  Two  thirds  of 
the  Army  that  went  from  ye  Massachusetts,  & the  late  Colony  of 
Plimouth  a Tract  of  ab*  forty  thousand  Acres  in  the  Nipmug 
Country,  this  or  the  Value  of  it  these  Soldiers  would  be  contented 
with  & take  in  their  Brethren  of  Plimouth  too,  tho  that  shd  take 
away  two  thirds  of  w*  was  granted  them,  & would  after  that  have 
more  in  Value  than  w4  they  now  ask  for  them  all,  for  Every  one 
must  own  that  40000  Acres  in  the  Heart  of  the  Country  as  the  Nip- 
mug  Country  is,  is  of  more  Value  than  five  times  that  quantity  re- 
mote in  the  Borders  & in  Danger,  if  there  should  be  a french 
War,  as  is  & would  be  the  Case  with  all  the  unappropriated  Lands 
of  the  province,  whch  they  now  ask  for. — 

It  is  hoped  that  the  Neglect  of  these  petitionrs  so  long  or  the 
provinces  having  disposed  of  the  Nipmug  Country  to  others  & so 
defeated  their  ancient  Grant,  will  not  be  thought  to  wear  out  any 
more  than  it  rewards  their  Merit.  The  Grant  seems  to  be  made 
in  Acknowledger^  both  of  yr  promise  & of  yr  fulfilling  ye  Condi- 
tion & being  well  entitled  to  it,  & there  is  great  Reason  to  fear  that 
publick  Guilt  wd  ly  upon  the  Country  if  we  should  neglect  & con- 
tinue in  the  Breach  of  this  promise  after  it  has  been  made  & 
omitted  for  above  fifty  Years.  As  to  the  late  Grant  of  two  Town- 
ships to  Seven  or  eight  hundred  of  these  Soldiers,  It  is  so  far  below 
the  Value  of  the  Land  they  Conquer’d,  & the  Price  the  province 
had  for  it  when  it  was  sold,  & the  money  divided  to  the  Colonies 
that  carried  on  the  War,  It  is  such  a Pittance  of  w*  they  obtained 
for  us,  so  exceedingly  beneath  w*  the  province  has  defeated 
them  of,  which  was  granted  to  ab*  Two  thirds  of  them  in  the  Nip- 
mug Country,  that  it  is  rather  mocking  & deriding  them  to  offer  it, 
Beyond  w*  has  been  offered  it  shd  be  Considered  that  to  Grant  the 
present  Petition,  & give  such  a quantity  of  Land  as  may  be  worth 
Settling,  & upon  Conditions  of  bringing  forward  Townships  is 
much  more  agreeable  to  Charter  & for  the  publick  Good  than  to 
Give  away  Tracts  of  Land  & suffer  & even  tempt  men  to  let  them 
ly  waste  & unimprov’d,  for  in  the  way  that  has  been  proposed,  & 
in  which  some  Progress  has  been  made,  the  Land  will  be  divided 
into  such  Scraps  that  they  will  not  be  worth  receiving. 

In  Council  read — 

A Petition  of  Tho8  Tilestone  & others  a Commtee  for  the  Officers 
& Soldiers  that  were  in  the  Narraganset  War  & the  Descendants 
of  them  that  are  decd  shewing  yfc  whereas  this  Court  have  granted 
two  Townships  of  Six  Miles  square  to  the  Petitio19  for  their  good 
Service  in  sd  War,  there  appears  so  great  a Number  of  Claimers 


8o6 


APPENDIX. 


y*  ye  Land  granted  when  it  comes  to  be  divided  among  them  will 
be  of  Inconsiderable  Value  to  the  particular  Proprietrs  praying  a 
further  Grant  of  Land — In  the  House  of  Represent^  Read  & in 
answer  to  this  Petition — Ordered  y*  such  further  Grant  of  Land  be 
made  to  y®  Petition1*  that  Every  one  Hundred  & Twenty  persons 
whose  Claims  have  been  allowed  of  by  this  Court,  may  have  a 
Township  of  ye  Contents  of  six  miles  square  under  ye  same  re- 
strictions & Limitations  with  those  Towns  Already  granted  & that 
the  Commtee  formerly  appointed  to  lay  out  ye  Towns  for  the  Narra- 
ganset  Soldiers  be  a Commtee  to  lay  out  the  Land  above  granted  & 
that  the  province  be  at  the  Charge  of  laying  out  the  same,  but  not 
of  any  subdivisions  to  particular  persons — In  Council  Read  & Con- 
cur’d 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  9,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Tilestone  & others  a Committee  in  behalf 
of  the  Officers  & Soldiers  in  the  Narrhaganset  War,  Praying  the 
Revival  of  a Vote  pass’d  by  both  Houses  on  their  former  Petition 
given  in  at  the  last  Winter  Session  for  Enlarging  the  Grant  of 
Land  formerly  made  to  them  in  Consideration  of  their  great  Ser- 
vices to  this  Province  in  the  sd  War. — In  the  House  of  Repre- 
sent^ Read  & in  Answer  to  this  Petition. — Ordered  that  such 
further  Grant  be  made  the  petition1-8  as  y4  Every  one  Hundred  & 
Twenty  Persons  whose  Claims  have  been  or  shall  be  allowed  of 
by  this  Court  within  four  Months  of  this  Time  may  have  a Town- 
ship of  the  Contents  of  Six  Miles  square  under  the  ye  same  Re- 
strictions & Limitations  with  these  Towns  already  granted,  & that 
the  Commtee  formerly  appointed  to  layout  the  Towns  of  the  Narra- 
ganset  Soldiers  be  a Committee  to  lay  out  the  Land  above  granted, 
& the  province  be  at  the  Charge  of  laying  out  the  same,  but  not  of 
any  Subdivisions  to  any  particular  persons. — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d.  Consented  to. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  June  30,  1732.] 

A Petition  of  Thomas  Tilestone , Jonas  Houghton , and  sundry 
others,  a Committee  of  the  Society  of  the  Narraganset  Soldiers, 
in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  said  Society,  praying  that  foras- 
much as  the  List  of  the  Grantees  is  compleated,  and  consists  of 


APPENDIX. 


807 


eight  hundred  and  forty  in  number,  there  may  be  such  an  addition 
made  to  their  former  Grant,  as  that  each  one  hundred  and  twenty 
Persons  already  allowed  of,  may  have  a Township  of  the  Contents 
of  six  Miles  square  under  such  restrictions  and  regulations  as  shall 
be  thought  best.  Read  and  Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the 
Petition  be  granted,  and  that  Maj.  Chandler , Mr.  Edward  Shove , 
Col.  Thomas  Tilestone , Mr.  John  Hobson , and  Mr.  Samuel 
Chandler , or  any  three  of  them  be  a Committee  fully  authorized 
and  impowred  to  survey  and  lay  out  five  more  Tracts  of  Land  for 
Townships  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  square  each,  in  some  of 
the  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  Province,  and  that  the  said 
Lands  with  the  two  townships  before  granted,  be  granted  and  dis- 
posed of  to  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  who  were  in  the  Narragan- 
set  War,  or  to  their  lawful  Representatives,  as  they  are  and  have 
been  allowed  by  this  Court,  being  eight  hundred  and  forty  in 
number  in  the  whole,  and  is  in  full  satisfaction  of  the  Grant  for- 
merly made  them  by  the  General  Court  as  a Reward  for  their 
publick  Services,  and  the  Grantees  shall  be  obliged  to  assemble 
within  as  short  a time  as  they  can  conveniently,  not  exceeding  the 
space  of  two  Months,  and  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Committees 
respectively,  to  regulate  each  propriety  or  township  which  is  to  be 
held  and  enjoyed  by  one  hundred  and  twent}^  of  the  Grantees 
each,  and  in  equal  proportion ; who  shall  pass  such  orders  and 
rules  as  will  effectually  oblige  them  to  settle  sixty  Families  at  least 
in  each  township,  with  a learned  orthodox  Minister,  within  the 
space  of  Seven  Years  from  the  date  of  this  Grant,  provided  always 
that  if  the  said  Grantees  shall  not  effectually  settle  the  said  num- 
ber of  Families  in  each  Township,  and  also  lay  out  a Lot  for  the 
first  settled  Misister,  one  for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School 
in  each  of  the  said  Townships,  they  shall  have  no  advantage  of, 
but  forfeit  their  respective  Grants,  Anything  to  the  contrary  con- 
tained notwithstanding  the  Charge  of  the  Survey  to  be  paid  by  the 
Province. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Feb.  19,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™3  Ordered  that  Samuel  Welles  and 
John  Chandler  Esqra  Mr  Shove,  Mr  Samuel  Chandler,  & Major 
Epes  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall  appoint,  be  a Committee 
to  rectify  any  Mistakes  in  the  List  of  the  Narraganset  Grantees, 


8o8 


APPENDIX. 


that  there  may  be  no  Contention  who  shall  succeed  where  the 
original  Claimer  is  dead  & also  to  consider  of  the  Claims  of  sun- 
dry Persons  who  suppose  themselves  entitled  by  their  Merit  or  the 
Merit  of  their  Predecessors,  but  have  been  omitted  in  the  List,  & 
also  to  prepare  the  Draught  of  a Vote  to  lengthen  the  Time  of 
settling  the  two  Towns  that  were  first  granted. 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d,  & Thomas  Palmer,  William 
Dudley,  John  Alford  & Thomas  Cushing  Esq”  are  joined  in  the 
Affair. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  26,  1733.] 

A Petition  of  a Commtee  for  the  Narraganset  Soldiers,  Shewing 
that  there  are  the  Number  of  Eight  Hundred  & forty  persons 
Enter’d  as  Officers  & Soldiers  in  the  late  Narragansett  War,  Pray- 
ing that  there  may  be  such  an  Addition  of  Land  granted  to  them 
as  may  allow  a Tract  of  six  miles  Square  to  Each  One  Hundred 
& Twenty  men  so  admitted 

In  the  House  of  Represent™  Read  & Ordered  that  the  Prayer 
of  the  Petition  be  granted  And  that  Major  Chandler  Mr  Edward 
Shove  Coll : Tho8  Tilestone  Mr  John  Hobson  & Mr  Samuel 
Chandler  (or  any  three  of  them)  be  a Commtee  fully  authorized  & 
impowered  to  Survey  & lay  out  five  more  Tracts  of  Land  for 
Townships,  of  the  Contents  of  six  Miles  Square  each,  in  some  of 
the  unappropriated  Lands  of  this  province  & ye  sd  Lands  (together 
with  the  two  Towns  before  granted)  be  granted  & disposed  of  to 
the  Officers  & Soldiers  who  were  in  the  Narraganset  War,  or  to 
their  lawful  Represent™  as  they  are  or  have  been  allowed  by  this 
Court  being  Eight  Hundred  & forty  in  number  in  the  whole,  & is 
in  full  Satisfaction  of  the  Grant  formerly  made  them  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court  as  a reward  for  their  publick  Services ; And  the 
Grantees  shall  be  obliged  to  Assemble  within  as  short  Time  as 
they  can  conveniently,  not  exceeding  the  Space  of  two  months  & 
proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Commtee*  respectively  to  regulate  Each 
Propriety  or  Township  whch  is  to  be  held  & enjoyed  by  One  Hun- 
dred & twenty  of  the  Grantees  each  & in  equal  proportion  who 
shall  pass  such  Orders  & Rules  as  shall  effectually  oblige  them  to 
Settle  Sixty  Families  at  least  within  each  Township  with  a learned 
orthodox  Minister  within  the  space  of  Seven  Years  from  the  Date 
of  this  Grant,  Provided  always  that  if  the  said  Grantees  shall  not 
Effectually  settle  the  sd  Number  of  Families  in  Each  Township  & 


APPENDIX. 


809 

also  lay  out  a Lot  for  ye  first  Settled  Minister,  One  for  the  Minis- 
try & one  for  the  School  in  Each  of  the  said  Townships,  they  shall 
have  no  Advantage  of,  but  forfeit  their  respective  Grants,  Any 
thing  to  the  Contrary  contained  Notwithstanding ; the  Charge  of 
the  Survey  to  be  paid  by  the  province 
In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d. — 

Consented  to  J Belcher. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  June  13,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Ordered  that  Samuel  Welles  Esqr 
Mr  Shove,  Mr  Fairfeild,  Mr  Chandler,  Mr  Choat,  Ezra  Bowen 
Esq"  Mr  Terry  & Cp*  Shapleigh  with  such  as  the  Honble  Board  shall 
appoint  be  a Commte#  to  Examine  the  List  of  the  Claims  of  the 
Narraganset  Soldiers  in  Order  to  rectify  the  Mistakes  in  such 
Claimers  as  have  been  Entered  more  than  once  to  one  Right  & 
also  to  receive  the  Claims  of  such  persons  as  have  been  hitherto 
omitted  & ought  to  have  the  Benefit  of  the  Grant,  & to  consider  of 
some  proper  Method  for  the  more  easy  Settlem4  of  the  Grantees, 
& make  report  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be — 

In  Council  Read  & Non  Concurrd. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  16,  1733.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Voted  that  Mr  Welles  Mr  Choate, 
Mr  Hobson  & Mr  Cushing  be  a Commtee  on  the  part  of  the  House 
to  confer  With  such  Commtee  as  the  Board  shall  Join  on  their  part 
on  the  Subject  Matter  of  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  the  13th  of  June 
last,  relating  to  the  reforming  the  List  of  the  Claims  of  the  Nar- 
raganset Soldiers  & to  receive  the  Claims  of  such  as  shd  be 
brought  forward  Wch  Vote  was  non  concur’d  by  the  Board,  the 
Commtees  to  report  respectively  what  may  be  proper  for  ye  Court  to 
do  on  sd  Vote — 

In  Council  Read  & Concur’d  And  Simonds  Epes,  Joseph  Wads- 
worth Francis  Foxcroft  & Edward  Goddard  Esq"  are  appointed  a 
Commtee  of  the  Board  for  the  said  Conference — 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Aug.  23,  1733.] 

A Memorial  of  several  of  the  Committees  of  the  Societies  of  the 
Narraganset  Grantees,  praying  that  for  the  speedy  and  safe 


8io 


APPENDIX. 


Settlement  of  the  Townships  granted  to  the  Narraganset  Officers 
and  Soldiers  a reasonable  value  or  sum  may  now  be  ascertained  to 
a Right  or  Grant  there,  for  the  reason  mentioned. 

Read  and  committed  to  the  Committee  for  Narraganset  Claims. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  12,  1734.] 

In  the  House  of  Represent™  Voted  that  Mr  Fellows,  Mr  Fair- 
field  & Mr  Hobson  be  added  to  the  Committee  appointed  the  fif- 
teenth of  Feb’ry  last  respecting  ye  Narraganset  Grantees  : — 

In  Council ; Read  & Concur’d. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  18,  1734.] 

Thomas  Palmer  Esqr  from  the  Committee  of  both  Houses  on  the 
Affair  of  settling  the  Towns  granted  to  the  Narraganset  soldiers 
gave  in  the  following  Report;  viz. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  refer’d  the  Affair  of  the  Narragan- 
set Claimers  are  of  Opinion  that  the  Consideration  of  Admitting 
such  Claimers  as  heretofore  omitted  presenting  or  proving  their 
Claims  should  be  refer’d  to  the  Session  of  the  General  Court  in 
May  next ; That  the  true  Intent  & Meaning  of  the  Grant  made  of 
Lands  to  those  that  were  in  that  War  was  that  the  Persons  who 
were  in  that  War,  only  should  be  entitled,  if  alive,  whosoever  put 
in  his  Claim,  & if  deceased,  then  his  legal  Represent™  were  enti- 
tled to  benefit  thereby,  in  such  way  as  was  consistent  with  the  Con- 
ditions & Limitations  of  Settlement  &c,  upon  which  said  Lands 
were  granted ; which  it  was  never  supposed  a Deceased  Claimers 
Heir  (in  ordinary  Cases)  could  or  would  receive  where  there  were 
more  than  one  on  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant,  but  that  where 
there  were  divers  Descendants  of  a Person  that  had  a Right,  they 
would  agree  & consent  it  should  belong  to  one  only ; but  whereas 
in  some  Cases  by  reason  of  an  evil  Mind  & turbulent  Disposition, 
& in  others  by  reason  of  Minority  there  is  a great  difficulty  ; We 
propose  that  it  be  resolved  & ordered  That  where  the  Person  is 
deceased  who  was  in  the  service,  the  Grant  shall  be  and  belong  to 
his  legal  Represent™  in  the  following  manner,  viz.  That  the 
eldest  Heir  Male,  if  such  there  be,  otherwise  the  oldest  Female,  if 
they  please  shall  hold  the  Land,  paying  to  the  other  Decendants 


APPENDIX. 


8ll 


or  Heirs  such  proportionable  parts  of  Ten  Pounds  (at  which  we 
judge  a Right  ought  to  be  valued)  as  such  Decendants  or  Heirs 
would  be  entitled  to  in  the  Lands  if  such  Lands  descended  accord- 
ing to  the  Law  of  the  Province  for  the  Settlem*  of  Intestate 
Estates ; & also  pay  what  Charge  any  of  said  Descendants  may 
have  been  at  to  prove  or  bring  forward  such  Claim  ; And  if  any 
Dispute  shall  happen  about  the  Person  or  Charge,  the  Settlers  or 
Grantees  in  each  of  the  Towns  shall  fix  & settle  it  by  a Major  Vote. 
The  Committee  is  farther  of  Opinion  that  the  seven  years  for  set- 
tling the  Towns  granted  to  the  Narraganset  Claimers  as  well  the 
two  first  as  the  five  last  be  computed  from  the  first  Day  of  June 
next : — In  the  Name  & by  Order  of  the  Commtee 

Tho.  Palmer 

In  Council ; Read  & Ordered  that  this  Report  be  accepted  : — 
In  the  House  of  Represent™8  Read  & Concur’d  : — 

Consented  to.  J Belcher 


\_List  of  Narragcinsett  Grantees , /7J5.] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  114,  pp.  103-110.] 

Boston. 

His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  for  his  Father  Andrew  Bel- 
cher Esqr 

William  Clark  Esqr  for  ye  Heirs  of  Doct.  John  Clark 

The  Heirs  of  Richard  Way 

William  Dinsdell  for  his  Father  William 

Sarah  Warren  for  her  Husband 

Benjamin  Swain  for  his  father  Henry 

Isaac  Prince’s  Heirs 

The  Heirs  of  DoctrJohn  Cuttler 

The  Heirs  of  Benja  Williams 

Daniel  Allin  for  his  father  Nicholas 

The  heirs  of  Henry  Timberlake  The  Heirs  of  Jeremiah  Fay 
The  Heirs  of  Thomas  Weymouth  The  Heirs  of  John  Arrnold 
Sam11  Kneeland  for  his  Grandfather  Sam11  Polard 
Benja  Bicknerd  for  his  Father  Sam11 

The  Heirs  of  Jacob  Grigs  John  Gridley  for  his  Father  Joseph 
John  Nelson  Alive  Peres  Savage’s  Heirs 

James  Lendals  Heirs  Thomas  Plimblys  heirs 


8 12 


APPENDIX. 


John  Gridley  for  his  grand  Father  John  Mors 

John  Ruggles  for  his  Father  Ruggles 

Sam11  Kneeland  for  John  Triscot 

Rebekah  Harman  for  hur  Father  Daniel  Mathewes 

Benja  Dyer  for  his  Father  Benja  Dyer 

Edward  Ting  for  his  Father  Edward  Ting 

John  Leach  for  his  Father  John  Leach 

John  Chamberlan  for  his  Father  Henry 

Benja  Landon  for  his  Father  David 

John  Lain  for  his  Father  Joshua 

Rebeckah  Foster  for  hur  Father  Edward  Weden 

Sarah  Perkins  for  Joshua  Hewes 

Thomas  Daws  for  his  Father  Ambros 

Zachariah  Gurney  Alive 

Addington  Davenport  Esqr  for  his  Uncle  Cap4  Davenport 
Thomas  Hunt  Alive 

Joseph  Wadsworth  Esqr  for  his  Father  Cap1  Wadsworth 
Owen  Harris  for  his  Wifes  Father  Petter  Bennet 
Simon  Rogers  for  his  Father  Gamaliel 

John  Tuckerman  Alive  Richard  Bill  for  his  Father  Richard 

William  Hacy  for  his  Grandfather  William 

John  Richards  for  his  Father  John 

Jonathan  Williams  for  his  Wifes  Father  Capt  Mandsley 

William  Manley  Alive  John  Mears  Alive 

Ephraim  Moor  for  his  Father  Caleb 

Daniel  Oliver  Esqr  for  his  Uncle  Cap4  James  Oliver 

Hugh  Calder  for  his  Wifes  Fatha  John  Hands 

John  Simkins  for  his  Father  Pilgrim 

Natha  Goodwin  for  his  Father  John 

Thomas  Beedle  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Moses  Ayers  for  his  Father  George  Ripley 

John  Moors  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Samuel  Kneeland  for  Dommini  McDouell 

Thomas  Barnard  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Billerica 

John  Stern’s  Heirs  Natha  Rogers  Alive 

James  Pattison  for  his  Father  James 
John  Needham  for  his  Father  John 

Sam11  Hunt  Alive  Sam11  Shelden  for  his  Father 

John  Shed  Alive  Benja  Thompson  for  his  Father  Joseph 


APPENDIX. 


813 


Brantree 

Samuel  Bass  Alive 

Samuel  Whitt  for  his  Wifes  Father  Sam11  Bingley 
Thomas  Caplin  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Thomas  Holbrook  Alive  The  Heirs  of  Thomas  Bingley 

Boxford 

Stephen  Peabody  for  his  Father  William 
James  Curtise  for  Francies  Jefferys 
John  Andrews  for  his  Father  Robart 
John  Bixbe  for  his  Father  Joseph 

Brookfield 

Edward  Walker  Alive 

Beverly 

Thomas  Rayment  Alive  Ralph  Elinwood  Alive 

Henry  Bayley  Alive  Christopher  Read  Alive 

Lott  Connant  Alive 

Thomas  Biackfield  for  his  Father  Thomas 
Andrew  Dodge  for  John  Elinwood 
Joseph  Morgan  for  his  Father  Joseph 

William  Dodges  Heirs  Jonathan  Byels  Alive 

William  Rayments  Heirs 

Joseph  Picket  for  his  Father  Elias 

Sam11  Harris’s  Heirs  John  Doges  Heirs 

Bridgewater 

Abigail  Hubard  for  hur  Father  Richard  Burnham 

Sam11  Pecker  for  his  Father  Sam11  Daniel  Hudson  Alive 

Isaac  Leonard  for  his  Father  Isaac  Richard  Jennings  Alive 

Benja  Richards  for  Joseph  Richards 

Edward  Howard  for  his  Father  John 

James  Cary  for  his  Father  James 

Thomas  Hayward  the  3th  for  his  Uncle  Elisha 

Benja  Washborn  for  his  Father  Jonathan 

Ebenezer  Hill  for  his  Uncle  Joseph  Baley 

Josiah  Edson  Esqr  for  Solomon  Cheeker 

Ebenezer  Hill  for  his  Father  Ebenezer 

John  Handmore  for  his  Father  John 


APPENDIX. 


814 


Bellingham 

Thomas  Brick  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Brooklyn 

Benja  Whites  Heirs 

Joseph  Gardnor  for  his  Brother  Samuel 

Barrington 

Joseph  Allen  for  his  Father  Benja 
Joseph  Allen  for  his  Uncle  Richard 
John  Reed  for  his  Father  John 

Berwick 

Nicholas  Tarbotts  Heirs 

Bristoll 

John  Borworth  for  his  Father  John 

Bedford 

Elezer  Davis  Assine  to  John  Wight 

Biddaford 

Moses  Dures  Alive 

Bradford 

Ichabod  Boynton  for  his  Father  John 

Cambridge 

William  Russel  Alive  Gershom  Cutter  Alive 

Joseph  Beammus  for  his  Father  Joseph 

Jonathan  Remington  Esqr  for  his  Fatha  Cp*  Remington 

Downing  Champney  for  his  Father  Samuel 

Jonathan  Barthrick  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Petter  Hay  for  bis  Brother  in  law  John  Barrett 

William  Gleson  for  his  Father  William 

The  Heirs  of  John  Smith 

Samuel  Smith  for  his  Uncle  Samuel 

The  Heirs  of  Joseph  Smith  The  Heirs  of  Nath11  Smith 

The  Heirs  of  Thomas  Brown 

Jonathan  Gates  for  his  Father  Simon 

Thomas  Willington  for  his  Uncle  John 

Daniel  Cheaver  for  his  Uncle  James 

Will  Brattle  Esqr  for  his  Grandfather  Cap*  Tho8  Brattle 


APPENDIX. 


815 


Concord 

Abraham  Temple  Alive  John  Woods  Heirs 

Samuel  Chandler  for  his  Father  Joseph 

Joseph  Buckley  for  his  Father  Petter  Buckley 

Samuel  Chandler  Assine  to  John  Faley 

John  Wheeler  for  his  Brother  Joseph  Wheeler 

Joseph  Wheat  for  Moses  Wheat 

William  Clark  Heir  to  John  Taylor 

Jane  Cane  for  hur  Father  John  Cane 

George  Farrow  Heir  to  Sam11  How 

Eleazer  Flag  for  his  Father  Eleazer 

Ebenezer  Wheeler  for  his  Father  John 

Joseph  Dudley  for  his  Grandfather  Tho9  Goble 

George  Haywards  Heirs  Ephrim  Brown  for  his  Father  Thomas 

Samuel  Chandler  Assigne  to  John  Guigs 

Daniel  Adams  for  his  father  in  law  Daniel  Dean 

Daniel  Billing  for  his  Father  Natha 

Sam11  Hartwell  for  his  Father  Sam11  Hartwell 

Elnathan  Jones  Assigne  to  Jonata  Locker 

Samuel  Buttricks  Heirs 

James  Russel  for  his  Grandfather  Benja 

Samuel  Chandler  Junr  Ssine  to  John  Kene 

Jonathan  Whittne  Alive 

David  Wheeler  Asine  to  Sam11  Greeland 

Charlstown 

James  Lowden  Alive  Samuel  Read  Alive 

Henry  Summers  Alive 

Robert  Fosket  for  his  Father  John 

Thomas  Skinner  for  his  Uncle  Isaac  Lewis 

Samuel  Fosket  for  his  Father  Samuel 

Samuel  Long  for  his  Uncle  Sam11  Newhell 

Margery  Dowse  for  hur  Father  Joseph 

Nath11  Goodwin  for  his  Uncle  Benja  Lathrop 

James  Smiths  Heir  namely  Jona  Call 

Joseph  Pratts  Heirs  Sam11  Lemmons  Heirs 

William  Burts  Heirs  Jacob  Coles  Heirs 

John  Mousleys  Heirs  Humphry  Millers  Heirs 

John  Hawkins  Heirs  John  Trumballs  Heirs 

Alexander  Philliphs  Heirs  George  Mudges  Heirs 

John  Shepherds  Heirs  Thomas  Welche’s  Heirs 


8i6 


APPENDIX. 


George  Grinds  Heirs  Joseph  Lynds  Heirs 

Timothy  Cutlers  Heirs  James  Kittle  for  his  Father 

Thomas  Jorners  Heirs 

John  Griffen  Heir  to  Mathew  GrifFen 

Ebenezer  Breed  for  his  Father  John 

Zaca  Davis  for  his  Uncle  Hopestill  Davis 

John  Sprague  for  his  Father  Jonathan 

Elezer  Johnson  for  his  Father  Edward 

John  Senter  for  his  Father  John 

Yarmouth 


Sam11  Barker  for  his  Father  Samuel 
Richd  Taylour  Alive 
William  Gray  for  his  Father  William 
William  Chase  Alive 
Thomas  Baxters 
John  Halletts 
Thomas  Thorntons 
Sam11  Halls 


James  Claghorns 
Lammy  Hedges 
Joseph  Weldens 
Jonathan  Smiths 
Richard  Taylours 
John  Gages 
William  Gages 
John  Crowells 
Henry  Golds 
Jabez  Gorhams 
Yelverton  Crowells 
Daniel  Bakers 
Samuel  Bakers 


Heirs 


Cap1  John  Gorehams  Heirs 
John  Thatchers 
John  Mathews 
William  Grays 
James  Makers 
Joseph  Halls 
Natha  Halls 
Samuel  Thomas’s 
Samuel  Jones’s 
Thomas  Feltons  > Heirs 
William-Follens 
Anamias  Wings 
John  Chases 
Richard  Lakes 
Henry  Gages 
John  Pugsleys 
Jonathan  Whights 
William  Bakers 


York 


Denison  Sergent  for  his  Father  Andrew 

The  Committee  order’d  to  prepare  a Correct  & Exact  list  of  the 
Grantees  of  the  Seven  Narraganset  Townships  lately  laid  out  by 
order  of  the  Great  & General  Court,  humbly  offer  the  aforewritten 
list  of  Eight  hundred  & forty  persons,  for  confirmation,  which 
they  have  prepar’d  with  great  pains  & the  utmost  faithfulness 
By  order  of  the  Committee 


Samuel  Welles 


APPENDIX. 


817 


In  the  House  of  Representatives  April  17th  1735 
Read  and  Ordered  that  this  Report  be  Accepted  and  the  several 
persons  within  named  are  hereby  declared  to  be  the  Grantees  of 
the  seven  Naraganset  Towns  above  mentioned  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  same  to  them  their  heirs  & assigns  respectively  according 
to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  John  Quincy  Speak1 

In  Council  April  18  : 1735  Read  & Concurred 

T : Mason  Dept  Secry 
Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  17,  1735.] 

Samuel  Welles , Esq ; from  the  Committee  for  taking  a correct 
and  exact  List  of  the  Grantees  of  the  Seven  Narragansett 
Townships  lately  laid  out  by  order  of  the  Great  and  General 
Court  made  report  of  a written  List  of  Eight  hundred  and  forty 
Persons,  the  Committee  humbly  offered  for  confirmation,  which 
they  had  prepared  with  great  pains  and  faithfulness.  Read  and 
Ordered , That  this  report  be  accepted,  and  the  several  Persons 
within  named  are  hereby  declared  to  be  the  Grantees  of  the  Seven 
Narragansett  Towns  above  mentioned,  to  have  and  to  hold  the 
same  to  them  their  heirs  and  assigns  respectively,  according  to  the 
Conditions  of  the  Grant. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  April  18,  1735.] 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  Appointed  to  take  an  Exact  list 
of  the  Narragansett  Soldiers  (on  the  said  List)  is  as  follows  viz1 — 

The  Committee  directed  to  prepare  a Correct  and  Exact  list  of 
the  Grantees  of  the  Seven  Narragansett  Townships  lately  laid  out 
by  order  of  the  Great  and  General  Court  humbly  offer  the  afore- 
written  list  of  Eight  hundred  & forty  persons  for  Confirmation 
which  they  have  prepared  with  Great  pains  and  the  Utmost  faith- 
fulness 

By  order  of  the  Committee 
51 


Samuel  Welles 


8i8 


APPENDIX. 


In  the  House  of  Represent4  Read  & ordered  that  this  Report 
be  Accepted  and  the  Several  persons  within  named  are  hereby 
Declared  to  be  Grantees  of  the  Several  Narrgansett  Towns  above- 
mentioned,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  Same  to  them  their  Heirs  and 
Assigns  Respectivly  According  to  the  Conditions  of  the  Grant — 
In  Council  Read  & Concurr’d — 

Consented  to  J Belcher 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  April  19,  1735.] 

Samuel  Welles , Esq ; from  the  Committee  for  that  Service  ap- 
pointed, reported,  that  the  Committee  had  prepared  a List  of  the 
JVarragansett  Grantees  omitted  in  the  Grant  of  the  Seven  Town- 
ships, and  by  the  Evidences  the  Persons  mentioned  in  said  List 
were  in  the  Fort  Fight  or  Long  March,  or  both. 

Read  and  referred  to  the  next  May  Session. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1736-7.] 

Mr.  Samuel  Chandler  from  the  Committee  appointed  the  9 th. 
ult.  to  consider  of  the  Claims  of  the  JVarraganset  Officers  and 
Soldiers  before  the  Court,  who  have  not  received  any  Grant, 
reported,  That  they  had  taken  a List  consisting  of  Two  hundred 
and  thirty  two  Persons,  who  the  Committee  are  of  Opinion  were 
in  the  Fort  Fight  or  Long  March,  or  both,  in  the  JVarragansett 
War,  which  they  had  prepared  with  great  pains  and  faithfulness. 
Read  and  accepted,  and  Ordered , That  the  Several  Persons  claim- 
ing, as  appears  in  and  by  the  within  List,  be  and  hereby  are 
Entitled  to  a full  Right  or  Share  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of 
the  Province,  equal  to  any  Share  or  Right  heretofore  granted  to 
the  JVarragansett  Officers  and  Soldiers,  and  on  the  same  Condi- 
tions of  Settlement. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


[Mass.  House  Journal,  Jan.  5,  1736-7.] 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  Claims  of  the  Nar- 
ragansett  Officers  and  Soldiers  before  the  Court,  and  take  a cor- 


APPENDIX. 


819 

rect  List  of  such  as  have  not  yet  recived  any  Grant,  having 
presented  a List  containing  Two  hundred  and  thirty  two  Persons. 
Read  and  Ordered , That  Mr.  Samuel  Chandler  and  Thomas 
Tilestone,  Esq ; with  such  as  shall  be  joined  by  the  honourable 
Board,  be  a Committee  fully  authorized  and  impowred  to  Survey 
and  lay  out  two  Tracts  of  Land  for  Townships,  of  the  contents  of 
six  Miles  square  in  some  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  of  the 
Province,  and  return  a Plat  or  Plats  thereof  within  twelve  Months 
for  Confirmation  to  this  Court,  and  that  the  said  two  Tracts  of 
Land  be  granted  & disposed  of  to  & among  the  Officers  & Sol- 
diers born  upon  said  List,  or  their  Heirs  Descendants  or  their 
legal  Representatives  who  were  in  the  Narragansett  War,  as  a 
Reward  for  their  Services  & Sufferings  in  said  War,  and  to  eight 
others  as  this  Court  shall  hereafter  grant  & order ; and  the  Gran- 
tees shall  be  obliged  to  assemble  in  as  short  a time  as  they  can 
conveniently,  not  exceeding  the  space  of  six  Months,  and  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  Committees  respectively  to  regulate  each  Propri- 
ety or  Township  which  is  to  be  held  & enjoyed  by  one  hundred 
and  twenty  of  the  Grantees  each  in  equal  proportion,  who  shall 
pass  such  Orders  and  Rules  as  will  effectually  oblige  them  to 
settle  sixty  Families  at  least  within  the  space  of  five  Years  from 
the  date  of  this  Grant ; provided  always  that  if  the  said  Grantees 
shall  not  effectually  settle  the  said  Number  of  Families  in  each 
Township,  and  also  lay  out  a Lot  for  the  first  settled  Minister,  one 
for  the  Ministry,  and  one  for  the  School  in  each  of  the  said  Town- 
ships, they  shall  have  no  advantage  of  but  forfeit  their  respective 
Grants,  anything  to  the  contrary  in  this  Grant  contained  notwith- 
standing, the  Charge  of  the  Survey  to  be  born  by  the  Province, 
or  otherwise  as  this  Court  shall  order. 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence. 


TOWN  BOUNDS. 


GENERAL. 


822 


APPENDIX. 


[Act  to  Establish  Town  Grants , iyoi,~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  31.] 

Province  of  New  An  act  ffor  the  Confermation  of  Town  Grants 

Hampsheire 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Leiutenant  Governour 
Councill  and  Representatives  Conveand  in 
Generali  Assembly  and  by  the  authoritie  of  the 
same  That  all  grants  of  lands  that  have  bin 
heretofore  Made  unto  any  person  or  persons  By  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Respective  Towns  Within  this  Province  or  by  the  Select  men 
or  a Com’ittee  in  Each  Respective  Towne  shall  be  accounted  and 
heild  to  be  good  and  Valued  unto  the  Several  Granttes  there  heiers 
Executours  and  Assignes  ffor  Ever  Any  law  usage  or  Custome  to 
the  Contrary  Notwithstanding 

12th  Septr  1701  : this  Bill  was  read  three  times  and  Passd  by  the 
Councill  to  be  Enacted,  and  Sent  Downe  to  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  concurrence 

Cha  : Story  Secretary 

Eodm  Die  Passd  by  the  Assembly  who  desires  this  Bill  may  be 
Enacted  the  L*  Gov1  consenting  thereto ; 

Sam11  Penhallow,  Speaker 

By  the  L*  Govr 

I Assent  to  the  Enacting  this  Bill./ 

Wm  Partridge  U Govror 


[Act  to  Establish  Town  Bounds , iyoi.~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  23. J 

An  act  to  Establish  Town  bounds. 

To  prevent  Contention  and  Controversies  [which]  may  arise 
between  Town  and  Town,  partie  and  partie  about  their  bounds  of 
Lands 

Bee  itt  enacted  by  the  Lf  * Govr  Councill  and  Representatives 
convend  in  general  assembly,  and  by  ye  authority  of  ye  Same, 
That  all  Townships,  Town  bounds,  other  rights  and  properties, 
thereunto  belonging,  shall  stand  good  and  are  hereby  confirmed 
unto  them  respectively  in  the  same  State  and  condition,  that  they 
have  been  formerly  Stated,  settled,  or  agreed  upon,  and  possesd; 


APPENDIX. 


823 


And  if  any  difference  shall  happen  to  arise  between  any  Towns 
about  their  bound ; Application  shalbe  made  to  the  Lf  * Govr 
Councill,  and  Reprsentatives  for  a committee  to  bee  appointed  of 
Indiffarent  men  to  hear  what  such  Towns  have  to  say  for  them- 
selves, and  to  make  there  report  unto  the  S^me  for  a Determination 
thereof. 

Past  by  the  Assembly  And  pray  that  it  may  be  Ingrossed 
June  i8tb  1701.  Henry  Dow  Clerk  protempore 


\_Act  to  Provide  for  Maintaining  Bounds .] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  137.] 

whereas  diferences  is  apt  to  arise  between  towne  and  towne 
within  this  province  for  want  of  maintayninge  & keepinge  up 
thayer  bounds  betwene  them,  as  also  betwene  naighbour  & naigh- 
bour  in  theire  neglectinge  to  keepe  up  theire  land  marks  for  pre- 
vention whereof 
bee  It  Enacted  &c 

That  each  towne  within  this  province  shall  and  are  hereby  Im- 
powered  once  in  every  yeare  in  the  month  of  april  to  make  Choise 
of  two  or  more  of  theire  prinsapall  freeholders,  to  run  the  lyne  & 
renew  the  marks  of  the  Bounds  of  theire  towne,  which  beinge 
Chosen  Shall  forthwith  in  one  of  the  sd  months  send  to  the  select 
men  of  theire  neighboring  towne  that  by  them  or  thaire  towne,  two 
or  more  may  be  sent  at  time  and  place  where  the  first  movers 
thereof  Shall  apoint,  to  Setell  the  bounds  and  renew  the  marks 
betwene  theire  sd  townes  acordinge  to  former  Custom  : and  if  any 
towne  within  this  province  shall  neglect  theire  duty  herein  they 
Shall  forfitt  the  Sume  of  five  pounds  to  theire  majestys  for  the  use 
of  the  province  for  theire  neglect  from  time  to  time,  it  is  further 
ordered  that  all  landmarks  betwene  naighbour  & Naighbour  shall 
bee  renewed  once  in  three  years  or  oftner  if  need  requier  and  if 
any  Shall  refuse  so  to  doe  upon  his  ajacent  Naighbours  request  he 
Shall  forfitt  the  Sume  of  ten  Shillings  for  every  . months  neglect  the 
one  halfe  for  ye  use  of  the  pore  : & the  other  to  his  Naighbour  that 
shall  sue  for  the  Same 

Nath11  Weare 
henry  Green 
Daniil  Tilton 
John  Redman 


824 


APPENDIX. 


With  this  Addition  at  ye  End  of  ye  word  Landmarks  y*  ye  words 
(ACording  to  former  record)  be  Entred 
past  — Hunking  Clark — 

Past  in  behalfe  of  the  Councill 

Wm  Redford  : Dep1  Secry 
y1  ye  above  bill  be  in  Grost  — Hunking  Clark 


\_Draft  of  Act  to  Establish  Town  Botmds.~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  203.] 

An  act  to  Establish  Town  Bounds  and  lands  To  prevent  Con- 
tention and  Controversie  that  may  arise  between  Towne  and 
Towne  pertie  and  pertie  About  the  bounds  of  there  lands 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Leftnt  Govenour  Councill  and  Represen- 
tatives Convend  in  Generali  Assembly  and  by  the  authoritie  of 
the  Same  that  all  Townships  Towne  Bounds  and  Towne  grants 
lieng  Within  the  limitts  of  this  Province  shall  stand  good  and  are 
hereby  Confermed  to  the  Towns  and  persons  Concernd,  In  the 
Same  State  and  Condition  thay  Were  granted  or  formerly  agred 
upon  And  that  the  bounds  betweene  Towne  and  Towne  shall  be 
Run  and  Renued  once  Every  three  yeare  by  men  appointed  by  the 
Select  men  in  Each  Towne  And  the  selept  men  of  the  most 
ancient  Towne  to  give  notice  to  the  Selectmen  of  the  next  adjacent 
Towne  att  some  Conveniant  time  of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting 
for  such  perambelation  Sixe  days  before  hand  on  penaltie  the 
Towne  neglecting  there  duty  herein  to  pay  a ffine  of  five  pounds 
two  thirds  to  the  use  of  the  pore  of  the  Towne  the  other  third  part 
to  the  use  of  the  select  men  of  the  next  adjacent  Towne  that  shall 
informe  and  sue  for  the  same  in  the  inferior  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  to  be  recovered  by  action  or  information  And  that  Each  pro- 
prietore  of  land  lieng  unfenced  or  in  any  Com’on  feild  shall  once 
in  three  years  on  six  days  notice  given  him  by  the  next  proprietor 
or  proprietors  next  adjoyning  Run  the  lines  Make  and  keep  up 
the  bounds  between  them  by  Suffishent  bound  stones  on  penaltie 
that  Every  pertie  so  neglecting  or  Refusing  shall  pay  a fine  of  ten 
shillings  one  half  to  the  pertie  Moving  and  the  other  Half  to  the 
use  of  the  pore  of  the  Towne  being  Convented  and  Convicted  of 
such  neglect  or  Refusall  before  any  Justice  of  the  peace  Who  is 
hereby  impowred  to  heare  and  determin  the  Same 


APPENDIX. 


825 


[' Commissioners  Anointed  to  Run  Town  Lines , iy<jj.\ 

[Mass.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  133.] 

Province  of  > George  the  Second  by  the  grace  of  God 
New  Hampshire  > of  great  Brittain  France  and  Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  faith  &c — 

To  the  Honble  Ebenezer  Stevens,  John  Macmurphy, 
Richard  Jennis,  Thomas  Packer  Esqr8  and  Major 
Zacceus  Lovell  Greeting — 

Whereas  We  have  thought  fit  to  order  and  appoint  That  the 
Northern  boundaries  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
shall  be  a Simular  Curve  line,  pursuing  the  Course  of  Merrimack 
River,  at  three  miles  distance  from  the  north  side  thereof,  Begin- 
ning at  the  Atlantick  ocean,  and  ending  at  a point  due  North  of  a 
place  called  Pantucket  falls,  and  a strait  line  drawn  from 
Thence,  due  West  cross  the  said  river,  till  it  meets  with  His  Ma- 
jesties other  Governments — And  whereas  divers  Inhabitants  To  the 
Northward  of  said  boundary  in  our  Province  of  New  Hampshire, 
from  the  western  and  Nothern  boundary  of  South  Hampton,  To 
the  western  and  nothern  boundary  of  a place  called  Dunstable  first 
And  Second  Parrish,  Including  that  part  of  Litchfield  which  Lies 
On  the  Western  part  of  Merrimack  are  not  Incorporated  into  any 
of  Our  Townships  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  said  Inhabitants 
having  Petition’d  our  Governor  in  Council,  representing  that  the  acts 
already  passed  for  their  accomodation,  divideing  them  into  Certain 
Districts,  have  proved  ineffectual  for  Conducting  their  Publick 
affairs  And  therefore  pray  they  may  be  incorporated  into  Town- 
ships, By  such  meets,  and  bounds,  as  the  nature  and  Circum- 
stances of  Their  Situation  will  best  admitt  of — 

Know  Ye  that  We  reposeing  especial  Trust  and  Confidence  in 
your  ability,  discretion,  and  integrity  have  Constituted  and  by 
these  presents  do  Constitute  and  appoint  you  the  Said  - Ebenezer 
Stevens,  John  Macmurphy,  Richard  Jennis,  Thomas  Packer 
Esqrs  & Major  Zacceus  Lovell  our  Commissioners,  any  three  Of 
whom  to  make  a Quorum,  to  mark  out  the  Southern  boundaries 
Of  as  many  towns  as  the  boundary  line  between  our  Province  of 
The  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New  Hampshire,  as  the  Land  of  its 
Inhabitants  will  allow  of,  untill  you  Cross  the  river  Merrimack, 
On  the  Western  side  whereof  lies  Dunstable  first  and  Second  Par- 
rish, Which  with  a small  part  of  a place  called  Litchfield  lying  on 
the  Western  side  of  said  Merrimack,  you  are  to  divide  into  four 


826 


APPENDIX. 


parts,  In  doing  of  which  you  are  not  to  extend  beyond  their  antient 
bounds,  Distinguishing  each  Town  in  your  Plan  by  N°  i,  2 &a  in 
order  To  their  Incorporation  without  any  further  Survey — 

And  you  are  hereby  required  to  repair  to  the  Places  Aforesaid 
with  all  Convenient  dispatch,  taking  the  best  Information  You 
can  obtain  from  the  Principal  Inhabitants,  for  their  general  Ac- 
comodation, and  to  return  a plan  of  your  doings  hereon  into  our 
Secretaries  office.  And  we  do  hereby  ordain  that  the  Charges  That 
have,  or  may  arise  in  the  Execution  of  our  Commission  Shall  be 
equally  born  by  the  respective  Incorporations  Wittness  Benning 
Wentworth  Esqr,  our  Captain  general,  Governor  and  Commander 
In  Chief,  at  Portsmouth  February  27th  1745 — 

B Wentworth 

By  his  Exceleneys  Com’and 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sery 


[. Refort  of  Committee  to  Run  Town  Lines,  iy^i.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  139.] 

Prove  of  New  > Haverhil  District  March  21st  1745/6 

Hampr  ) Pursuant  to  His  Excely8  Commission  to  us 
the  Subscribers  impowering  us  to  marke  out  the  Southern 
Boundaries  of  as  many  Towns  on  the  Boundary  line  between 
the  Prove  of  New  Hampr  and  the  Prove  of  the  massachusets  Bay, 
until  the  Said  Line  Croses  the  river  merrimack  we  agree  first 
that  the  People  to  the  Northward  of  the  Prove  line  from  the  South 
west  Corner  of  South  Hampton  to  Haverhil  North  west  line  that 
comes  from  Holts  Rocks  to  the  Prove  Line  be  one  Town,  from  that 
Line  to  methewin  line  be  one  Town  Except  Timothy  Johnson, 
Wm  Johnson  with  their  Poles  and  Estates  and  a Small  peice  of 
Land  Joyning  to  Methuin  line  belonging  to  mr  Abial  Kielle,  which 
we  think  resionable  should  be  set  of  to  methewin,  from  Said 
Kielles  land  to  Dracut  Line  be  one  Town,  from  Dracut  line  to  the 
river  merrimack  be  one  Town,  the  Western  side  Merrimack  we 
agree  shall  be  divided  into  four  parts  agreable  to  the  plan  return’d 
all  which  bounds  we  find  to  be  agreable,  not  only  to  the  Principal 
inhabitants  but  to  the  people  in  general 

Ebenr  Stevens 
John  Macmurphy 
Richard  Jannes 
Tho8  Packer 
Zacheus  Lovewell 


APPENDIX. 


827 


To  the  westward  of  South  hampton  ) 

to  Haverhil  Dist1  > 1 

Haverhil  District  to  Methuin  4 

Methewin  Distri4  to  Dracut  1 

Dracut  District  to  the  river  Merrimack  3 

Dunstable  4 towns  4 


Eber  Stevens 
Jn°  mcmurphy  . 
RichdJennes  f 
Tho3  Packer  J 
Majr  Zach3  Lovel 


Esq. 


13— 

11  Days 
11  Days 
11  Do 
11  Do 
11  Do 


55  Days  at  40/ 

Peirce  & Packer  on  Haverhill  District  ) 

3 Days  Eatch — $ 

& Peirce  & Warner — 


£8  .10 . o 

34  : °:  0 
8:0:0 
25  :io : o 
34  : o : o 

£110  : o : o 


£110 — 

£12 — 
£28 


DISPUTED 


TOWN 


BOUNDARIES. 


830 


APPENDIX. 


[. Remonstrance  from  Proprietors  of  Canterbury. ~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  177.] 

To  His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr  Captain  General  & 
Commander  in  Chief  of  His  Majesty’s  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire : The  Honourable  His  Majesties  Council : and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  Assembled. 

A Committee  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  of  Canterbury 
being  notified  of  a Petition  of  a Committee  of  the  Townships  of 
Barnstead  & Chichester  to  the  Honourable  Court : Setting  forth, 
that  the  Boundaries  of  said  Towns,  were,  for  want  of  due  care ; 
become  uncertain,  or  rather  unknown  where  they  Joyn  as  the  orig- 
inal Marks  are  Lost : and  apprehending  they  are  encroached  upon 
by  the  Towns  below ; and  praying  that  a Committee  may  be 
appointed,  & duly  Authorized,  to  fix  the  Bounds  of  sd  Towns  on 
every  side. 

The  said  Committee  of  Canterbury,  beg  leave,  to  remonstrate 
against  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  their  con- 
stituents : for  the  following  reasons  (Viz)  That  the  Town  of  Can- 
terbury has  been  settled  near  thirty  Years  and  the  first  Bound 
which  is  a Beach  Tree,  well  known : said  Tree  is  a corner  Bound 
to  Bearnstead,  Chichester  & Gillmantown  : the  said  Tree  is  now 
standing,  and  fairly  Markt,  with  the  initial  Letters  of  a number  of 
Names;  and  the  Dates  of  the  Years  1728,  &1729:  and  there  are 
Mark’d  Lines  runing  from  sd  Tree  between  the  four  Towns,  the 
Marks  (above),  appear  as  ancient  as  the  laying  out  of  said 
Towns,  and  because  Canterbury  has  always  perambulated  with 
Gillmantown  from  sd  Tree  : and  are  now,  and  always  have  been, 
ready  to  do  the  same  (upon  due  Notice)  with  Chichester,  neither 
do  the  said  Committeee  of  Barnstead  & Chichester  make  any  com- 
plaint of  encroachments  on  the  part  of  Canterbury  tho’  they  re- 
quest a Committee  to  Settle  the  Bounds  of  their  Towns  on  every 
side 

These  reasons  your  humble  Petitioners  beg  leave  to  lay  before 
your  Excellency  & Honours  desiring  you  will  act  as  in  your  great 
Wisdom  and  goodness  you  see  fit  and  your  Petitioners  shall  (as  in 
Duty  bound)  ever  pray 

Henry  Y : Brown  > Committee  for 
Archelaus  Moor  $ Canterbury 


APPENDIX. 


831 


[' Canterbury  and  Gilmanton.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  181.] 

June  y'begining  1750  the  boundary  Line  between  Gilmonton  and 
Canterbury  was  prambulated  by  John  page  Esqr  & Jona  Connor 
Committee  for  Gilmonton  and  Cap1  Jeramiah  Clough  and  Sarg4 
Josiah  Miles  Select  men  of  Canterbury  and  the  Line  was  Run  by 
Nathan  Sanborn  Survayer  the  bounds  next  to  Chichester  a beach 
the  Line  between  Gilmonton  & Canterbury  Runs  N W the  bounds 
next  to  ye  River  a black  ash 

Thomas  Clough  Clerk 


\James  Gibson’s  Deposition, 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  185.] 

James  Gibson  of  lawfull  Age  Testifieth  and  Saith  that  about  the 
first  of  June  Seventeen  hundred  & fifty  he  was  with  John  Page 
Esq  : Jona  Conner  Jeremiah  Clough  & Josiah  Miles  Perambulating 
the  line  between  Gillmantown  & Canterbury  and  took  the  Line  at 
a Beach  Tree  fairly  marked  for  a Bound  between  Barnstead  Chi- 
chester Gillmantown  & Canterbury  and  that  there  was  Lines  run- 
ning' North  East,  South  East,  South  West,  & North  West  from 
Said  Beach  Tree  said  Lines  appear  to  be  made  about  twenty 
Years  before  the  sd  time  of  our  runing  or  perambulating  the  line 
between  Gillmantown  & Canterbury  and  being  now  on  the  Spot  he 
finds  sd  Beach  Tree  standing  and  the  above  marks  fair  as  before 

His 

Attest  Archelaus  Moor  James  X Gibson 

Mark 

Canterbury  July  30/1764  I being  with  the  above  sd  James  Gib- 
son at  the  Bound  Tree  above  mention’d  He  then  made  Oath  to  the 
Truth  of  the  above  sd  Deposition  by  him  subscribed  before  me 

Jeremiah  Clough  Jus1  Pacis 


\JJosiah  Miles’s  Deposition , iy6/f.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  187.] 

Josiah  Miles  of  Lawfull  Age  Testifieth  and  Saith  that  about  the 
beginning  of  June  Seventeen  hundred  and  fifty  he  was  with  John 


832 


APPENDIX. 


Page  Esq  Jona  Conner  & Cap*  Jeremiah  Clough  Perambulating 
the  Line  between  Canterbury  & Gillmantown  And  they  took  sd 
Line  at  a Beach  Tree  which  was  fairly  Marked  for  the  Bound 
between  Bearnstead  Chichester  Gillmantown  and  Canterbury  and 
the  Marks  appeard  to  be  as  Ancient  as  the  first  laying  out  of  sd 
Towns — The  Date  of  the  Year  Seventeen  hundred  & twenty 
eight  was  on  sd  Tree  and  likewise  the  Letters  of  the  Names  of  a 
great  number  of  Men  who  are  said  to  have  been  of  the  Committees 
who  laid  out  sd  Towns  and  Mark’d  said  Tree  for  the  Bounds  of  the 
Same  or  perambulated  from  it  & to  it : In  particular  among  others 
R : Downing  1749  N : O : 1728  D : C : 1729  I : C I : R N : T 
S : C : and  being  on  the  Spot  at  the  making  this  Deposition  he 
finds  said  Beach  Tree  Standing  and  fairly  marked  as  before  : and 
Ancient  Lines  running  from  it  South  East,  North  West,  South 
West  and  North  East,  which  Marks  appear  to  be  of  more  than 
thirty  Years  Standing 

Josiah  Miles 

Canterbury  July  30/1764  I being  with  the  abovesd  Josiah  Miles 
at  the  Bound  Tree  above  mentioned  He  then  made  Oath  To  the 
Truth  of  the  above  sd  Deposition  by  him  Subscribed  before  me 

Jeremiah  Clough  }>Jus*  Pacis 


[' Canterbury  Committee  Appointed, 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  183.] 

At  a Legal  meeting  of  the  propriators  of  the  Town  of  Canter- 
bury (held  by  ajournment)  on  the  forth  wensday  of  may  1764 
Voted  that  L*  Joseph  Sias  Cap*  Archelaus  Moor  and  Cap*  Henry 
Young  Brown  be  a Committee  To  give  in  Reasons  to  the  Gen1 
Court  why  it  is  not  nessacary  to  have  a Committee  from  the  Gen- 
eral Court  to  Settle  the  boundaries  of  Canterbury  between  them 
and  Chichester  and  Gilmonton  and  one  or  more  of  Sd  Committee 
to  present  the  Same  to  the  Court  and  Transact  any  affair  Relative 
there  too  and  that  the  Said  Committee  be  fully  Impowerd  to  Joyn 
with  any  other  Committees  that  may  be  appointed  to  Settle  any 
Bounds  where  by  the  Town  of  Canterbury  may  be  any  ways  Con- 
cerned in  order  to  the  final  Settlement  of  the  boundaries  of  Sd 
Town  of  Canterbury 

Canterbury  Decr  25th  1764  A True  Coppy  Taken  from  the  Rec- 
ords of  the  Town  of  Canterbury 

Test  Thomas  Clough  proprietors  Clerk 


APPENDIX. 


833 


[ Chester  Bounds,  ij22.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  5,  p.  1.] 

The  Bounds  of  Chester  are  as  follow 

To  begin  at  Exeter  Southerly  Corner  bounds  and  from  thence 
run  upon  a west  by  north  point  two  miles  along  Kingston  north- 
erly line  to  Kingston  north  Corner  bounds,  then  upon  a South 
point  three  miles  along  Kingston  head  line  to  Kingston  South 
Corner  bounds,  and  from  thence  upon  a West-nor-west  point  ten 
miles  into  the  Country ; Then  to  begin  again  at  the  aforesaid 
Exeter  Southerly  Corner  bounds,  and  run  Seven  Miles  upon  Exe- 
ter head  line  upon  a north  East  point  half  a point  more  northerly, 
then  fourteen  miles  into  the  Country  upon  a West-nor-west  point 
to  the  river  Merrimack  and  from  thence  upon  a Streight  line  to 
the  end  of  ye  aforesaid  ten  mile  line 

Certify’d  ^ Richd  Waldron  Cler  : Con. 

Chester  Charter 

bears  date  ye  Eighth 

day  of  May  1722 

Certified 

^ R Waldron  Secret’y 


[' Chester  and  Exeter .] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  69.] 

In  Council  Decr  15th  1726 

The  Selectmen  of  Chester  appearing  to  Prosecute  their  Petition 
for  a Comittee  to  run  the  headline  of  Exeter  which  is  the  Dividing 
line  between  the  sd  Towns  and  the  Select  men  of  Exeter  also 
Appearing,  and  both  parties  being  fully  heard. 

It  is  Ordd  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  And  That 
Nathan11  Wear  Esqr  Deacon  John  Cate  & Dan1  Lunt  be  a Com’it- 
tee  or  the  Majr  of  them  to  run  and  Settle  ye  sd  Dividing  line  And 
That  they  begin  at  the  Read  Oake  Tree  marked  for  Dover  West 
Northerly  bounds  and  run  from  thence  upon  a West  & by  North 
point  of  the  Compass  two  miles  for  Exeter  bounds  on  that  Side 
and  from  thence  upon  a Streight  line  to  the  beach  Tree  marked 
for  Exeter  West  northerly  bounds — According  to  ye  Grand  Com- 
’ittees  return  in  ye  year  1718  And  That  they  measure  from  the 
said  Beach  Tree  along  Exeter  Side  line  being  E & b S : to  a 

52 


834 


APPENDIX. 


Tree  Com’only  Called  Exeter  South  Tree  which  is  the  bounds  of 
sd  Exeter  Next  to  Hampton,  And  That  they  make  report  to  this 
board  of  their  doings  therein  Sometime  between  this  time  and  the 
Tenth  of  Jan1?  Next  and  that  the  Charge  be  paid  by  the  two  Towns 
Jointly — R Waldron  Cler  : Con 


\_Petition  from  Clement  Hughes  of  Chester,  ij26.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries, ” p.  71.] 

To  the  Honble  Jn°  Wentworth  Esqr  Ll  Govr  and  Com’andr  in 
Cheif  in  & over  His  majtie8  Prove  of  New  Hampr  and  to  the 
Honble  the  Council  for  Said  Prove 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Clem4  Hughes  for  himself  & in  behalf 
of  ye  rest  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Chester  Humbly 
Sheweth 

That  the  ye  Prop”  of  ye  Town  of  Chester  in  ye  Year  1722 — 
Obtained  a Charter  for  sd  Town,  which  Charter  bounded  the  Said 
Town  on  Exeter  head  bounds  which  bounds  were  made  Certain  in 
ye  Year  1718 — by  a Grand  Com’ittee  Chosen  for  y*  Purpose  by 
ye  Gen11  Assembly  in  ye  year  1715 — as  Appears  by  ye  return  of 
Said  Comittee  in  the  Secretaries  office,  but  the  Clerk  that  drew  up 
the  return  of  Said  Com’ittee  made  a mistake  therein  Saying  that 
Exeter  Should  run  ten  miles  upon  a w & b n Line  from  the  North 
Tree,  wheras  the  Comittees  Intent  & former' Settlement  was  from 
the  South  Tree,  as  can  be  made  to  Appear  by  Living  Evidences  & 
Sundry  of  ye  Gentlemen  that  were  of  y4  Committee  being  now 
alive — and  the  Select  men  of  Exeter  taking  advantage  of  the  Sd 
Mistake  would  move  their  bounds  further  up,  which  would  tend  to 
the  ruine  of  the  Town  of  Chester,  yor  Petition1-  therefore  Humbly 
prays  that  the  Said  Mistake  may  be  Rectified  that  no  Room  may 
be  left  for  Future  Contention  between  the  aforesd  Towns  and  Your 
Petitioner  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray 

Decr  16th  1726  Clement  Hughes 


[Anszoer  of  Proprietors  of  Chester  to  those  of  Kingston, 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  175. J 

Province  of  > To  His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esqr 
New  Hampr  > Governor  & Commander  in  chief  in  and  over  his 


APPENDIX. 


835 


majestys  Province  of  New  Hampr  The  Honorable  his  majestys 
Council  & House  of  Representatives  in  Generali  Assembly  Con- 
vene! April  23d — 1761 

The  answer  of  the  Proprietors  of  Chester  in  the  Province  of 
New  Hampshire  unto  the  Petition  of  Mssrs  Benjamin  Stevens  and 
Elisha  Swett  agents  for  the  Proprietors  of  Kingston  in  sd  Province 
preferred  to  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  April  2d 
1761 — 

And  the  Respondents  beg  leave  to  say  that  the  Petitioners  Sug- 
gest that  the  Respondents  have  lately  raised  a Dispute  concerning 
the  Bounds  between  Kingston  and  Chester  and  would  remove  the 
Westerly  Boundarys  of  Kingston  farthar  Eastward  Now  the 
Respondents  say  that  the  said  Dispute  has  been  of  a long  stand- 
ing and  that  they  the  Respondents  now  are  and  always  have  been 
ready  to  run  the  lines  between  Kingston  and  Chester,  agreeable 
to  the  Bounds  of  Chester  Charter  and  that  they  do  not  desire  one 
foot  of  land  More  than  what  is  contained  within  the  Bounds  of 
Chester  Charter  and  they  would  farther  observe  that  was  it  not  for 
Chester  Charter  the  Respondents  apprehend  that  the  Westerly 
Bounds  of  Kingston  would  be  near  one  mile  and  three  quarters 
More  to  the  Eastward  than  where  the  Respondents  claim  and  that 
they  have  often  desird  the  Proprietors  of  Kingston  to  run  the 
lines  between  them  agreeable  to  Chester  Charter  and  have  no 
objection  to  the  Bounds  between  the  Said  Two  Propretys  being 
run  and  settled  agreeable  to  the  Charter  of  Chester  b}^  Persons 
unprejudiced  that  understand  a Compass  and  the  Running  of  lines 

John  Tolford  Agent  for  the 
Proprietors  of  Chester 


[' Chester  and  Kingston .] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  179.] 

To  His  Exeneely  Bening  wintworth  Esqr  Governor  and  Comander 
in  Chiff  in  and  over  his  majts  Province  of  newhampshire  and  to  the 
Honbl  his  majts  Councel  of  said  Province 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Propitors  of  Chester  in  said  Prov- 
ince most  Humbly  sheweth 

That  your  Petitionrs  on  the  tenth  of  may  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  twenty  and  two  obtanied  a Charter  of  this  Honbl  Bord 
with  a grait  many  velable  priveliges  too  tedous  hear  to  Enumaret 


836 


APPENDIX. 


with  a grant  of  a tract  of  Land  set  forth  in  said  Charter  by  sartain 
metts  and  bounds  but  part  of  said  Linds  or  bounds  hath  never  ben 
run  by  order  of  this  Honbl  Bord  Especaly  betwin  your  Petitionrs 
and  Kingstown  whereby  your  Petitionrs  hath  ben  laid  under  Con- 
siderable deficquality  which  yet  subsists 

may  it  therfor  Pleas  your  Excelencey  and  this  Honbl  Bord  to 
appoint  a surver  and  Chainmen  to  run  and  mark  out  said  line 
acording  to  the  metts  and  bounds  in  said  Charter  and  your  peti- 
tioners as  in  Duty  bound  shal  ever  Pray 

Sam11  Emerson  ) ^ .,ee 
Robert  Boyes  \ Comlt 

At  A Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  town  of  Chester  held  at 
the  old  meeting  house  In  Chester  the  fourth  Day  of  march  1745  : 
by  adjournment  from  the  fourth  Day  of  December  Last  past  Robert 
Boyes  Esqr  being  moderator  for  sd  meeting 

amongst  other  things 

Voted  That  Robert  Boyes  : Sam11  Emerson  Esqrs  and  Cap1  John 
Tolford  shall  be  a Committee  to  Petition  the  Governer  and  Coun- 
cil for  a Committee  to  be  by  them  appoynted  to  Run  and  Settle 
the  Line  between  Kingstown  and  Chester  agreeable  to  our  Char- 
ter— 

A true  Copy  taken  out  of  Chester  Proprietors  book  of  Records 
as  attests  Sam11  Emerson  Prop18  Clerk 


[ Dover  Petition.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  447.] 

To  The  Right  Worshipfull  The  Governour  and  Magistrates  and 
Deputies  of  the  generall  Courte  now  assembled  in  Boston 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Towne  of  Dover. 
Sheweth, 

That  whereas  your  poor  petitioners  were  taken  under  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Massachusets,  by  the  extent  of  the  line  of  the  patent 
of  the  Massachusets : and  likewise  the  people  there  are  accepted, 
and  reputed  under  the  government,  as  the  rest  of  the  Inhabitants 
within  the  said  Jurisdiction  ; as  also  a Committee  chosen  to  bounde 
our  Towne,  wch  accordingly  was  done,  and  afterwards  confirmed 
at  the  generall  Courte  : as  the  Acts  do  more  fully  declare.  There- 
fore, Wee,  your  poore  petitioners  do  humbly  crave  protection  in 
our  habitations,  & rightes  accordinge  to  the  Laws,  and  liberties 


APPENDIX. 


837 


of  this  Jurisdiction  ; and  likewise,  that  some  order  might  be  taken 
to  restraine  such  as  doe  disturbe,  and  molest  us  in  our  habitations, 
by  challinginge  us  by  patent,  and  threatninge  of  us,  and  sayinge, 
that  wee  plant  upon  their  Ground,  and  that  wee  must  give  them 
such  rent,  (as  they  please)  for  cuttinge  grass,  and  Timber,  or  else, 
they  will  take  all  from  us,  so  by  this  meanes,  the  people  are  many 
of  them  disquietted,  not  onely  by  the  Patent,  but  also  by  the  threats 
of  Edwarde  Colcorde,  who,  with  others,  of  his  pretended  owners 
do  reporte,  that  they  have  fourteen  shares,  and  that  they  are  the 
greatest  Owners  in  the  Country  : wch  Patent,  wee  conceive  (under 
favour)  will  be  made  voyd,  if  it  be  well  looked  into,  so  hopeinge 
ever  to  enjoy  protection  wthin  your  Jurisdiction,  Wee  shall  ever  pray 

William  Wentworth  James  Roberts  John  Godard 

William  Pomfrett  John  Damme  John  [illegible] 

The  mark  of  Tho  layton  The  mark  T of  Tho  Carey 

Ye  mark  O of  Tho  welles  Ye  mark  A Tho  Stevenson 

Ye  mark  00  of  wm  Beard  Richard  Walderne 

Hatevill  Nutter  Ambrose  Gibbons  Edward  Starbuck 

William  ffurbur  John  ault  James  Hewitt 

Jonas  Byrns  Henry  Cut  Val : Hill 

Richard  yorke  his  mark  Q Thomas  footman 

John  Bickford  The  mark  S of  olever  kent 

The  W mark  of  matthew  Crilles  Thomas  Beard 

The  mark  X of  Henrey  lankster  john  hall 

The  mark  O of  James  Monker  Peter  Coffyn 

Ralph  hall  John  [_  Heards  marke 

Thomas  T N Nocke  henry  Terbuck  (?)  Constabell 


\_Dover  Argument  in  Relation  to  Disputed  Bounds,  not  dated. ] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  50.] 

ffor  ye  settlinge  of  ye  rights  & bounds  of  Dover  consider  these 
thinges  : 

ffirst  a purchase  from  ye  Indyans  of  Lampreele  River  1635  too 
witnesses : 

2ly  posessesson  & use  of  it  by  plantinge  fishinge,  & fellinge  of 
timber  too  wisneses  : 1635.  one  witnes  1636 : & 4th  witnes  1637  : 

3ly  when  taken  into  ye  goverment  of  ye  bay  this  was  one  of  ye 
peculyer  agrements  y*  ye  should  Injoy  all  such  lawfull  libertyes  of 


838 


APPENDIX. 


fishinge  plantinge  & fellinge  of  timber  as  forformerly  2 booke  of 
lawes  title  piscattua  this  was  1641  : 

4ly  Anno  : 1642  in  ye  old  booke  nor : 538.  by  order  of  generall 
courte  to  dover  is  granted  ye  liberty  wc  other  townes  have  & foure 
comissioners  apoynted  to  settle  ye  limits  yr  of 

5ly  Their  is  3 of  ye  foure  comisioners  met  & agreed  & did  settle 
ye  boundes  of  Dover  as  appr  under  yr  handes  uppon  w*  Dover 
granted  severall  propryetys  : 

6th  The  boundes  of  lampreele  River  was  by  consent  of  Dover  & 
exeter  men  as  Captayne  wiggins  Remembers,  & as  it  appr  by  ye 
boundayres  for  a neck  of  land  is  reserved  to  Exeter  on  ye  Northside 
of  ye  River  w*  is  on  Dover  side  : 

7ly  lampreele  River  is  about  6 miles  from  Dover  about  noreast 
& is  alsoe  about  6 miles  from  Exeter  southeast  as  Capt : wigins 
affrims  : 

8ly  Dover  cannot  be  inlarged  as  Exeter  may,  for  ye  River 
betwine  Kittrey  & Dover  boundes  ym  northward  & lampreele  River 
& Exeter  boundes  ym  southward,  & ye  comissioners  have  bound 
ym  eastward  & southward  : 

9thly  Exeter  besides  yr  boundes  towardes  lampreele  River  may 
be  inlarged  westward  & southward,  besides  yr  other  limits  : 

iotWy  Betwene  lampreele  River  & oyster  River  Dover  hath 
settled  a ministry  wc  er  long  is  like  to  bee  a towne  of  it  selfe  in 
respeckt  of  ye  accomodation  of  lampreele  River  it  beinge  but 
about  3 miles  between  ye  too  Rivers 

1 1 tmy  ffor  Exeter  yr  purchase  of  ye  Indyans  was  anno  : 1638  : yn 
ya  began  to  be  a towne  after  ya  submited  to  ye  bay  Anno  1644  wth 
out  any  agrement  at  all  so  y*  ya  are  nearely  in  ye  condetion  of  other 
townes,  but  Dover  former  Rights  are  confirmed  to  ym  uppon  agre- 
ment besides  ve  grants  of  courte  w‘  were  before  Exeter  submited 
to  this  Goverment : 

12  the  utmost  bounds  of  Dover  was  the  utmost  of  the  bounds  of 
this  patent  where  any  towne  or  person  did,  then,  submitt  unto  this 
Jurisdiction 


[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  52.] 

The  antiquity  of  the  towne  of  Dover  : & ther  agreement  with  this 
Generall  Court  & the  grant  of  this  court : concerninge  the  limmits 
of  ther  bounds  : & the  courte  appnttment  of  fouer  commitioners  to 
laye  out  these  bounds  : thereof  which  fouer  did  attend  the  work  : 


APPENDIX. 


839 


& discharged  it  acordinge  to  order  & subscribed  ther  names : 
further  they  havinge  [illegible]  one  lamperele  Rivver : doth  cause 
us  to  see  meet  to  grant  this  petition  acording  to  the  limits  of  the 
three  commitioners  : which  if  the  Court  so  construe  & se  meet 
we  think  this  will  conduce  : to  the  endinge  of  divers  controversyes 
as  namly  Capt  wiggins  layinge  claime  to  It  thereof  by  patten  : as 
allso  a difference  of  mr  Broadstreett  & captt  wiggins  : out  ^ttie  & 
mr  Broughton  the  other  ^ttie  29r  8r  anno  1642 

Simou  willard 

with  name  and  with  the  consent  of  the  rest 

In  Ansr  to  A peticon  from  ye  Inhabitants  of  exetur  for  a final 
determination  of  the  Case  betweene  Dover  & Exeter  concerninge 
their  bounds  about  Lamprey  River  the  Court  have  ordered  that  mr 
willm  Payne  mr  Samuel  winslye  and  mathewe  Boyce  or  the  Major 
p*  of  them  shall  upon  the  place  appoynt  and  Lay  out  the  bounds 
betweene  them  and  Certify  this  court  & the  two  Townes  under  their 
hands  what  they  shall  determine  Daniel  Denison  speaker  . 

The  magists  Consent  hereto 

Edw.  Rawson  Secre’ty 

The  late  lawe  about  Jurie  is  Repealed  by  the  whole  Court 

E R.  S. 


\_Dover.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records  Sept.  27,  1642.] 

The  inhabitants  of  Northam,  upon  their  petition  are  granted  the 
liberty  wch  other  townes  have  ; & mr  Samu  : Dudley,  mr  W1 : Paine, 
Mr  Winslow,  & Mathew  Boyse  are  to  settle  their  limitts. 


\_Dovcr  Argument  in  Relation  to  Disputed  Bounds , May  10, 

1643-] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  6.] 

ffor  the  setlinge  of  the  Rightes  & Bounds  of  Dover  these  things 
are  presented  to  consideration. 

1.  Swanscoate  Patent  hath  but  one  of  ye  Lords  of  ye  Counsell 
his  hande  set  to  it  whereas  ye  other  Patent  hath  ye  Handes  of  all  ye 
Lords. 


840 


APPENDIX. 


2 The  Patent  of  ye  Messachusets  is  of  Elder  date  than  these 
Patents,  as  was  confessed  by  Capt.  Wiggin  in  ye  Courte. 

3.  In  case  ye  Patents  were  eqall,  yet  ye  ends  of  them  being  to 
plant  ye  English  nation,  there  is  noe  reason  that  by  occasion  of 
them,  any  of  them  should  be  displanted  or  put  to  pay  Rent. 

4.  Dover  is  taken  under  ye  Government  of  ye  Massachusetts,  as 
fallinge  within  ye  Extent  of  their  patent,  wchis  (as  abovesaid)  more 
ancient  then  ye  other  patents. 

5.  Dover  in  their  cominge  under  ye  Governm*  of  ye  Messa- 
chusetts had  ye  Grant  of  ye  same  liberties,  wch  other  Townes  in  ye 
Jurisdiction  have  & therefore  have  ye  Liberty  of  havinge  a Towne 
shippe  as  other  Townes  have. 

6.  The  Court  in  their  aggreement  wth  ye  Patentees  allowed  them 
noe  Grant  but  whereas  they  reserved  to  themselves  such  & such 
portions  of  Land  ye  Court  onely  promised  to  maintaine  their  just 
Rightes. 

7 In  another  Act  of  ye  Courte,  it  was  concluded,  that  in  case 
ye  Patentees  would  not  accomodate  ye  inhabitants  with  Land,  ye 
Courte  would  hold  themselves  freed  from  ingagement  of  any  Cov- 
enant made  wth  them. 


[Dover  and  Portsmouth .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  iq,  1643.] 

The  gentlemen  that  keepe  Cort  at  Pascataque  are  desired  to 
view  the  ground  in  question,  & see  if  they  can  compose,  & settle 
things  betwen  Dover,  & Strawberry  banck,  & if  they  can  not,  to 
certify  the  Cort  how  they  find  things 


[Dover  and  Portsmouth .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  7,  1643.] 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Cort  that  the  Commission's  appointed 
to  lay  out  the  bounds  between  Dover,  & Strawberry  banck  did  not 
consider  the  said  Strawberry  banck  as  a towne,  nor  so  exactly 
veiwed  the  land  on  that  side  the  ryver,  as  was  needfull,  & there- 
upon lavd  out  certeine  lands  to  Dover,  wch  is  most  convenient  for 
Strawberry  banck,  & crteine  lands  to  Strawberry  bank  wch  is  most 
convenient  for  Dover,  so  acknowledged  to  bee  by  one  of  the  said 
Commissionrs  in  this  prsent  Cort 


APPENDIX. 


84I 


It  is  therefore  finally  ordered,  that  all  the  marsh  and  medowe 
ground  lying  against  the  great  bay,  on  Strawberry  banck  side 
shall  belong  to  the  towne  of  Dover  togethr  wth  400  ac3  of  upland 
ground  adjoyning,  & lying  neer  to  the  said  meadow,  to  bee  layd 
out  in  such  a forme,  as  may  be  most  convenient  for  the  im^ving 
& fencin  of  the  said  medowe,  the  remainder  of  the  said  ground  to 
belong  to  Strawberry  banck,  reserving  the  due  right  to  evry  one 
that  hath  ^prietyes  in  the  same. 


[Dover.  ] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  March  7,  1643-4.] 

Dover  petition  &c,  the  gentlemen  who  are  desired  to  keepe  the 
court  at  Pascataq  are  desired  to  view,  & examine  the  complaint,  & 
to  certify  the  next  cort. 


[Dover  and  Portsmouth .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  29,  1644.] 

By  order  of  the  last  genrall  Cort  wee  undrwritten  were  appointed 
to  heare,  & examine  the  case  concerning  a certeine  quantity  of  land 
in  question,  between  the  towne  of  Dover,  one  the  on  side,  & the 
inhabitants  of  Strawberry  Banke. 

In  wch  case  haveing  spent  much  time,  & given  a free  & full  hear- 
ing to  the  parties  aforesaid  wee  find,  as  followeth. 

ffirst  that  the  inhabitants  of  Strawberry  Banke  do  affirme  they 
cannot  make  a towne  wthout  the  land  in  question  : also  on  the  other 
side,  it  is  affirmed  by  the  Church  & towne  of  Dover,  that  they 
cannot  continue,  & subsist,  as  a Church  or  towne,  wthout  the  land 
in  question  ; so  that  this  argum*,  taken  from  the  necessity  of  have- 
ing, & enjoying  the  land  in  question,  lieth  equally  & in  common 
to  them  both,  under  this  head  many  things  were  pleaded,  wch  wee 
cannot  ground  on,  unlesse  we  had  veiwed  the  bounds  belonging 
both  to  Strawberry  banke,  & Dover.  Secondly  we  find  it  is  the 
earnest  desire  of  the  inhabitants  setled  upon  the  land  in  question, 
that  they  may  belong  to  Dover,  in  wch  desire  of  the  inhabitants 
aforesaid  there  are  two  things  considerable  : 1st  that  their  accesse 
to  the  ordinances  at  Dover  is  much  more  easy,  & convenient  than 
at  the  other  place;  2^  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  aforesaid,  are 
now  members  of  the  Church  at  Dover. 


842 


APPENDIX. 


Thirdly  we  find,  that  the  land  in  question  hath  bene  a long  time 
planted,  & possessed  by  Dover  wthout  any  interruption,  or  opposi- 
tion made  against  them,  excepting  onely  what  was  done  by  Capt 
Neale,  whose  ^ceedings  therein  were  illegall,  & injurious,  as  is 
affirmed  by  Capt  Wiggens. 

ffourthly  the  inhabitantants  of  Dover  do  pleade,  that  the  land  in 
question  ought  not  to  be  taken  from  them  by  the  generall  Cort, 
being  theirs  by  purchase  of  the  Indians,  & possession  as  aforesaid, 
& because,  in  the  articles  of  their  submission  to  this  governmt 
(they  say)  their  right  in  this,  & other  cases  is  exprsly  reserved  : 

1 2th  4th  m°  1644  Rich  : Bellingham 

Rich  : Saltonstall 

It  was  ordered,  that  this  returne  of  the  Commission's  be  entered, 
& that  the  land  in  question  between  Dover,  & Strawberry  banke 
be  layd  to  Dover. 


[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  26,  1652.] 

Itt  is  ordered  that  the  northerne  bounds  of  Dover  shall  extend 
from  ye  first  fall  of  Newitchewannicke  River  uppon  a north  and 
by  west  line  fower  miles. 


[Dover  Petition  to  Have  Boundaries  Confirmed , 1652 .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  44.] 

To  ye  Honred  Courte  Now  Assembled  in  boston  The  humble 
petetion  of  Dover  sheweth  y*  whereas  sume  y*  we  have  formerly 
betrusted,  & have  imployed  at  the  generall  courtes  have  negleckt- 
ed  w*  we  betrusted  ym  wth  & amonge  other  thinges  in  a spetiall 
manner  ye  recordinge  of  our  towneship  accordinge  to  ye  grant  of  ye 
sayd  courte  : we  theirfore  in  ye  behalfe  of  ye  aforesayd  towne  of 
Dover  doe  crave  this  favour  y4  ye  sayd  limits  accordinge  to  our 
grant  may  be  confirmed  to  us  by  this  Honred  courte  now  Assem- 
bled & yor  petetioners  shall  rest  ever  ingaged  in  all  humble  service 
to  be  comm’ed  : 

20th  of  8th  (52) 

Val : Hill 
Richard  waldern 
in  ye  behalfe  of  ye  towne  of  Dover 


APPENDIX. 


843 


[, Secretary  Raw  son's  Certificate .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  48.] 

Att  John  Bakers  Request  I signify  that  he  did  his  endeavor 
faithfully  to  procure  the  bounds  of  Dover  recorded  but  the  many 
urgent  occac’ons  of  the  Countey  were  such  as  that  Came  not  to 
Issue  ^ Edward  Rawson 


[Refiort  of  Committee  on  Line  between  Dover  and  Oyster  River , 

1729.] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries  ” p.  77.] 

Wheras  there  Was  an  act  of  genarall  Assembly  Dated  May  ye  14  : 
1729  Apointing  a Comitee  to  Settle  ye  Lines  between  ye  Parishes  of 
Oyster  River  & the  Old  Parish  of  Dover ; & Likewise  to  Settle  a 
Line  between  the  sd  Old  Parish  & the  New  District  Petitioned  for 
And  to  Make  Return  to  ye  genarall  Assembly  At  their  Next  Ses- 
ions  as  May  More  fully  appear  by  said  Act — 

Wee  the  Subscribers  having  bin  upon  the  Place  & Viewed  ye 
Same  and  heard  What  the  Partyes  Consarned  had  to  offer  Con- 
sarning  the  Settlement  of  Said  Lines ; and  we  are  of  Opinion  that 
the  Lines  for  the  Devision  between  Dover  Old  Parish  & the  Dis- 
trict of  Oyster  River  should  begin  at  the  first  Rocky  Poynt  at  the 
Mouth  of  ye  River  Caled  the  back  River  at  a grate  Pine  tree 
standing  on  ye  Notherly  Side  of  Said  Point : & to  Run  on  a strait 
Line  to  the  head  of  Thomas  Johnsons  Crick  Comonly  So  Caled  at 
ye  way  that  goes  over  Said  Crick  and  from  thence  on  a west  & by 
North  line  to  ye  head  of  Dover  township  and  that  to  be  ye  Settled 
bounds  between  the  District  of  Oyster  River  and  the  old  Parish  of 
Dover — 

Wee  have  Likewise  Viewed  ye  old  Parish  & the  Place  Where 
the  Petitioners  belonging  to  the  Northeast  Part  of  ye  town  of  Dover 
Desire  to  be  set  of  from  ; & agree  in  Our  Judgments  that  they 
begin  at  the  Mouth  of  ye  Crick  Caled  fresh  Crick  & to  Run  as  the 
Crick  Runs  to  the  way  which  goes  Over  Said  Crick  or  at  the  head 
of  the  Crick  Where  the  Way  goes  Over  & from  thence  on  a strait 
line  to  the  Northeast  Part  of  the  hill  Caled  Varnies  hill  to  a White 
Oke  Marked  a bout  two  or  three  Rod  from  aSpring  & from  thence 
on  a Norwest  & by  North  Point  of  yc  Compas  to  the  head  of  Dover 
Bounds  & all  on  the  Northeastrly  Side  of  Said  Line  to  be  set  of 


844 


APPENDIX. 


for  a District  according  to  the  Petition  and  that  to  be  a finall 
Settlement  of  their  bounds  between  the  old  Parish  of  Dover  & the 
District  Petitioned  for — and  What  is  above  Written  is  the  Return 
of  What  we  have  Don  According  to  ye  aforesaid  Order  of  Genarall 
assembly 

September  ye  io  : 1729  Nath11  Weare 

Nich8  Gilman 
Ephm  Dennet 


of  the 
Comitee 


[. Fragment  of  Deposition  Relative  to  Dover  Bounds , /75J.] 
[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries ” p.  153.] 

Tree  they  then  marked  with  many  Letters  & was  then  by  Them 
Established  & made  the  Southwest  Corner  bound  tree  for  said  Town 
of  Dover  & was  accordingly  so  accepted  & allowed  by  the  sd  Gov- 
ernment for  the  perpetual  Bounds  of  said  Town  which  was  about 
thirty  years  Past  from  this  date  & the  said  Deponents  being  now  in 
the  woods  by  Such  a tree  & do  Declare  & say  that  that  tree  is  the 
Certain  & bound  mark’d  tree  for  said  Town  of  Dover  that  was  then 
made  by  ye  aforesd  Committe  for  the  Southwest  Corner  bounds  of 
sd  Town  & stands  between  ye  sd  Town  of  Dover  & Exeter  & was 
there  marked  for  Dover  & Exeter  by  sd  Comitty  & is  known  & 
Called  by  ye  name  of  the  Six  Miles  Tree  & further  saith  not  this 
20th  Day  of  Sepr  1753 — Daniel  Davis  [seal] 

Philip  Chesley  [seal] 

men  Present  at  the  takin  this  Deposition  were  Capt.  Jona  Tomp- 
son Capt.  Benja  Mathes  Capt  Daniel  Rogers  John  Tasker  Capt 
Johnth  Chesley  Jona  Woodman  Arc18  Woodman  John  Follet  & 
Deacon  Ebr  Smith 

Prove  of  New  > Sepr  ye  20th  1753  Then  ye  above  named  Dan- 

Hampr  5 iel  Davis  & Philip  Chesley  Personally  appear- 

ed in  woods  were  where  the  Tree  mentioned  above  Stands  before 
us  ye  Subscribers  two  of  his  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  sd 
Prove  Quorum  unus  & made  oath  to  the  Truth  of  the  above  De- 
position by  them  Signed  taken  in  Perpetuam  rei  Memoriam 

Joseph  Simpson 
Joseph  New  March 

Rec’d  & Recorded  18  Ap1  D Peirce 

Prove  of  New  Hampr  a true  Copy  from  Lib  44-Fol.  59.  Examd 
this  4th  March  1758  D Peirce  Redr 


APPENDIX. 


84s 


[Exeter  and  Hamj>ton.\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  7,  1643.] 

Whereas  Excetter  is  found  to  bee  wth  in  or  patent  upon  their  peti- 
tion they  were  received  under  or  govern*1 : and  mr  Willi:  Paine, 
Mathewe  Boyes,  & John  Saundrs  are  appointed  to  settle  the  bounds 
between  Hampton  & Excetter  wthin  two  months 


[ Exeter  Petition  to  Have  Bounds  Settled .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  9.] 

To  the  Right  Honbl  the  Governer  the  Deputie  Governer  And  the 
Magistrats,  wth  the  Asistance  and  deputyes  of  this  honored  Court 
at  prsent  Asembled  In  Boston. 

The  humble  petition  of  the  In-habitants  of  Exeter  Who  do  hum- 
bly Request,  That  this  honored  Court  would  be  pleased  to  Appoint 
the  boundes  of  or  Towne  to  be  Layd  out  to  us,  both  towards  Hamp- 
ton, and  allso  downethe  Rivore  on  that  side  wch  Captaine  Wiggons 
his  ffarme  Is  on.  forhee  doth  Clame  all  the  Land  from  the  Towne 
downewards,  on  the  one  side  And  Hampton  on  the  other  side  doth 
Clame  to  be  so  neere  us,  that  we  shall  not  be  Able  to  subsist  to  be 
A Towne  except  this  honored  Court  be  pleased  to  Releeve  us.  And 
we  suppose  that  Captaine  Wiggons  his  ffarme  and  A good  way 
below  It  may  well  be  Layd  within  or  Towneship,  If  this  honor 
Court  so  please  Allso  we  do  humbly  Crave  that  the  Court  would  be 
pleased  to  grant  that  wre  may  still  peaciably  Injoye  Thouse  smalle 
quantitie  of  Meddows  wch  are  att  Lamperell  River  That  Dover 
Men  now  seeme  to  Laye  Clame  too  : Notwithstanding  they  knowe 
we  Longe  since  purchased  them,  and  allso  quietly  posestthem  with 
theire  consent 

Likewise  we  do  humbly  request  that  this  honrd  Court  would  be 
plesd  to  Establish  Three  Men  Amongst  us,  to  put  An  Ishew  to 
small  diferances  Amongst  Us,  And  one  to  be  A Clarke  of  the 
writes,  that  so  we  might  Not  be  to  troblesom  to  the  Courts  for 
every  small  Matter.  The  Three  men  wch  we  desire  for  the  ending 
of  Controvercies  are,  Anthony  Staniean  Samuell  Grenefild  and 
James  Wall,  and  we  do  desire  That  John  Legat  may  be  the  Clearke 
of  the  writes  : Thus  Leaveing  or  petition  to  your  Judicieous  Consid- 


846 


APPENDIX. 


eration,  and  yor  selves  to  the  Lord  we  Rest,  and  Remaine  ever 
Ready  to  do  you  or  best  service. 


Samuell  X Grinfield 
nathanal  boilten  ( ?) 
John  Legat 
william  mouer 
Abraham  Drake 
Thomas  T King 
John  Davis 
humphery  willson 


Anthony  Stanyan 
John  C Tedd 
henry  Roby 
Ralph  Hall 
Thomas  Joames 
ffrances  g Smaine 
Ballthazer  willis 
John  Smart 


Thomas  wright 
Robert  hethersay  ( ?) 
Richard  Carver 
X John  Bursley 
Nicholas  n Swaine 
James  wall 


In  Ansr  to  ye  peticon  we  conceave  it  meete  y4  ye  3 men  menconed 
therein  shall  be  Authorized  acording  to  their  request  & a Com- 
itte  appointed  to  lay  out  their  bounds  next  to  Hampton  & so  Round 
about  them  ^vided  there  be  no  Intrenching  on  ye  bounds  of  ye  pat- 
tent  of  ye  Lords  & gen1  mencioned  in  the  pattent  of  Swampscoate 
or  on  any  graunts  formerly  made  to  : Dover  by  this  Courte  & that 
John  Legat  be  Clarke  of  the  writts  there.  The  Deputs  desire  our 
honnored  magists  concurrance  herein 

Edward  Rawson. 

The  magistrats  doe  comply  herein  & doe  nominate  mr  Dan11 
Dudley  mr  Rawson  & mr  Carlton  a Committee  for  the  laying  out 
the  bounds  of:  y4  the  Deptyes  shall  approve  y4  then. 

Jo  : winthrop  Govr 

Consented  to  by  ye  Deput3  ' Edward  Rawson 


[Exeter  Petition  in  Regard  to  Disputed  Bounds , /d4y.] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  14.] 

To  the  honored  Court  now  Asembled  att  Boston  The  humble 
petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Exetr  humbley  Requesting  that  this 
honored  Court  would  be  pleased  Not  to  give  Aney  grante  of  the 
Lands  and  Meddows  wch  lye  Neere  unto  or  Towne  of  Exetr,  And 
wch  we  have  peasably  Injoyed  untill  of  Late  ever  since  we  ware  A 
plantation,  unto  the  Towne  of  Dover  or  on  the  other  side  unto  the 
Towne  of  Hampton,  untill  such  time  as  our  tytle  unto  them  be 
either  Adgetated  wth  the  sd  Townes  or  that  we  have  A Legall  tryall 
wth  them  for  the  sayd  Lands,  and  that  we  may  then  have  the 
boundes  of  our  towne  Layd  out  unto  us  According  as  or  Right  and 
tytle  shall  be  found. 


APPENDIX. 


847 


2ly  yor  petitioners  do  humbly  Request  that  this  honored  Court 
would  be  pleased  to  Depute  for  us  Three  of  theis  fower  men  wch  we 
do  here  Nomenate  for  the  eanding  of  small  deferances  under 
Twenty  shillings,  the  men  wch  we  desire  are  theis.  viz  Anthoney 
Staniean  Samuell  Grenefild  Robert  Smith  and  John  Legat 
or  aney  three  of  them  as  the  Court  shall  think  meet  we  do 
Lykewise  humbly  Request  that  John  Legat  May  be  estableshed 
Clarke  of  the  writes.  And  theis  things  we  desire  and  humbly 
Request  for  this  eand  that  we  may  not  for  every  small  matter  be 
troblesom  to  the  Courts  or  to  or  selves  more  than  Nesesetie  Doth 
Require  : Thus  Leaveing  our  selves  wth  the  Lord  and  with  you  : 
we  Rest,  this  29th  of  ye  third  m°  1645 


william  moore  Anthony  Stanyan  John  Legat 

nath  boulten  Abraham  Drake  Nicholas  n swaine 

henry  Roby  henry  elkings  Tho  : Tebbit 

Richard  Carver  Robert  Booth  humphery  will-son 

Godpherey  D Deerebarn  his  mark  Robart  Smith 

John  X Durffy  his  marke  Thomas  Jones  his  marke 

John  J Crane  his  mark 


In  Ansr  to  this  peticion  none  Appearing  to  chalendge  any  pro- 
priety in  the  medowes  wthin  mencioned  The  house  of  Deputyes 
think  it  not  meet  to  medle  wth  it  : but  graunt  y*  John  Legatt  be  the 
Clarke  of  the  writts  there,  & that  Anthony  Staniean,  Robert  Smith, 
& John  Legat,  are  appointed  for  the  ending  of  smale  Cawses  un- 
der twenty  shillings  for  ye  next  yeere  at  Exetur  & desire  or 
honnored  magists  to  concurre  wth  them  herein 

Edward  Rawson 

The  magistrates  concurr  herein  Tho  : Dudley  Govr 


\_Exeter  and  Hampton.'] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  6,  1646.] 

Mr  Samu  : Dudly,  mr  Rawson,  & mr  Carleton  ar  appointed 
a Committee  to  lay  out  Excetter  bounds  next  to  Hampton,  & so 
round  about  them  ^vided  there  be  no  intrenching  on  ye  bounds 
of  ye  lords  pattents,  & gentlemen  mentioned  in  ye  patent  of 
Swampscoate,  or  in  any  grant  formrlv  made  to  Dovr  by  this  Courte. 


848 


APPENDIX. 


[. Exeter  Petition  for  Grant  of  Meadow  Land , 1652.  ] 
[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  39.] 


To  the  horiorabl  Generali  Court  att  Boston 

The  humble  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Exeter,  giveing  this 
honr  Court  to  understand  that  wee  are  excedingly  straitned  for 
want  of  Meddow  : And  the  Indians  have  Informed  us  that  there 
are  three  of  fower  spots  of  meddow  somthing  neere  on  another 
About  seven  or  eight  miles  from  or  Towne  westward  or  norwest 
from  aney  other  plantation  and  not  yet  posest  by  Aney  our  humble 
Request  therefore  Is  that  this  honor  court  would  be  pleased  to 
grant  It  to  or  Towne  In  regard  of  our  great  need  of  It.  And  the 
quantetey  of  them  all  is  confermed  not  to  exceed  one  hundred 
Akers  If  It  be  so  much  And  so  shall  wee  Rest  thankefull  to  the 
honr  court  and  as  serviceable  as  we  are  Able// 

The  (24)  of  (3)  m°  1652. 

Edward  Gilman  Sen  : Edward  Gilman  Jun  : 

Edward  Hilton  Jn°  Legat 

Tho  Pettie  Nicolas  Listen 

Thom.  Cornish  In  ye  behalf  of  the  Rest 

The  Committy  thinke  meete  the  Inhabytants  of  exeter  have  ther 
desire  granted  to  have  the  abovesd  Meddow  Confirmed  to  them 
^vyded  it  be  not  wth  in  the  Lifnmits  or  bounds  of  any  other  toun- 
ship  : or  any  other  ^sons  grant 


The  Deputyes  Consent  hereto  ^vided  the  meddow  herein  de- 
sired exceed  not  one  hundred  Acres  ^vided  also  it  be  there  to  be 


19  (8)  1652  The  Depute  Thinke  not  meete  to  alter  their  former 


in  the  name  of  the  Rest 
4th  Mon.  1 day  1652 


Tho  Wiggin 
Dan  Gookin 


had 


William  Torrey  Cleric 


Vote 


William  Torrey  Cleric 


APPENDIX.  849 

[. Exeter  Petition for  Settlement  of  Line  between  Exeter  and  Dover , 

1652-1 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  40.] 

To  the  honorable  Generali  Court  now  Assembled  att  Boston. 

The  humble  petition  of  the  Inhabetants  of  Exeter  who  Do 
earnestly  request  that  this  honored  court  would  be  pleased  to  take 
into  yor  consideration,  the  poore  and  meane  estate  and  condition 
of  ourprsant  Plantation,  by  reson  of  the  straightnes  of  or  boundes 
which  at  our  first  Coming  to  settle  there,  was  A large  Trackte  of 
Land,  from  Oyster  River  to  the  falles  between  Salsberey  and 
Hampton  with  good  store  of  Meddow  and  meete  Inlargements,  fit 
to  make  A Towne  for  subsistance.  And  all  the  said  Trackte  of 
Land  then  Lyeing  vacant,  and  no  Pattent  or  persons  then  Laying 
Clame  to  It,  as  wee  could  here  of  but  the  Indians  only  : wee  the 
said  Inhabetants  of  Exeter  and  or  prdesessors,  did  with  A valuable 
price  purchase  of  the  Natives,  all  that  whole  trackt  of  Land,  and 
setled  or  selves  att  Exeter  falls  for  the  conveniancie  of  the  Rivor, 
And  gave  out  A farme  to  mr  Whel write  Nere  oyster  River  : And 
entended  Hampton  to  be  for  other  farmes.  After  which  purchase 
of  ours,  This  honored  Court,  saw  It  meete  to  grante  out  A Towne- 
shipe  to  mr  Bacheler  and  the  Inhabetants  of  Hampton : which 
Towneship  of  thers  Cutt  of  Almost  all  our  Meddows,  That  ever 
sine  wee  have  bine  In  An  unsettled  condition,  not  being  able  to 
subsist  as  A Towne  to  keepe  aney  quantetey  of  cattle  And  Dover  on 
the  other  side  Comming  so  neere  us,  by  Reson  of  A mistake  or 
ronge  Information  made  unto  the  commissioners  that  ware  to  Lay 
out  there  bounds,  as  mr  Paine  and  mr  Winslo  have  said  unto  us 
that  ware  two  of  the  commiso18  Wee  yor  pore  petitioners  do  there- 
fore, humbly  crave  the  Asistance  of  this  honored  Court,  under 
whose  protection  wee  did  freely  and  desirosly  tender  or  selves  and 
our  Request  Is  that  wee  may  not  bee  so  straitned  either  on  the  on 
side  or  other  as  to  disinable  us  for  the  maintaineance  of  the  ordi- 
nances of  god  Amongst  us  and  that  what  mistake  there  was  In  the 
Laying  out  the  line  be-twene  Dover  and  us  may  be  Rectifyed, 
either  by  A Comittye  or  determined  by  this  prsant  honord  Court. 
And  altho  Lampell  River  Is  Two  mile  nerer  us  than  the  mid  way 
betwene  us  and  dover,  and  may  be  as  A Naturall  bounds  betweene 
us,  wee  shall  be  content  If  the  honr  Court  see  it  meet  to  determen 
It  to  be  or  bounds  Althoug  we  have  formerly  peasably  posest  A 
great  way  forth  But  If  Lamperell  Rivore  be  taken  from  us  we  know 
53 


850 


APPENDIX. 


not  how  to  subsist,  for  we  have  almost  no  meddow  : but  our  hoopes 
of  subsistence  Is  by  or  timber  and  Rivers  for  saw  mills,  which 
dover  Is  alredey  well  Accomodated  with  all,  and  have  setup  maney 
alredey  wch  helps  forward  there  publique  Charges  and  we  heere 
that  they  goo  About  to  take  Away  Lampell  river  from  us  which 
wee  have  posest  as  well  as  they  and  built  the  bridg  over  the  said 
River  with  them,  and  yet  now  they  seeme  to  Lay  Clame  to  both 
sides  of  the  said  Rivere  unles  this  hon1'  Court  be  pleased  to  Assist 
us,  As  we  doute  not  but  you  will  In  yl  which  Is  equall  and  Rite. 
And  so  shall  wee  be  inabled,  with  the  blessing  of  god  on  or 
Labours,  to  Rayse  by  our  mills  such  maintenance  as  may  be  A 
meanes  to  maintaine  the  ordenance  of  god  Amongst  us,  and  helpe 
us  to  defray  publiqu  charge  And  so  shall  wee  with  or  ^sones  and 
estates  ever  be  Redey  to  helpe  forward  the  well  being  of  this 
Comon  welth  : and  Remaine  yours  to  be  Command  to  our  utmost 
Abilityes  // 


Exetr  the  (24)  of  (3)  m°  1652 
Edward  Gilman  senier. 
Edward  Hilton 
Th°  Pettit 
Thom.  Cornish 


Edward  Gilman  jun. 
Jn°  Legat 
Nicolas  Listen 
In  the  behalfe  of  the  Rest 


The  commissioners  refeer  the  answer  of  this  petition : to  the 
answer  of  Dover  petitio11 

Simon  Willard 
in  the  name  of  the  rest 


N°  15  Exetur  peticon  entred  wth  the  magisst  & or  Comsd 

In  answer  to  this  Petition  of  Exeter  in  Regard  it  Respects  the 
Bounds  of  the  towne  of  Dover,  and  the  Deputy  of  Dover,  who  ap- 
perd  in  behalfe  of  the  towne  desired  further  tyme  to  answer  in  the 
cause  The  Commitee  consents  the  Answer  to  the  petition  be 
Referd  the  next  session  of  this  Court  & if  dover  shall  then  fade  to 
make  their  Limmetts  clerly  appeare ; then  the  petitioners  to  bee 
heard  & Relived  & the  court  to  do  herein  as  shall  see  cause 
4 mo  1 1652  Tho  wiggin 

Daniell  Gookin 

in  the  name  & wth  Consent  of  the  Rest 


The  magists  approove  of  the  Comitees  Retourne  if  the  deptys  Con- 
sent heereto 

Edw  Rawson  secy 

The  deput8  Conset  hereto 

william  Torrey  Cleric 


APPENDIX. 


851 


[ William  Paine's  Certificate , i6$2.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  47.] 

These  are  to  certifie,  that  being  one  of  them  deputed  by  the 
generall  court  about  7 or  eight  yeeres  since  to  Lay  out  the  bounds 
betweene  Exeter  and  Dover,  It  was  always  intended  by  us  that 
Lamprey  river  as  it  naturally  runs  up  in  the  countrey  should  be  the 
bounds  betweene  the  said  townes  : and  what  Line  is  recorded,  if  it 
prove  to  give  any  [illegible]  to  Dover  on  the  west  Syde  of  Lam- 
prey river  it  was  upon  a mistake  & utterly  beside  our  intention. 

and  for  the  confermation  hereof  I have  put  to  my  hand  this  27th 
of  Mey.  1652. 

Will  Paine 


[ Dover  and  Exeter , 1652.'] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  3.] 

Att  A Generall  Court  held  att  Boston  ye  8th  off  The  7th  month  1652 
The  Inhabitants  of  northam  Upon  their  petition  are  granted  the 
Liberty  which  other  Townes  have  and  Mr  Samuell  Dudley  Mr 
william  pain  Mr  winslow  Mathew  boyse  Are  to  settle  their  Lemytes 
this  is  A trew  Coppy  of  ye  Court  order  Edward  Reson  secretary 
wee  whose  names  are  under  written  being  appoynted  by  the 
generall  Court  to  Lay  out  The  bounds  of  Dover  have  thus  agreed/ 
That  the  Utmost  Bounds  on  the  west  Is  a Creek  on  the  East  side 
of  Lamperele  River  the  next  Creek  to  the  River  and  ffrom  the 
End  of  that  Creek  to  Lamperill  River  ffirst  fall  and  soe  from  the 
first  fall  on  A west  and  be  north  Line  six  miles/  and  from  nech- 
ewanick  first  fall  on  A north  and  be  East  Line  fower  miles/  ffrom 
A Creek  next  belowe  Thomas  Canny  his  house  to  a Certain  Cove 
near  the  mouth  of  the  great  bay  Called  the  hogstye  Cove  and  all 
the  marsh  and  meadowe  ground  Leying  and  butting  on  the  great 
bay  with  Convenient  Upland  to  sett  their  hay 

william  Payn 
Samuell  winslow 
Mathew  Boys 

Att  A generall  Court  held  att  boston  the  19th  of  October  1652 
It  is  ordered  that  the  northern  bounds  of  dover  shall  Extend  from 
the  first  fall  of  nechewanick  River  upon  a north  and  be  west  Line 
fower  milles 


85  2 


APPENDIX. 


Att  A generall  Court  held  at  boston  the  19th  of  October  1652 
in  Answer  to  A Petission  from  the  Inhabitants  of  Exeter  for  A 
finall  determination  of  the  Case  between  Dover  and  Exeter  Con- 
cearning  their  bounds  About  Lamprill  River  it  is  ordered  that 
Mr  william  Paine  Mr  Samuell  winslow  and  Mr  Mathew  Boyse  or 
the  Major  part  of  them  shall  Upon  the  place  appoynt  and  Lay  out 
the  bounds  betwen  them  and  sertify  this  Court  and  the  two 
townes  under  their  hands  what  they  shall  determine  this  is  A true 
Coppy  of  ye  Court  order  Edward  Rawson  Secretary 

wee  whose  names  are  under  written  being  ordered  by  the  gen- 
erall Court  to  settle  The  bounds  betwen  the  towne  of  dover  and 
Exetor  wee  have  thus  determined  and  Agreed  the  Line  formerly 
Laid  out  shall  stand  they  taking  the  Poynt  from  the  middle  of  the 
bridge  one  first  fall  one  Lamperill  River  and  so  to  Rune  six  miles 
west  and  be  north  butt  the  Land  betwen  the  Line  and  The  River 
shall  belonge  to  Exeter  they  not  haveing  Liberty  to  sett  up  any 
Mills  Exsepting  their  Right  specified  one  the  first  fall  butt  the 
timber  Betwixt  the  Line  and  the  River  shall  belong  to  Dover  in 
such  time  as  they  shall  see  meet  to  make  use  of  the  same  to  their 
best  Advantiage  Provided  that  Both  the  townes  shall  have  free 
Liberty  to  make  use  of  the  River  upon  all  ocations  allso  Exeter 
hath  Liberty  to  make  use  of  all  the  timber  half  A mile  betwen 
the  Line  and  Lamperill  River  towards  the  bridg  and  one  mile 
betwen  the  Line  and  the  said  River  towards'the  second  fall  and 
further  Mr  Edward  Hilton  is  to  have  belonging  to  his  mill  all  the 
timber  within  Compass  of  one  mile  and  a half  square  if  it  be  to  be 
had  betwixt  the  Line  and  the  River  Lamperell  This  being  our 
full  determination  the  ninth  of  the  first  month  (53) 

william  Pain 
Samuell  winslow 
mathew  boyse 


[. De-position  of  Hatevil  Nutter,  1652.'] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  46.] 

The  Deposicon  of  hatevell  nutter  taken  the  18.  of  the  8.  month 
1652. 

the  Deponant  sayth  that  in  the  yere  1636  the  land  about  lamp- 
rill River  was  in  the  possession  of  the  inhabitants  of  Dover,  on 


APPENDIX. 


853 

both  sides  the  River.)  both  for  planting  and  fishing  and  feling  of 
timber 

hatevill  nutte  sworne  who  affirmed  upon  his  oath  that  the 
[illegible]  was  trew  sworne  before  me  George  Smyth 

in  the  yere  1637  will  furbur  doth  testifie  the  same  about  the  pos- 
sising  of  lamprell  River 

william  ffurburre  sworne  the  18.  of  the  8.  month  (52)  whoe 
affirmed  upon  his  oath  that  what  he  doth  testifie  next  above  written 
was  trew  sworne  before  me  George  Smyth 


\_D exposition  of  John  Ault , 1652. ] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  45.] 

The  deposicon  of  John  Awlt  taken  the  18.  of  the  8.  month  (52) 
the  deponant  sayth  that  in  the  yere  1635,  that  the  land  about 
lamprill  River  was  bought  of  the  Indanes  and  made  use  of  by  the 
men  of  Dover  and  my  selfe  both  for  planting  and  fishing  and  feling 
of  timber 

John  Awlt  sworne  before  me  George  Smyth 

Richard  yorke  doth  testifie  the  same  above  specified 
Richard  yorke  sworne  who  affirmed  upon  his  oath  that  what  he 
doth  testifie  next  above  written  was  trew 

Sworne  before  me  George  Smyth 


\_John  Ne god's  Deposition .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  43.] 

The  Deposition  of  John  Negod 

This  deponiant  Testefieth  that  he  have  ofen  times  craus’d  betwin 
Lamperl  River  ffales  an  quonechewanick  dales  and  it  is  accountid 
about  teen  miels  over  land  : and  to  goe  by  Warter  about  sixten 
miels  or  twenty  miels  : and  in  this  Track  of  land  they  have  ffouer 
Rivers  that  runne  doun  to  met  with  the  Tid  wher  they  have  set  up  ther 
miels  That  is  to  say  oyster  River  which  is  about  ffouer  miels  from 
lamperl  River : and  Belemans  bank  River  about  towe  miel  from 
oyster  River : and  about  one  miel  from  Belemans  bank  River  to 
quechoo  : and  about  thre  miels  from  quechoo  to  quonechewanick 
which  is  in  al  about  tenn  miels  : which  if  the  sayd  Lamperel 


854 


APPENDIX. 


River  as  it  naturly  Runes  be  the  boundes  betwein  exeter  and 
Dover,  the  toun  of  Dover  will  have  ther  bredeth  about  tenn  miels, 
and  in  lenght  they  may  goe  as  far  as  the  cort  pleas  and  not  to 
Intrud  upon  any : and  ffurther  this  deponiant  Testefith  that 
whereas  Dover  hav  the  privleg  of  fouer  Rivers  that  Cum  doun  to 
the  Tid  exeter  have  but  towe  though  they  Enjoy  lamperl  River, 
that  is  exetr  fales  and  Lamperel  River  : and  ffurther  this  deponian 
Testefith  that  the  ground  in  dover  bounds  doe  ffare  exsed  the 
ground  in  exeter  bounds  for  ffeeding  : for  the  gretis  part  of  exetr 
is  incumpased  with  such  swamps  as  is  very  uncapabel  for  Ceping 
of  Cattel  on  the  on  sied  and  the  cartins  fatten  on  the  other  sied, 
exter  a skirt  of  land  that  lie  touerds  the  half  contry  that  ly  Remote 
from  the  toune : and  a track  of  land  Tourds  Lamperl  River 
about  a miel  in  sum  places  and  les  in  other  places  and  ffurther 
This  deponiant  Testefith  that  mr  hilton  on  of  the  anchents  planters 
in  the  River  and  other  Inhabetins  doe  Live  within  tow  or  thre 
miels  of  Lamperl  River  and  that  ther  Cattel  have  ther  feed  from 
lamperl  River  and  ther  abouts,  And  ffurther  This  deponiant  Teste- 
fieth  thou  exetr  shold  Injoy  the  one  half  of  the  way  betwin  exetr 
and  hampton  yet  in  his  aprihenshon  Dover  would  be  the  gretr 
bounds  This  above  writing  is  the  truth  to  my  best  aprihenshon 


[Exeter  and  Dover .] 

f 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  26,  1652. J 

In  Ansrto  the  peticion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  exeter  ffor  a finall 
determination  of  the  case  betweene  Dover  and  exeter  concerning 
theire  bounds  about  lamprey  River,  Itt  is  Ordered,  that  mr  wm 
Payne  mr  Samuell  winsly : and  mathew  Boyce  or  the  major 
pte  of  them  shall  uppon  the  place  appointe  and  lay  oute  the  bounds 
betweene  them  and  Certify  this  Court  and  the  two  Tounes  under 
theire  hands  what  they  shall  determine 


[Exeter  and  Dover.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  18,  1653.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  Capt  Thomas  wiggin  for  a writt  of 
divicion  of  the  two  Pattents  of  Swampscott  The  Court  Referrs  the 


APPENDIX. 


855 


divicion  thereof  untill  the  yeare  1654.  in  October,  and  Orders  in 
the  mean  time  there  be  a forbearance  of  falling  of  wood  and  timber 
uppon  the  lands  exprest  in  ye  peticion 


[. Petition  of  Owners  of  Swampscott  and  Dover  Patents , 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  448.] 

To  the  honnored  Generali  Court  Now  assembled  at  Boston 

The  homble  pettition  of  Jn°  Allen  Nicholas  Shapleigh  Jn°  Sev- 
erins  Thomas  Lake  & Edward  Colcott  In  behalfe  of  them  selves 
& other  the  owners  of  the  two  pattents  of  Swamscott  & Dover 
Humbly  Sheweth 

Wheare  as  this  honnered  Generali  Court  of  ye  Massachusetts  in 
ye  14th  of  ye  4th  m°  1641  : Covenanted  wth  George  Willye  Gen1  & 
others  In  Behalf  of  them  selves  & ^tners  of  ye  sd  pattents.  thatt 
the  south  pattent  of  swamscott  & one  third  of  ye  pattent  of  Dover 
should  Remane  to  ye  sd  owners  of  the  pattents  & ther  heires  for 
ever  & ye  sd  Court  ^misseth  to  mayntayn  the  sd  pattenttees  In 
ther  Right  therin  as  by  ye  sd  Covenant  appeareth 

Now  yor  homble  petitioners  Crave  thatt  this  honnred  Court  will 
be  pleased  to  Grant  thatt  the  divission  may  be  made  of  ye  sd 
Lands  according  to  Covenant  made  wth  ye  Pattenttees  And  yor 
pettirs  shall  pray  &c 

The  Deputyes  doe  Conceive  that  the  petition1,8  have  another  way 
to  atayne  theire  desires  herein  Exprest  viz4  to  ^secute  any  that 
shall  intrench  uppon  thir  Just  righte  in  a Courte  of  law  in  or  Courte 
of  Justice,  in  reference  to  the  Consent  of  or  honrd  magis48  hereto 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

6.  1654 

The  magis48  Cannot  Consent  to  this  Retourne  but  Referr  ye 
peticion  to  be  Considered  by  ye  Committee  & both  pties  Concerned 
therein  to  be  heard  by  them.  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputyes 

Wm  Torrey  Cleric 

In  Answer  to  the  Petitions  of  Capt  John  Allen,  &c  And  the 
Town  of  Dover.  Wee  find  by  the  Records  of  Court  An0  (41)  that 
the  Pattent  on  the  Southside  of  the  River  of  Pascataque  and  one 
third  part  of  the  Pattent  of  Dover  is  reserved  by  the  Pattentie8  And 


856 


APPENDIX. 


allso  that  mr  William  Payne  and  others  in  An0  (52)  were  Appointed 
to  set  out  the  limitts  of  the  Town  of  Dover.  Wee  therefore  con- 
ceive it  necessarie  for  this  Court  to  appoint  and  Impower  some 
uninterressed  persons  A Comitte  at  the  charge  of  the  parties  uppon 
the  place  to  Examine  all  Interrests  and  Actings  relating  therunto, 
and  to  consider  some  way  for  the  Accomodating  all  parties 
according  to  their  Just  Interrests  And  to  make  returne  under  their 
hands  to  the  next  Sessions  of  this  Court  and  that  in  the  meane  time 
the  order  of  Court  prohibiting  the  felling  of  Timber  be  duly 
observed  on  penaltie  of  five  pounds  A tree  except  for  firing  and 
fencing  for  so  many  as  shall  be  failed  upon  the  Land  which  shall 
be  Apporcioned  to  the  sayd  Cap*  Allen  and  Companie  of  Pattentee3 

Humphray  Atharton 
Thomas  Clarke 
Eleazer  Lusher 
Joseph  Hills  : 

The  Deput}^es  approve  of  the  returne  of  this  Committee  in  answer 
hereunto  'fJvided  the  pennallty  of  five  pounds  for  fallinge  of  any 
Tree  be  left  out,  and  have  Chosen  mr  Joseph  Hills,  mr  Edward 
Collins,  & Capt  Eliazur  Lusher  together  with  such  others  as  or 
honord  magistrates  shall  please  to  nominate  to  be  a Committee 
impowred  to  act  herein  accordinge  to  this  returne 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  magis*8  Cannot  Consent  heereto  but  Refer  it  to  the  next 
Court  or  sessions  of  this  Court  for  A finall  Ansr  when  both  parties 
may  be  present  Desiring  theire  bretheren  the  Depu13  Consent  heereto 

15  May  1654  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 

The  Deputyes  consent  to  this  last  returne  of  or  honord  magistrates 
herein  ^vided  that  due  notice  be  given  to  all  ^sons  Concerned 
herein  by  warrent  from  the  Secritary,  that  a finall  Issue  may  be  put 
hereunto  at  the  time  appoynted 

William  Torrey  Cleric 

The  Deputies  Desire  this  Case  may  be  heard  & Issued  the  next 
fourth  day  by  Eyght  of  the  Clock  & desire  or  honrd  magist8  Consent 
hereto 


Wm  Torrey  Cleric 


APPENDIX. 


«S7 


[. Petitions  Referred .] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  3,  p.  450.] 

To  Cap4Jn°  Allen  Cap4  Niccolas  shapleigh  : mr  Jn°  Severenes 
mr  Thomas  Lake  & Edward  Colcott. 

You  are  by  Virtue  heereof  Required  to  take  notice  that  the 
Gennerall  Court  hath  Referred  the  Consideration  of  your  petic’on 
& the  petic’on  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Dover  to  the  next  Gennerall 
Court  or  Session  of  this  Court  that  all  parties  therein  Concerned 
may  Appear  there  and  give  in  what  light  they  Cann  that  so  the 
Court  have  cleare  evidenc  to  proceed  to  A Just  determination 
By  the  Court  Edward  Rawson  Secret’y 

Boston  15th  may  1654 


[Exeter  and  Dover.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  23,  1655.] 

In  Answer  to  the  pet.  of  Mr  Tho  : Lake  in  the  behalfe  of  himselfe 
& p’nors  for  a Devision  of  the  land  at  squamscot  and  Dover,  It  is 
ordered  that  mT  Wm  Bartholomew,  mr  samuel  Winslow  & mr  samuel 
Hall  are  hereby  appoynted  & empowred  as  a Committee  to  goe 
to  Squamscott  & according  to  the  pattents  thereof  & this  order,  to 
make  a Just  devision  of  that  of  Squamscott  only  : & that  which 
hath  reference  to  Dover  be  respited  untill  another  time  makinge  a 
returne  of  what  they  doe  to  the  Court  of  Election  for  Confirmation 


[Exeter  and  Dover.  ] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  13,  1655.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  Thomas  Lake  & fltners  mr  wm 
Bartholomew  mr  Sam  : Winsly  & mr  Sam  : Hall  are  heereby  Ap- 
pointed & Impowred  by  this  Court  as  a Comittee  to  go  to  Swamp- 
scott  only  at  present  & According  to  the  Pattent  thereof  & the 
order  of  this  Court  made  18th  May  1653  make  a Just  divicion  thereof 
and  make  Retourne  of  what  they  doe  to  the  Court  of  Election  for 
Confirmation,  And  that  wch  hath  reference  to  Dover  is  Respitted 
untill  Another  time  : 


8s  8 


APPENDIX. 


\_Divisjon  of  Swampscott  Patent .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  14,  1656.] 

we,  whose  names  are  here  subscribed,  according  to  An  order  of 
the  Honnored  Gennerall  Court  in  November  1655,  Appointing  us 
to  make  a just  divicion  of  the  Pattent  of  Quampscot  doe  thus  make 
our  Retourne.  when  wee  came  to  peruse  the  Pattent  wee  found  it 
to  extend  for  the  length  of  it  from  the  lower  part  of  the  River 
of  Pascataquake  on  the  south  side  of  the  said  River,  unto  the  falls 
of  the  said  River  at  Exiter  and  for  breadth  Along  the  said  River 
three  miles  from  the  falls  of  the  head  line  for  the  breadth  of  it,  wch 
head  line  wee  Runne  uppon  a southeast  point  of  the  Compass  wch 
ended  three  quarters  of  a mile  beyond  Aspe  brooke  toward  Hamp- 
ton about  forty  Poles  below  the  Highway  where  wee  marked  a great 
Red  oake  on  fower  sides.  2\y.  from  the  said  Head  line  wee 
measured  for  the  length  uppon  the  North  east  Point  of  the  Compass 
sixe  miles  and  a half  the  wch  extended  to  that  part  of  the  bay  neere 
winiconot  River.  3^  wee  also  measured  a second  Crosse  line  for 
breadth,  beginning  at  Quampscot  howse,  extending  it  three  miles 
upon  the  southeast  point  where  wee  did  marke  Severall  Pine  trees./ 
The  Rest  of  the  land  belonging  to  the  Pattent  above  and  below  the 
great  bay  wee  understood  to  be  Impassable  (as  to  measuring)  by 
Reason  of  the  exceeding  thicke  Swamps  but  wee  took  the  best 
Informacion  we  might  of  divers  and  severall  Inhabitants  of  the 
great  bay  and  of  strawbery  bancke,  and  theire  reports  agreed, 
viz.  that  from  the  lower  part  of  the  bottom  of  the  bay  nere  to  Cap1 
Cham^noones  howse  to  the  River  neere  the  boyling  Rocke,  or 
thereabouts  all  the  necke  of  land  wthin  that  line  unto  the  little  bay, 
conteyning  as  neere  as  men  of  best  experienc  can  Informe  us  about 
fower  miles  square,  being  all  wthin  the  Patent:  And  whereas 

from  the  easterly  part  of  the  great  bay  being  a part  of  the  River, 
wee  should  have  measured  three  miles  into  the  land  wee  finde  in  that 
place  by  Credible  Informacion  the  land  so  narrow  to  the  seaward, 
that  wee  cann  Allowe  no  more  according  to  the  Intent  of  the 
Pattent  as  wee  understand  it,  then  one  mile  & halfe  to  be  Runn 
from  each  point  of  the  bottome  of  the  bay  uppon  an  Easterly  line 
into  the  land  To  the  matter  of  Service  Appointed  unto  us  by  the 
Gennerall  Court  concerning  devission  of  the  Pattent  wee  find- 
ing the  present  Ownors  to  be  of  three  sorts  or  Rancks,  wee  have 
therefore  Agreed  to  make  three  Severall  devissions.  The  first 
divicion  being  eight  shares  ond  one  quarter,  belonging  to  mr 


APPENDIX. 


859 


Nathaniell  Gardiner,  mr  Thomas  Lake  and  partners  wee  Assigne 
and  lay  out  unto  them  all  the  land  from  bloody  Point  unto  the 
Boyling  Rocke  for  breadth  or  thereabouts  and  for  length  ex- 
tending to  the  lower  lyne  of  the  middle  divicion  which  is  about 
forty  Pole  from  Sandy  Point  And  so  the  lyne  Runing  south  east 
three  miles  into  the  land,  as  also  the  land  lying  uppon  the  bottom 
of  the  great  Bay  being  or  extending  one  mile  & a halfe  from  every 
part  of  the  bottom  of  the  bay  uppon  an  easterly  lyne  into  the  woods 
In  which  divission  all  the  land  and  marish  graunted  unto  Dover  by 
the  Gennerall  Court  shallbe  and  remaine  to  them  forever  the  land 
from  Kennys  Creeke  to  a Certaine  Cove  nere  the  mouth  of  the 
great  bay  Called  Hogsty  Cove,  wth  all  the  marish  from  that  place 
round  about  the  bay  up  to  Cotterills  Delight,  with  fower  hundred 
acres  of  upland,  as  it  is  graunted  by  the  Court  bounded  laid  out  and 
Possessed  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Dover  with  fivety  Acres  of  upland 
more  about  or  nere  the  great  Bay  wth  fivety  acres  to  be  laid  out 
and  disposed  of  by  Captn  Richard  Walderne  to  some  of  the  In- 
habitants of  Dover  whom  he  sees  fitt.  The  Second  devission  being 
eight  shares  and  one  quarter  belonging  to  Capt.  Thomas  wiggin 
and  partners  who  have  purchased  & obtained  the  same  wee  Assigne 
and  lay  out  three  miles  square  begining  at  a Plumpe  of  trees 
standing  on  a peece  of  old  Planting  land  about  forty  Pole  belowe 
Sandy  Point  and  up  the  River  uppon  a streight  linetowerds  Exitur 
the  River  being  the  bounds  of  it  on  the  Northside  and  at  each  end 
to  runne  a line  uppon  the  south  east  point  of  the  Compass  three 
miles  into  the  land  there  to  bound  it  on  that  side  : Provided  that 
Capt  Thomas  Wiggins  pay  unto  the  other  two  thirds  the  somme  of 
sixty  six  pounds  thirteene  shillings  and  fower  penc  according  to 
theire  shares  and  proporcions  in  Boards  wthin  six  month  if  Demaund- 
ed  which  he  is  to  pay  at  either  of  his  sawemills  in  Pascataquack 
River.  3^  To  the  third  divicion  being  eight  shares  and  one 
quarter  belonging  to  the  Shrewsbery  men  to  wch  wee  Assigne  & 
lay  out  all  that  land  from  the  uppermost  line  of  the  midle  divicion 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Creeke  called  mr  Wheelwrights  Creeke  the  same 
to  Runne  three  miles  towards  Hampton  uppon  a South  East  line  all 
the  land  betweene  this  line  & exitur  falls  to  the  full  extent  of  the 
line  to  lye  to  exeter  being  graunted  to  them  by  deed  of  guift  from 
Capt  wiggin  sole  Agent  for  the  Company.  The  Court  doth  Allow 
and  Approove  of  this  Retourne  of  the  Comittee  as  is  above  written  : 
[The  above  is  again  entered,  May  15,  1656.] 

Propposicions  to  the  Gennerall  Court  at  Boston  the  22th  3 m° 
1656  for  setling  and  fully  ending  the  long  continued  differences 


86o 


APPENDIX. 


betweene  the  Patentees  of  Quampscott  and  Dover  and  the  Neigh- 
boring Tounes  &c  as  followeth.  i for  the  furtherance  of  the  same 
Captn  Thomas  Wiggins  & Thomas  Lake  do  freely  surrrender  & 
give  up  all  theire  Interest  title  & claime  in  the  lands  of  the  Pattent 
called  winnicahanat  or  Hiltons  pointe  unto  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Toune  of  Dover  forever  excepting  all  the  lands  & Howses  which  the 
ownors  Improoved  at  Dover  In  their  planting  feilds  which  is  about 
sixteene  acres  more  or  lesse  which  Remaines  to  the  said  Ownors 
theire  heires  and  Assignes  for  ever.  2ly  That  the  Court  Graunts 
and  Gives  unto  the  third  devission  of  Quampscott  laid  out  to  mr 
Nathaniell  Gardiner,  Thomas  Lake  & partneres  of  that  divicion 
eight  thousand  two  hundred  and  fivety*  Acres  of  land  to  be  laid 
out  to  them  or  theire  Assignes  either  to  them  together  or  to  each 
part  or  Share  one  thousand  acres  there  being  eight  shares  and  a 
quarter  in  yt  Divicion. 

3.  That  a memorandum  be  kept  that  the  charge  expended  about 
this  divicion  hath  binn  twenty  pounds 

4ly.  Whereas  In  the  first  divicion  laid  out  to  mr  Gardiner  & 
Thomas  Lake  there  is  much  lands  in  the  Possession  of  strawbery 
bancke  which  is  Still  in  differenc  That  the  Court  will  Impowre 
some  Comissioners  wth  full  power  to  end  all  differences  whatsoever 
betweene  the  said  Toune  of  strawberry  bancke  and  owners  as  also 
Betweene  Hampton  & them  the  said  Owners  of  the  first  Divicion  : 

Signed  Thomas  wiggin 

t Thomas  Lake 

The  Courte  judgeth  it  meete  to  Accept  the  surrender  here  ex- 
prest  and  doe  Graunt  the  Peticioners  fower  thousand  one  hundred 
twenty  & five  Acres  wth  what  els  is  desired  in  their  surrender  And 
Orders  that  major  william  Hawthorne  mr  william  Bartholomew  and 
mr  Sammell  Hall  shall  and  heereby  are  Impowred  and  Author- 
ized by  the  Gennerall  Court  as  Comissioners  to  treate  wth  the  In- 
habitants of  Hampton  & strawbery  bancke  & on  a full  hearing  to 
determine  and  Conclude  what  they  Judge  meete  to  be  given  by  the 
Tounes  and  Accepted  of  by  the  persons  and  make  theire  retourne 
to  the  next  Court  who  are  to  be  Allowed  for  theire  paines  at  the 
charg  of  the  parties  : 

* This  section  is  again  entered  May  22,  1656,  and  the  amount  is  given  as  4125  acres. 


APPENDIX. 


861 


\_Exeter.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  15,  1667.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Exiter  humbly  crav- 
ing the  favour  of  this  Court  to  grant  them  an  Enlargement  on  the 
backside  of  their  Toune  west  & by  north  tenn  miles  and  that  mr 
wiggin  dwelling  in  Swampscot  may  Contribute  to  the  publicke 
maintenance  of  the  ministry  here  Itt  is  ordered  that  Cap1  Richard 
Walderne  Cap1  Robert  Pike  & mr  samuell  Dalton  as  a Comittee 
shall  & hereby  are  appointed  to  veiw  the  land  desired  by  the 
peticioners  & make  their  report  to  the  next  Court  & as  for  that  part 
of  their  peticion  referring  to  Swampscot  the  Court  referrs  them  to 
a former  order  of  this  Court 


[. Petition  of  John  Gilman  of  Exeter,  i668.~\ 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  186.] 

John  Gillman  of  Exetter  on  ye  behalfe  of  the  sayd  toune  is  bould 
Humbly  to  Motion  to  this  Much  Honourd  Court  that  thay  woold 
please  to  take  into  Consideratio11  the  Cause  of  Exetter  in  Reference 
to  ye  Confirmation  of  or  touneship  with  ye  bounds  of  it  yor  honnord 
Court  May  please  to  Remembr  ye  petition  which  was  assented  to 
by  ye  house  of  deputys  but  past  Not  with  ye  honourd  Majestrats  : 
therfore  My  suplicatio11  is  that  this  Honoured  Court  will  please  to 
Carry  on  ye  Matter  that  wee  May  by  them  bee  Confirmed  in  that 
which  wee  Humbly  Conceive  to  bee  or  Just  Right  as  a touneship  : 
or  Resons  are  (1)  our  purchase  of  ye  Natives  (2)  or  paying  Rates 
& all  charges  heer  as  also  our  Willing  [illegible]  & submission  to 
the  Massathusets  government  all  which  (wee  Question  Not)  will 
Move  this  honourd  Court  soe  to  take  Care  of  us  as  a touneship  that 
wee  may  be  incorraged  to  or  duty  in  Matters  publike,  by  that 
which  Confirms  us  to  be  poseest  of  as  above  (viz)  the  Establish- 
ment of  or  toune  bounds  by  the  authoritie  of  the  Honoured  Generali 
Courte  : I submit  Myself  to  yor  wise  & Considerat  Resolution  I 
subscribe  My  selfe  yorB  in  all  duty  : 

this  30th  Aprill  1668 — John  Gillman 

as  imployed  by  the  said  Towne 

I John  Wheelwright  pastor  of  ye  church  att  Salisbury  doe  testifie 

y1  when  I wth  others  first  came  to  sitt  downe  at  Exiter,  we  pur- 


862 


APPENDIX. 


chased  of  ye  Indians  to  whom  (so  farr  as  wee  could  learne)  ye  right 
did  belonge  a certaine  tract  of  land  about  thirty  miles  square  to 
runne  from  Merimack  river  eastward  & so  up  into  ye  Contry  of 
wcb  [tract]  wee  had  a grant  in  writing  signed  by  them 

John  Wheelwright 

April  15  1668  Mr  Edward  Colcord  testifieth  to  all  above  written 
& farther  saith  y4  on  [torn]  therly  bound  mentioned  in  or  agreem4 
wth  wehohnonowett  ye  cheife  Sagamore  [torn]  ye  westerly  point  of 
Oyster  River  called  by  ye  Indians  shankhassick  which  [torn]  — ut 
fower  mile  northerly  beyond  Lampereele  River  : 

Wee  ye  abovesd  wittnesses  doe  farther  testifie  y4  they  of  ye  towne 
of  Exiter  di — [torn]  of  & possess  divers  parcells  of  lands  about 
Lamperell  river  by  ye  virtu  of  or  [torn]  before  such  time  as  it  was 
actually  taken  in  by  ye  Jurisdicc’on  of  ye  Massechusetts  [torn]  in- 
teruption  of  Dover  or  any  other 

Mr.  Sam  : Dudley  doth  testifie  y4  hee  did  see  ye  agreem4  in  writ- 
ing between  [ye]  towne  of  Exiter  & the  Sagamores  for  that  land 
wch  is  above  Mentioned  [torn]  Sagamores  hands  to  ye  same : 
Sworne  before  ye  Court  held  at  Salisbury  ye  14th  2d  m°  1668 

Tho  : Bradbury  [torn] 

This  is  a true  Copie  of  or  originall  now  on  file  wth  ye  Courts 
Records  as  attests 

Tho  : Bradbury  recd 


\Exeter.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  27,  1668.] 

Wee,  whose  names  are  here  unto  subscribed  being  Appointed  by 
the  Honoured  Generali  Court  to  view  & Consider  of  the  bounds  of 
the  Touneship  of  Exetur  & to  makereturne  to  the  next  sessions  of 
the  Court  two  of  us  having  taken  a survey  of  the  lands  about  their 
Toune  & the  bounds  of  other  Tounes  adjacent  wee  whose  names  are 
under  written  doe  judge  that  the  bounds  of  the  toune  of  Exetur 
shall  extend  northward  to  Lamperele  River  & from  the  first  fall  in 
Lamper  Eele  River  sixe  miles  upon  a west  & by  North  line  ad- 
joyning  to  Dover  bounds  as  they  are  laid  out  & Confirmed  & then 
two  miles  further  upon  the  same  point  of  the  Compas,  that  to  be 
their  North  bounds  & from  the  ffoote  of  exetur  falls  by  the  present 
Greist  milne  a mile  & a halfe  due  South  to  Hampton  bounds  & from 
that  South  point  to  runne  upon  a west  & by  north  line  tenn  miles 


APPENDIX. 


863 


into  the  woods  adjoyning  to  Hampton  bounds  that  to  be  their  south 
bounds  & so  from  the  end  of  that  line  upon  a streight  line  over  the 
land  to  meete  wth  the  other  line  on  the  north  y*  extendeth  from 
Dover  bounds  that  to  be  their  head  line  westward ; & Quampscot 
patent  to  be  their  east  bounds. 

by  us — Samuell  Dalton 

Dated  ye  8th  of  the  8 m°  1667.  Richard  Walderne 

Though  I Could  not  by  reason  of  streightnes  of  time  make  a full 
veiw  of  all  the  lands  above  mentioned  yet  from  what  I doe  know  of 
it  together  wth  that  Information  that  I have  had  of  those  that  doe 
well  know  of  the  quality  of  the  rest  of  the  land  doe  Judge  that  the 
bounds  above  mencioned  may  be  Just  & Reasonable  & doe  Concurr 
in  Subscription 

Rob*  Pike 

In  Answer  to  the  desier  of  John  Gilman  in  behalfe  of  the  Toune 
of  Exetur  for  setling  the  bounds  of  their  Toune  it  is  Ordered  that 
Exetur  bounds  be  stated  & setled  according  to  the  above  Returne 
of  mr  Richard  Walderne  mr  Samuell  Dalton  & Cap*  Robert  Pike 
who  were  appointed  a Comittee  by  ye  Generali  Court  the  8th  of  the 
8 m°  1667,  Provided  that  all  pine  trees  fitt  for  masts  wch  are  twenty 
fower  Inches  diameter  & upwards  wthin  three  foote  of  the  Ground 
that  grow  above  three  miles  from  their  meeting  house  where  it  now 
stands  in  any  place  within  the  bounds  of  the  said  Toune  are  hereby 
reserved  for  the  publick  and  ifany  person  or  persons  shall  presume 
to  fall  doune  any  such  pine  tree  fitt  for  masts  he  or  they  shall  for- 
feit tenn  pounds  for  every  tree  the  one  halfe  to  the  Informer  & the 
other  halfe  to  the  publicke  treasury  of  the  Countey  Provided  also 
that  this  grant  unto  the  Toune  of  Exiter  shall  not  Infringe  mr 
Samuell  Symonds  in  his  grant  of  two  hundred  & fifty  acres  of  land 
formerly  granted — 


\_Petition  in  Regard  to  Exeter  Bounds  iyoi .] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  33.] 

To  the  honourable  The  Leiutenant  Governour  and  commander  in 
cheife  and  the  council. 

We  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  select  men  of  the 
town  of  Exeter,  do  in  the  behalfe  of  the  inhabitants  of  sd  town 
humbly  petition,  that  your  honours  would  grant  that  the  bounds 
of  our  township  may  begin  at  brandy  rock  and  run  from  thence  on 


, 


APPENDIX. 


86S 


[Report  of  Committee  on  Exeter  Lines , iyy.2C\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  127.] 

province  of  > We  the  Subscribers  being  appointed  a Com- 
Newhampsher  $ ity  by  ye  Generali  Assembly  at  their  Last 
Session  Sep1  ye  17th  1742  to  Run  and  mark  out  ye  Boundary  Lines 
Betwen  Exeter  old  parish  and  Newmarket  and  Betwen  Exeter 
old  parish  and  Brintwood 

Accordingly  we  have  Run  and  marked  out  Said  Boundary 
Lines  as  follows 

Begining  at  Exeter  Solt  River  on  ye  South  Side  of  Magr  Nic- 
olas Gillmans  farme  agreable  to  a vote  of  ye  Town  of  Exeter  for  a 
Dividing  Line  betwen  Sd  Exeter  and  Newmarket  And  from  Said 
Solt  River  Runing  W N W four  miles  Betwen  Exeter  old  parish 
and  Newmarket  to  a Elme  tree  marked  on  four  Sides  And  from  sd 
Elme  tree  Runing  South  betwen  Exeter  old  parish  and  Brintwood 
Crossing  patucawoy  Road  Between  mr  Nathaniel  Websters  Hous 
and  mr  Judkenses  Hows  Leaving  sd  Websters  Hows 

on  yQ  west  and  sd  Judkenses  on  ye  Est  Continueing  sd  South  Corce 
to  Exeter  fresh  River  to  a Stone  fixte  in  the  Ground  34  Rods 
South  77  Deg"  Este  from  a Rock  at  ye  tail  of  pick  pocket  mill  so 
Colld  And  from  the  afore  Said  Stone  Runing  up  sd  fresh  River 
half  a mile  to  a alme  tree  marked  on  four  sides  and  from  sd  alme 
tree  Runing  South  to  a Large  Rock  on  Exeter  Grate  hill  so  cold 
in  ye  Highway  y1  Leads  from  Exeter  to  Kingstown  neere  ye  Boun- 
dary Line  betwen  Exeter  and  Kingstown  whare  sd  Highway  parts 
one  Highway  Leading  to  Kingstown  the  other  to  whitepine  plain 
so  cold  And  this  Return  we  make  this  30th  Day  of  September  1742 
with  a plan  of  ye  above  written  Lines 

Ichabod  Robie  ^ 

John  Sanburn  > Comity 
Nath11  Henley  ) 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  9r  25th  1742  the  above  Return 
was  Read  : and  Voted  Accepted 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

Province  of  New  Hampr  November  25th  1742 — 

The  within  Vote  of  the  House  Read  & Concurrd 

Theodore  Atkinson  Sec17 

Eodem  Die  Assented  to  B Wentworth 


54 


866 


APPENDIX. 


[. Bound-Mark  between  Dover  and  Exeter , /750.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  153.] 

1750  May  29th  the  Committees  Which  was  Chosen  by  Dover 
Durham  nottingham  Barrington  and  Rochester  for  to  Settle  Dover 
head  line  Met  at  the  Red  Oak  which  was  formerly  Stated  and  fixd 
By  the  Committee  Chosen  By  the  General  Court — Which  Lieu4 
Robert  Burnum  and  Mr  Daniel  Davis  made  Oath  Before  Sam1 
Smith  Esq1'  Joshua  Pierce  Esqr  Peter  Gilman  Esqr  Three  of  his 
Majesties  Justices  of  Peace  That  they  seen  said  Committee  State 
& Fix  Said  tree  for  the  Bound  mark  Between  Dover  & Exeter  By 
Cutting  the  Letter  D for  Dover  & the  Letter  E for  Exeter  all 
Which  the  Said  Lieu4  Robert  Burnum  & Mr  Daniel  Davis  appear- 
ed Personally  & made  Oath  that  the  Seen  the  Committee  Mark 
Said  Tree — 

Samuel  Smith  Esqr  Edward  Hall  Esqr 

Joshua  Pierce  Esqr  Cap*  Jonathan  Thomson 

Captain  Jonathan  Chesle  mr  Tasker 

Cap4  Kate  MrJohn  Mackmath 

Mr  Ebenezer  Smith  Committee 


[Hampton  and  Colchester .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  13,  1640.] 

mr  Edward  Woodman,  mr  Willi : Paine,  & mr  Thom  : Nelson  are 
appointed  to  viewe,  & settle  the  bounds  between  Hampton  and  Cole- 
chester,  & to  make  return  to  the  courte. 


\Hamj)ton  and  Colchester .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  7,  1640.] 

Wee,  whose  names  are  under  written  according  to  the  order  of 
the  generall  court,  have  taken  viewe  of  the  bounds  of  Hampton,  & 
Colechester,  according  to  or  best  light  by  or  discovery,  & from  in- 
formation of  both  the  townes,  wee  judge  it  most  equall  that  the  line 
begining  at  Hampton  ryver  mouth,  runing  from  thence,  so  as  to 
leave  mr  Bachilers  farme  layde  out  in  Hampton  bounds,  & from 


/i] 


P.  228.] 


APPENDIX. 


867 


the  southerlist  line  of  mr  Bachilers  farme  the  line  to  extend  wester- 
ly between  Colechester,  & Hampton,  the  same  point  of  the  compas 
that  merrimack  ryver  runes,  from  the  mouth  to  the  end  of  Colechest- 
er bounds 

Septembr  24,  1640  Thom  : Nelson 

Willi : Paine 
Edward  Woodman  :/ 


[Hampton.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  13,  1651.] 

Itt  is  Ordered  by  this  Court  that  Mr  Samuell  winslow  Mr  Wm 
Paine  Mr  Samuell  Hall  and  Mr  Thomas  Bradbury  or  any  three  of 
them  shall  be  comissioners  to  lay  out  the  northermost  line  of 
Hampton  toward  Pascataqe  River. 


[Hampton. 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  22,  1651.] 

Its  Ordered  by  this  Court  that  Mr  Samuel  winslow  mr  wm  Payne 
mr  Samuel  Hall  & Mr  Thomas  Bradbury  shalbe  Commissiono18  or 
any  three  of  them  to  lay  out  the  Northermost  line  of  Hampton 
towards  Pascataq : River 


[. Hampton  and  Exeter. 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  14,  1651.] 

Uppon  the  request  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Hampton  Mr  Samuel 
Winslow  mr  Tho  : Bradbury  & Leiu1  Pike  or  any  Two  of  them  are 
appoynted  Commissiono”  to  Lay  out  the  west  End  of  their  Toune 
Line  towards  Exeter  ^vided,  that  Exeter  have  timely  notice  of 
the  time  when  it  is  to  be  done  to  the  end  they  may  have  Librtie  to 
make  theire  objections  which  s’d  Commissiono"  shall  make  returne 
thereof  to  the  next  courte  of  Election 


868 


APPENDIX. 


[. Bounds  of  Hamfton,  i6^2.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  i.J 

Att  a Generali  Courtt  Held  att  Boston  26th  may  1652 
The  Courtt  Approved  of  the  Com’itties  Returne  Here  Under 
written  Respecting  the  north  line  of  Hampton  bounds  so  as  itt  In- 
trench nott  on  any  fformer  Grantts  Wee  whose  names  are  Here 
Under  written  being  appointed  by  ye  Generali  Courtt  to  lay  outt  ye 
northermost  line  of  Hampton  Bounds  towards  pascataway  have 
Determined  thatt  the  north  line  shall  Extend  five  mile  from  Hamp- 
ton Meeting  House  & from  thence  Upon  an  East  line  to  the  sea, 
and  with  the  westerly  line  Untill  they  Come  within  two  miles  of 
Exeturs  presentt  meeting  House,  and  the  Rest  of  the  line  which 
is  to  Extend  as  fare  as  Salisburie  Bounds  wee  leave  to  further  Con- 
sideration Syned  Samuel  Winslow  Samuel  Hall  Tho  Bradbury 
Thatt  this  is  a true  Copie  taken  outt  of  ye  Courtts  Records  Attests 

Edward  Rawson  Secret17 
This  is  a true  Coppie  Compared  by  me 

Samuell  Dalton  Com’issnr 


[Hampton . ] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  27*  1652.] 

Mr  Thomas  Bradbury  mr  Samuell  Winslow  & Samuel  Hull,  be- 
inge  appoynted  as  Commissiono"  to  lay  out  the  Northermost  Line  of 
Hampton  Boundes  towards  Pascataq  have  determined  that  the  North 
Line  shall  extend  five  miles  from  Hampton  meeting  house  & from 
thence  uppon  an  East  Line  to  the  sea,  & with  the  westerly  Line 
untill  they  come  within  Two  miles  of  Exeter  prsent  meetinge  howse, 
& the  rest  of  the  Line  which  was  to  extend  as  farr  as  Salsbury 
boundes  they  left  to  further  consideration,  Subscribed,  wth  there 
hands.  6:8:51. 

The  Court  haveing  ^used  this  returne  of  the  commissiono"  ap- 
prove of  what  they  have  done  respecting  the  laying  out  of  the 
bounds  of  Hampton  aforesd  ^vided  it  intrench  not  on  any  former 
graunt  mr  Samuel  Winslow  mr  Thomas  Bradbury  & Leiu*  Robert 
Pike  being  appoynted  to  Lay  out  the  west  end  of  Hampton  Bounds 
uppon  theire  request  have  liberty  graunted  them  till  the  next  session 
of  this  court  to  accomplish  the  court  order  therein 


APPENDIX. 


869 


\^Hamj)ton  and  Exeter,  j 
[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  30,  1651.] 

Uppon  the  request  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  Hampton  Mr  Samuel 
winslow  Mr  Thomas  Bradbury,  and  Left  Rob1  Pike  or  any  two  of 
them  are  Appointed  Comissioners  to  lay  out  the  west  end  of  their 
Toune  Lyne  towards  Exetur  and  to  make  Retourne  thereof  to  the 
next  Court  of  Eleccion  Provided  Exetur  have  timely  notice  of  the 
time  when  it  is  to  be  donne  to  ye  end  they  may  have  liberty  to  make 
their  objeccions 


[. Hampton . ] 

[Mass.  Archives,  Vol.  112,  p.  42.] 

Att  a Generali  Court  of  Election  the  26th  May  1652 

It  is  ordered  that  Samuell  Winsley  Thomas  Bradbury  and 
Robert  Pike  shall  have  further  Libertie  to  lay  out  the  West  end 
of  Hampton  bounds  till  the  next  Sessions  of  this  Court 

This  is  a true  Coppie  taken  out  of  the  Court  Record 

Edward  Rawson  Secre’ty 

This  not  being  done  the  Deputyes  think  meet  to  give  the  com- 
mission” time  to  lay  the  out  sd  bounds  till  the  court  of  Election  & 
desir  or  honor  magists  Consent  hereunto 

William  Torrey  Cleric 

Consented  to  by  the  magists  Edw  Rawson  Secre’ty 


[ ' Hampton. 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1652.] 

Itt  is  ordered,  that  Samuell  winsly,  Thomas  Bradbury  and 
Robert  Pike  shall  have  further  libertie  to  lay  out  ye  west  end  of 
Hampton  bounds,  till  ye  next  sessions  of  this  Courte. 


870 


APPENDIX. 


[Hamfiton . ] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  26,  1652.] 

Itt  is  Ordered,  that  Samuell  winsly  Thomas  Bradbury  and  Rob4 
Pike  shall  have  further  liberty  as  a Committee  to  lay  out  the  west 
end  of  Hampton  Bounds  till  the  next  Court  of  Election 


[Ham fit  on. ~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  31,  1652.] 

The  Court  Approoves  of  the  Comittees  Retuorne  heereunder  writ- 
ten Respecting  the  north  lyne  of  Hampton  bounds  so  as  it  Intrench 
not  on  any  former  Graunt  Wee,  whose  names  are  heereunder  written 
being  Appointed  by  the  Gennerall  Courte  to  lay  out  the  northermost 
line  of  Hampton  bounds  towards  Pascataquake  have  determined 
that  the  north  line  shall  extend  five  miles  from  Hampton  meeting 
howse  and  from  thence  uppon  an  East  line  to  the  sea  and  wth  the 
westerlie  lyne  untill  they  come  wthin  two  miles  of  Exciters  present 
meeting  house  and  the  rest  of  the  line  which  is  to  extend  as  farr  as 
Salisbury  bounds  wee  leave  to  farther  consideration. 

Samuell  winslow 
Samuell  Hall 
Tho  : Bradbury 


[. Bounds  of  Hamfiton, 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  7.] 

Att  a Generali  Court  held  att  Boston  the  18th  of  may  1653 
It  is  ordred  that  Mr  Samuel  Winslow  Mr  Thomas  Bradbury  and 
left  Robert  Pike  Shall  Have  ffother  libertie  to  lay  out  ye  west  End 
of  Hampton  Bounds  till  ys  next  session  of  this  Court  This  is  a tru 
Copie  of  ye  Court  order  Edward  Rawson  Secretary 

Vera  Copia  as  it  stand  Recorded  in  Hampton  Towne  Booke 
Attest  Henry  Dow  Clerke 

[Entered  in  Mass.  Court  Records,  May  18,  1653.] 

Att  a Generali  Court  Held  att  Boston  ye  30th  August  1653  : 

In  Answer  to  the  request  of  the  deputie  of  Hampton  It  is  Ordered 


APPENDIX. 


871 


that  the  return  of  the  Comissioners  appointed  to  lay  the  west 
End  of  Hampton  bounds  Shall  be  recorded  which  this  Court  ap- 
proves of  and  is  as  ffolowith 

Wee  Whose  names  are  here  under  Written  being  Chosen  by  ye 
Generali  Court  to  lay  out  the  West  End  of  Hampton  Bounds  upon 
our  best  informatione  Have  Concluded  that  ye  West  Line  shall 
runne  ffrom  the  Extent  of  the  line  fformerly  agreed  upon  to  Come 
within  two  miles  of  Exeter  Meeting  House  upon  a direct  line  to 
that  part  of  Ass  Brooke  Where  the  Highway  goes  Over  And  ffrom 
thence  upon  a direct  line  So  as  to  leave  Exeter  ffalls  a mile  and  a 
half  due  north  of  the  same  and  ffrom  thence  upon  a west  and  be 
North  line  as  ffarr  as  the  utmost  Extent  of  Salisbury  That  was  we 
intend  the  ffall  att  the  Towne  Bridg  : Samuell  Winslow  Thomas 

Bradbury  Robert  Pike 

This  is  a tru  Copie  taken  out  of  the  Courts  Booke  of  Records  as 
Attest 

Edward  Rawson  Secretary 

Vera  Copia  as  it  stand  Recorded  in  Hampton  Towne  Booke 

As  attest  Henry  Dow  Clerke 


\_Hampton.~] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Aug.  30,  1653.] 

Mr  Samuell  Winsley  mr  Tho  : Bradbury  & mr  Robt  Pyke  being 
Chosen  by  the  gen  : Court  to  lay  out  the  west  ends  of  hampton 
bounds  uppon  their  best  information  have  Concluded  That  their 
west  Lyne  shall  run  from  the  extent  of  the  Lyne  formerly  agreed 
on  to  Come  within  two  miles  of  Exeter  meetinge  howse  uppon  a 
Direct  Lyne  to  that  pt  of  Alse  brooke  where  the  high  way  goes 
over  & from  thence  uppon  a direct  Lyne  so  as  to  leave  Exeter 
ffalls  at  ye  towne  bridge  a mile  & a halfe  due  north  of  the  same,  & 
from  thence  uppon  a west  & by  north  Lyne  as  far  at  the  uttmost 
extent  of  Salsbury  bounds  that  way  Their  names  were  subscribed. 


\_Hampton.~\ 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Sept.  10,  1653.] 

In  Ansr  to  ye  Request  of  the  deputy  of  Hampton  Itt  is  ordered 


872 


APPENDIX. 


that  the  Retourne  of  the  Comissioners  Appointed  to  lay  out  the 
west  end  of  Hampton  bounds  shall  be  Recorded  which  this  Court 
Approoves  of  & is  as  followeth  Wee  whose  names  are  heereunder 
written  being  chosen  by  the  Gennerall  Court  to  lay  out  the  west 
end  of  Hampton  bounds  uppon  or  best  Informacion  have  Conclud- 
ed that  the  west  line  shall  runne  from  the  extent  of  the  line  for- 
merly Agreed  uppon  to  come  wthin  two  miles  of  Exitur  meeting 
howse  uppon  a direct  line  to  that  parte  of  Asse  Brooke  where  the 
high  way  goes  over  and  from  thence  uppon  a direct  line  so  as  to 
leave  Exitur  Falls  a mile  & halfe  due  north  of  the  same  and  from 
thence  uppon  a west  & by  north  line  as  farr  as  the  utmost  extent 
of  Salisbury  bounds  that  way,  wee  intend  the  falls  at  the  Towne 
bridge. 

Sam  : Winsley 
Tho8  Bradbury 
Robert  Pyke 


[Hampton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  23,  1655.] 

Whereas  there  hath  bin  a diffrence  between  Hampton  & Sals- 
bury  about  Running  of  the  Line  betwixt  them  according  to  the 
Returne  It  is  therefore  Ordered  that  mr  Edward  Woodman  & 
Mathew  Boyce  are  appoynted  a Committee  & Impowred  to  goe 
on  the  place  & determine  the  way  of  explanation  where  the  direct 
Line  shall  Run  betwixt  them  & what  shalbe  done  by  them  or  any 
two  of  them  to  be  returned  under  their  hands  to  this  Court  in  May 
next  wch  shalbe  a final  issue  betweene  them 


[. Hampton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  13,  1655.] 

Whereas  there  hath  binn  a difference  betweene  Hampton  and 
Salisbury  about  runing  the  line  betwixt  them  according  to  the  Re- 
tourne Itt  is  therefore  Ordered  that  mr  wm  Paine  mr  Edward  Wood- 
man and  mr  Mathew  Boies  are  Appointed  a Comittee  & Impowered 
to  goe  on  ye  place  and  determine  by  way  of  explanation  where 
the  direct  line  shall  runne  betweene  them  and  what  shall  be  donne 
by  them  or  any  two  of  them  : retourned  under  theire  hands  to  this 
Court  in  may  next  shall  be  a finall  Issue  betweene  them  :/ 


APPENDIX. 


873 


[. Hampton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  14,  1656.] 

In  Answer  to  the  petition  of  the  Toune  of  Hampton  ffor  more 
full  satisfaction  and  for  prevention  of  further  discord  betweene  the 
Tounes  of  Salisbury  & Hampton  It  is  ordered  that  mr  Samuell 
Dudley  wth  the  former  Comittee  or  any  two  of  them  shall  Againe 
Consider  of  the  Case  and  heere  the  Allegations  of  both  parties  and 
present  a retourne  with  a Plat  drawne  & signed  by  Some  Artist  at 
the  next  session  of  this  Court  with  theire  full  determination  & ex- 
planation of  the  line  betweene  the  said  Tounes  ye  Chardg  thereof 
to  be  borne  by  Hampton  : 


\^Hampton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May,  1656.] 

In  answer  to  the  petition  of  the  Towne  of  Hampton  for  Settleinge 
of  the  boundes  betwixt  them  and  Salsbury  This  Court  orders  for  a 
more  full  satisfaction  & prventing  of  further  discord  between  the 
Townes  That  the  former  Committee  or  any  Two  of  them  Together 
wth  mr  Dudley  doe  agayne  Consider  of  the  Case  & here  the  Alega- 
tions  of  both  ^tyes  & prsent  a returne  with  a plat  drawne  & signed 
by  som  Artist  at  the  next  session  of  this  Court  with  their  full  deter- 
minate11 & explanation  of  the  line  between  the  sd  Townes  & the 
Charges  to  be  borne  by  Hampto11  only 


\_Hamj>ton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  14,  1656.] 

There  having  bin  heretofore  an  order  of  this  Court  appoyntinge 
severall  commission13  to  settle  the  bounds  betweene  Hampton  & 
Salsbury  which  is  not  yet  effected  the  sd  Commissiono13  not  ap- 
pearinge  that  a finall  Issue  may  be  put  thereunto  this  Court  doth 
appoynt  Cap1  Brian  Pendleton  mr  George  Gittens  Robt  Lord  & 
ensign  Howlett  or  any  three  of  them,  to  settle  all  differences  be- 
tween the  two  townes  in  reference  to  their  bounds  according  to  the 
last  order  of  this  Gen11  Court  makeing  their  returne  to  the  next 
Courte  of  election 


874 


APPENDIX. 


[Hampton  and  Salisbury .] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  6,  1657.] 

In  answer  to  the  pet.  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Salsbury,  in  reffer- 
ence  to  the  settling  of  the  bounds  between  Hampton  & them  the 
Court  hath  Nominated  Lieu4  John  Applton  mr  Joseph  Metcalfe  & 
mr  Wm  Bartholomew  of  Ipswich  Nic°  Noyce  & Daniel  Pearce  of 
Newbery  who  are  hereby  empowred  as  Commissior8  to  act  in  this 
case  according  to  former  orders  of  Court  & whatsoever  they  or  ye 
major  pt  of  them  shall  conclude  in  refference  to  the  sd  bounds 
mentioned  in  this  pet.  to  stand  firme  & good  divided  that  Cap4  Nic° 
Shapleigh  of  Charles  Towne  be  ^ cured  by  the  ^tyes  to  assist  the 
Commissiono'3  in  drawing  out  a plott  & runing  the  line  according 
to  their  direction  the  Charg  of  the  Commission  to  be  borne  equally 
by  both  Townes  & the  artist  to  be  payd  by  Salsbury  only  & that  a 
True  returne  be  made  of  what  is  done  herein  to  the  next  session  of 
this  Court  to  be  ratifyed  & Confirmed 


[Report  of  Committee  on  Line  between  Hampton  and  Salisbury , 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  9.] 

Att  a Second  session  of  ye  Generali  Couttt  began  in  October 

i657 

wee  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed  being  appointed  by 
the  Gen11  Courtt  to  Consider  & to  Determin  the  Bounds  betwixt  y® 
two  townes  of  Hampton  & Salisburie  wee  Haveing  bin  upon  y® 
lands  in  Difference  between  the  sd  Townes,  and  haveing  heard  ye 
Alligations  on  both  sides  Doe  acording  to  or  best  understanding 
Determine  after  Due  observations  of  all  former  orders  as  followeth 
Viz  that  ye  bounds  between  the  two  townes  towards  the  sea  is  to  bee 
upon  a Straight  line  begining  att  ye  middle  of  Hampton  Rivers 
mouth,  and  Runing  Upwards  Unto  a marked  tree  being  & stand- 
ing att  y®  upermost  Corner  of  y®  farme  Conronly  Called  mr 
Bacheldors  farme  the  sd  line  to  Runn  : Upon  a west  north  west 
point  of  the  Compas  nearest  & the  sd  line  being  so  Runn  by  both 
Townes  & marked  outt  According  as  Capt  Shapligh  hath  drawn 
the  plott,  wee  Agree  upon  Consideration  of  all  pleas,  thatt  the 
Towne  of  Salisburie  shall  have  & Enjoy  Thirty  Acres  of  marsh  on 


APPENDIX. 


875 


the  north  side  of  ye  sayd  line  towards  Hampton  att  ye  lower  End  of 
ye  sd  line  to  bee  layd  outt  by  both  Townes  and  Adjoyning  to  the 
line,  also  for  ye  Uper  line  into  the  woods,  wee  Determin  y‘  thatt  ye 
line  shall  Runn  from  ye  marked  tree  before  mentioned  upon  a west 
& by  north  line  Nearest  Acording  as  Capt  Shaply  both  Given  in 
the  line  of  the  Trending  of  merimack  River  the  which  we  Con- 
clude to  bee  the  Bounds  between  the  two  townes  Unto  theire 
Utmost  Exteentt  towards  Haverell ; wee  Doe  further  Declare  thatt 
whatt  marsh  the  Towne  of  Salisburie  Hath  layd  outt  to  Anie  of 
their  Inhabitants  y*  shall  fall  within  the  line  above  mentioned 
towarde  Hampton  they  shall  Injoy  and  so  much  more  as  shall 
make  Up  the  whole  thirty  Acres  to  bee  Layd  outt  below  y®  pro- 
prietors is  there  to  bee  found  or  else  Above  Joyning  to  ye  line,  and 
this  wee  Give  as  or  Determination  to  the  busines  to  us  Com’itted 
Concerning  the  prmises 

Witnes  o Hands  : 3th  Day  of  ye  fift  month — 1657 
John  Appleton  : Joseph  Methcalfe  [Metcalf] 

w :m  Bartholomew  : Daniell  Peirce 

The  Court  Approves  of  the  Returne  of  these  Com’issinr3  in 
RefFerenc  to  the  bounds  before  mentioned  & orders  itt  to  stand  as 
a finall  Determination  of  y*  Case  which  hath  bin  so  long  in  Con- 
troversy— This  is  A true  Coppie  as  itt  stands  Recorded  in  yr  Gen- 
erali Courtt  Records 

Compard  ^ Samuell  Dalton 
[Entered  in  Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  23.,  1657.] 


\_Hampton  Committe  on  JVew  Castle  Petition , i6g^C\ 

[Mss.  “Prov.  Boundaries,”  p.  14.] 

Att  a Legall  meetting  of  the  ffreholders  of  Hampton  May  the 
20th  1695  Called  by  Authoritie 

2Jy  Captn  Henry  Dow  and  Leiutnt  Christepher  Palmer  were 
Chosen  by  the  Major  Voat  to  goe  to  New  Castle  in  Obeadience 
to  and  order  Received  fFrom  the  Honourable  The  leiutnt  Governour 
and  Councill  to  shew  our  reasons  why  we  are  not  Willing  The 
Petition  of  New  Castell  should  be  granted  And  we  doe  give  unto 
them  the  Sayd  Captn  Dow  & Leiutnt  Palmer  ffull  power  to  act  in 
our  behalf  Concerning  the  above  mentioned  according  to  their 
descretion  voted 

vera  Copia  taken  out  of  Hampton  Towne  Booke 

As  Attest  Henry  Dow  Clerk 


876 


APPENDIX. 


[. Draft  of  Commission  to  Run  Line , iyoiS\ 

[Mss.  “Prov.  Boundaries,”  p.  io.] 

Whereas  ye  U Govr  & Councill  were  pleased  to  appoint  a Com- 
ittee  to  run  several  lines  Between  Portsm0  Hampton  & Exeter  in 
order  to  ye  Settlem1  of  the  Towns  bounds,  & Whereas  ye  ffive  mile 
north  line  from  Hampton  Meeting  house  was  never  yet  Setled  to 
ye  Satisfaction  of  all  ^ties  concernd  These  are  therefore  to  Auth- 
orize & Appoint  you  Majr  Wm  Vaughan  Cap1  Jn°  Pickerin  & Cap1 
Tobias  Langdon  or  in  either  of  yor  Absence  m>-  Jn°  Dennet,  of 
Portsm0  & of  Hampton  to  run  y®  Line  aforesd 

& in  order  thereto  to  meet  on  Monday  next  being  ye  28th  Curr11  by 
Eight  a clock  in  ye  Morning  at  ye  meeting  house  in  Hampton  & 
thence  take  yor  Departure  Due  north  untill  5 mile  be  ended  & 
fforthw01  make  return  & yor  Doeing  herein  to  my  selfe  at  Portsm0 
Dated  this  24th  of  July  1701/ 


^Petition  in  Regard  to  Bounds  of  Hampton,  ijoi 
[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  19.] 

5th  of  August  1701 

To  the  Honourable  the  leftnt  Govenour  and  Councill  of  this  his 
Majesties  Province  of  New  Hampshere 

The  Humble  Petetion  of  Uss  Whose  Names  are  hereunto  sub- 
scribed being  the  Select  men  of  the  Toune  of  Hampton  Humbly 
shewith 

That  although  it  have  bin  for  a long  time  the  Earnist  desire  of  our 
inhabitants  and  our  Representatives  that  the  bounds  of  our  Towne 
might  be  settelled  yitt  it  was  that  it  might  be  don  as  nere  as  it 
might  be  thought  Conveniant  to  our  former  Settelment  by  the 
Generali  Court  att  Boston  And  We  are  Humbly  of  the  opinion  that 
no  perticuler  person  or  Towne  can  have  any  ffaire  Colour  to  so  much 
as  Crave  att  this  Juncture  of  time  to  Come  Within  our  antient  pos- 
sesions that  have  bin  Setteled  by  that  Court  and  We  have  possesed 
quietly  for  about  fiftie  years  as  the  orders  of  Court  make  appeare 
And  now  understanding  that  a Com’ittie  have  bin  appointed  to 
Run  a line  ffrom  Winicut  River  saw  mile  or  near  it  to  our  ould 
bound  tree  by  Ass  Brooke  Which  being  done  doe  greatly  desterb 


APPENDIX. 


877 


a great  many  of  our  inhabitants  and  Will  disquiet  all  of  them  if  it 
should  be  so  Confermed  by  your  Honours  by  Reason  severall  men 
had  land  granted  to  them  by  Hampton  the  22th  of  the  12th  month 
1669  and  layd  out  to  them  from  the  Extent  of  our  Bounds  begin- 
ing  Within  two  mils  of  Exeter  ould  Meeting  House  so  all  the  way 
to  the  sea  side  but  by  Reason  some  of  those  that  layd  it  out  died 
suddenly  before  they  had  made  ther  Return  So  that  Severall  of 
the  bounds  were  lost  and  the  Endien  Warr  Hindred  the  laying  of 
it  out  againe  for  Severall  years  att  last  Aplication  Was  made  to 
the  Towne  to  have  the  same  layd  out  againe  Which  was  done  by 
men  appointed  as  appeare  by  there  Return  upon  Record  in  our 
Towne  Booke  dated  ye  first  of  Jenuary  1699  and  Severall  of  thes 
lotts  have  bin  bought  and  Sould  and  deeds  made  of  the  same  And 
this  line  lately  Run  as  above  sayd  take  off  from  Hampton  as  it  is 
sayd  all  the  Whole  lotts  of  some  and  part  of  other  some  to  ye 
Number  of  about  40  of  those  mens  lotts  besids  4 or  5 mens  lotts  of 
Meadow  ground  Which  disquite  the  peopell  thay  fare  the  losing 
of  there  lands  now  thay  have  bin  att  such  great  Exspence  to 
defend  there  Right  Now  for  the  quieting  of  our  inhabitants  We 
are  Moved  by  Severall  of  them  Humbly  to  Pray  your  Honours 
that  the  Bounds  of  our  Towne  May  be  Confermed  according  to 
our  antient  Bounds  viz  to  Extend  five  mile  North  from  our  ould 
Meeting  House  and  from  that  North  tree  upon  a direct  line  Within 
two  Mile  of  Exeter  ould  Meeting  House  from  thence  upon  a 
direct  line  to  our  ould  bounds  by  ass  Brook  from  thence  upon  a 
direct  line  to  our  bound  tree  a mile  and  a Half  south  from  Exeter 
fals  and  then  upon  a West  & by  North  line  as  fiformerly  And  from 
our  five  mile  tree  due  North  from  the  meeting  House  to  our  ould 
bound  on  Joslings  Neck  and  that  the  Same  May  be  Confermed  by 
a law  Which  Will  be  to  the  great  Satisfaction  of  our  inhabitants 
in  Generali  and  to  us  Who  subscrib  our  Selvs  and  are  your  Hon- 
ours Most  Humble  and  dutifull  Servants 

Nath11  Weare  Morrice  Hobs 

John  Galt  Christopher  Page 

Jonathan  Philbrick  Jn°  Tucke 

Samuel  Dow  Select  men  of  Hampton 


878 


APPENDIX. 


[ Bounds  of  North  Parish  of  Hampton , iyip.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  79.] 

In  Council  May  29th  1729 — 

The  Com’ittee  appointed  to  ascertain  the  bounds  of  the  New 
Parish  at  the  north  end  of  Hampton,  made  their  return  as  fol- 
lows— 

Pro  N.  Hampr 

We  the  Subscribers  being  a Com’ittee  appointed  by  the  Gov- 
ernour  and  Council  for  to  Settle  and  ascertain  the  bounds  & 
lim’its  of  a Parish  Granted  by  the  Governour  & Council  on  May 
2d  1719  within  the  township  of  Hampton  at  the  north  end  of  Said 
Town  (viz1)  It  shall  take  its  begining  at  the  north  tree  betwixt 
Hampton  and  Portsm0  and  to  Measure  three  Miles  South  from 
Said  North  tree,  and  there  to  Make  a bound  Mark,  and  from 
thence  east  South  east  two  degrees  east  down  to  the  Sea,  and  from 
Said  bound  Mark,  three  miles  to  the  South  of  Said  North  tree 
aforesaid,  West  norwest  two  degrees  west  as  far  til  they  meet 
Hampton  line  which  runs  betwixt  Said  north  tree  and  Streatham 
line  and  the  above  boundaries  when  so  run  out  as  above  Specifyed 
is  the  bounds  of  Said  Parish  by  us  the  26th  day  of  May  1719 — 
Nich0  Gilman  Mark  Hunking 

Jn°  Gilman  Shada  Walton 

True  Copy  Richd  Waldron  Secry 

In  Council  May  2d  1719-7- 

Ordered  That  there  be  a Parish  in  the  north  part  of  Hampton, 
and  that  Mark  Hunking  Shada  Walton  Nich0  Gilman  and  John  Gil- 
Esqrs  be  a Com’ittee  to  ascertain  the  bounds  and  lim’its  of  Said 
Parish,  that  is  to  say,  between  the  old  Parish  and  the  New ; To  be 
Compleated  and  finish’d  before  the  first  tuesday  in  June  next — 

True  Copy  Richd  Waldron  Secry 


\_Bounds  of  Ham  ft  on  and  Parishes , iyjo.~] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  83.] 

9r  the  26th  1730.  In  the  house  of  Representatives  upon  the 
heareing  of  the  ^sons  Concernd  in  the  Ry  Petition  for  a line 
toward  Hampton  & upon  heareing  the  Parties  of  Ry  & 
Hampton  and  their  arguments  both  agreeing  on  the  within  Draught 
Voted  That  there  Shall  be  added  to  the  parrish  of  Rye  by  a line, 


APPENDIX. 


879 


Begining  at  David  Smiths  Lot  at  Portsmouth  line  and  to  run  West- 
ward as  Said  Smiths  Lot  Runns  the  Length  of  the  first  North 
Divission  in  Hampton  takeing  in  the  Said  Smiths  Lot  and  to  Runn 
Westward  one  Quarter  of  a Mile  towards  hampton  as  the  Lots 
Called  the  Quarter  of  a Mile  Lotts  runn  and  then  to  Runn 
Down  to  the  Sea  at  the  Westerly  End  of  the  Said  Quarter  of  a 
Mile  Lotts  Takeing  the  Jennes’s  & Philbrooks  Land  to  the  Sea: 
and  the  ^ sons  and  Estates  within  these  lines  to  belong  to  Rye  to 
all  Intents  & purposes 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

In  Hampton  old  Parish  is  nine  square  mile  & one  quarter  In 
that  Part  set  to  north  hill  is  thirteen  square  mile  In  the  Parish  of 
wri  is  five  square  mile  lacking  84  acres  In  the  gore  is  500  acres  & 
In  the  Piece  near  brekfast  hill  is  300  acres  which  being  added  to 
wri  makes  the  Paris  of  wri  to  be  Six  square  mile  & 76  acres 


88o 


APPENDIX. 


Pro  : of  New  > 

Hampshire  > Hampton  March  ye  1 6th  1729-30 
we  the  Subscribers  being  appoynted  by  the  Goverment  of  Said 
province  a Commity  to  Draw  a plan  of  the  old  parrish  of  Hamton 
and  the  North  hill  parrish  and  also  of  the  wholl  parrish  of  ry  with 
those  parsons  Told  off  from  Portsmouth  and  greenland — we  Con- 
sidering the  Exceeding  Dificolty  of  mesuaring  all  the  afor  said 
parrishes  by  reson  of  the  wett  traveling  and  shortness  of  the  time 
alowd  us — we  have  returned  this  within  plan  Drawn  by  the  best 
information  we  could  posably  procure 

Andrew  Wiggin 
William  Moore 
Nicho1  Gilman 
Barth0  Thing 

In  the  house  of  Representatives 

upon  Reconsidering  the  above  vote  voted  That  this  addition  be 
made  to  the  above  Vote  viz*  That  the  Estates  of  Joseph  Brown 
James  Fuller : Joseph  Marston  & Francis  Lock : which  Ly  in  the 
first  North  Divission  in  Hampton  Do  pay  to  the  parrish  of  Rye  all 
Taxes  thereon — 

9r  the  21th  1730  James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

In  Coun1  Novr  28  1730 

Read  and  Concurr’d  wth  ye  foregoing  Votes 

Richd  Waldron  Cler  Con 
I assent  to  the  preceding  Votes  / T Belcher 

Novr  28  : 


[Plan  of  Hamfton.  ] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  240.] 

The  Plan  of  Hampton  old  Town  and  in  it  the  old  Claim  of  North 
hill  and  also  the  Parish  of  Rye — southly  of  the  town  meeting  house 
Examined  and  tryed  and  nearly  agreeing  with  the  original  Plann 
measured  from  the  meeting  House  Southly  to  the  Main  River  at 
the  clam  banks  below  the  falls  Rivers  mouth  and  it  is  Just  one  mile 
and  Sixty  rod  agreeing  Exactly  with  the  former  Plann — and  from 
the  meeting  house  to  the  town  bridg  being  one  mile  & 20  rod 
agreeing  within  20  rod  of  the  former  Plann — and  from  the  meeting 
house  to  the  outer  point  of  the  Grate  Bores  head  the  Distance  is 


APPENDIX. 


881 


almost  two  mile — and  from  the  meeting  house  to  the  Ceaders  So 
Called  which  is  three  Trees  standing  on  sand  hills  near  the  Rivers 
mouth  is  two  mile  and  sixty  rods 

from  the  meeting  House  to  frees  house  is  one  half  of  one  mile 
and  twenty  Eight  rod — the  bredth  of  the  Marsh  from  the  upland 
southly  of  freeys  to  the  Main  River  at  the  Clam  banks  is  one  half 
of  one  mile  and  twelve  rod 


£ 


882 


APPENDIX. 


[. Petition  Relative  to  Bounds  between  Hampton  and  Rye , //j/.] 
[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  93.] 

To  His  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esq  Governour  and  Com- 
mander In  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesties  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  to  the  Honourable  the  Councel  and 
House  of  representitives  in  General  Assembly  Convened 

The  Pitition  of  the  select  men  of  Hampton  in  said  Provence  in 
behalf  of  said  Town  most  Humbly  sheweth  that  where  as  the 
General  Court  of  this  Provence  in  November  1730  Passed  the  fol- 
“ lowing  Vote  namely  That  There  shall  be  added  to  the  Parish  of 
“ Rye  by  a line  begining  att  David  Smiths  Lott  att  Portsmouth 
“ line  and  to  run  west  ward  as  said  smiths  Lott  runs  the  Length 
“ of  the  first  north  Division  in  Hampton  takeing  in  the  said  smiths 
“ Lott:  and  run  west  ward  one  Quarter  of  a mile  as  the  Lotts 
“ Called  the  Quarter  of  a mile  Lotts  run  towards  Hampton  and 
“then  to  run  Down  to  the  sea  att  the  westly  End  of  the  said 
“ Quarter  of  a mile  Lotts  takeing  in  the  Jeneses  and  Philbricks 
“ L^nd  to  the  sea  and  the  Parsons  and  Estate  within  these  Lines 
“ to  belong  to  Rye  to  all  Intents  and  purposes  and  that  the  Estats 
“ of  Joseph  Brown  : James  fuller  Joseph  marston  and  francis  Lock 
“ Do  Pay  to  the  Parish  of  Rye  all  Taxes — your  Pititioners  are 
Humbly  of  the  opinion  that  the  Parish  of  Rye  have  Extended  their 
Juresdiction  beyond  what  was  the  treu  an  Geniwine  Intent  and 
meaning  of  the  above  recited  vote — they  Presumeing  to  run  one 
Quarter  of  a mile  westly  from  the  South  westly  End  of  said 
smiths  Lott  with  out  any  regard  to  the  fore  recited  Lotts  called 
the  Quarter  of  a mile  Lotts  & then  run  Down  to  the  sea  on  such 
a Corse  as  would  take  in  all  the  Jannesses  and  Philbricks  Land 
Lett  it  Lay  where  itt  will  your  Pititioners  Are  Humbly  of  opinion 
that  there  may  some  Doubts  Arise  on  what  should  be  the  meaning 
of  those  words  in  the  fore  recited  vote — takeing  in  the  Jennesses 
and  Philbricks  Land  to  the  sea  and  that  there  is  some  Ambiguity 
in  them  which  want  An  Explanation — with  out  which  much  Ilcon- 
venecy  will  follow  the  Town  of  Hampton  haveing  already  as  well 
as  Rye  rated  the  same  Parsons  and  boath  Demanding  their  rates 
of  them  by  means  where  of  such  Parsons  Labour  under  grate  Dif- 
ficultys  and  grater  are  Like  to  Ensue  some  time  in  the  month  of 
March  Last  Benjamin  Lamprey  junr  of  said  Hampton  was  actually 
Imprisoned  by  Rye  Constable  because  he  would  not  Pay  to  Rye 
the  said  Lamprey  Liveing  a Considerable  Distance  in  upon  Hamp- 


APPENDIX. 


883 


ton  second  north  Division  south  west  ward  of  the  Quarter  of  a mile 
So  Called  your  Petitioners  are  Humbly  of  the  opinion  that  he 
ought  to  be  rated  to  Hampton  in  all  rates — and  all  other  Parsons 
and  Lands  also  being  to  the  south  west  ward  of  the  randg  of  the 
westly  Ends  of  the  fore  said  Quarter  of  a mile  Lotts  from  said 
Smith  Lott  Down  to  the  sea  Excepting  onely  that  bodey  of  Land 
owned  by  John  Jennes  and  Joseph  Philbrick  on  which  and  adjoin- 
ing to  where  they  Live — which  bodey  of  Land  your  Petitioners 
Humbly  Conseve  is  what  was  Intended  by  the  Jennesses  and 
Philbricks  Land  mentioned  in  the  fore  recited  vote — some  of  Rye 
carrie  the  matter  So  far  as  to  say  that  If  the  fore  recited  Joseph 
Brown  James  fuller  Joseph  Marston  and  Francis  Lock  should  Pur- 
chesse  Estates  or  any  other  ways  Come  by  them  in  Part  of  Hamp- 
ton that  itt  ought  to  be  rated  to  Rye  and  that  by  the  Jenesses  and 
Philbricks  is  Intend  all  of  that  name  and  that  the  Lands  belong- 
ing to  any  of  that  name  belong  to  Rye — the  Case  being  thus  your 
Petitioners  Earnestly  Pray  your  Excellency  and  the  Honourable 
Councel  and  House  of  representitives  to  take  this  Pitition  under 
Consideration  and  Explain  the  fore  recited  vote  and  what  the  Line 
is  between  Hampton  and  Rye  and  order  that  the  Parson  who  heth 
had  rates  unjustly  taken  from  him  may  have  the  same  restored  by 
them  that  Did  the  same  and  your  Pititioners  as  in  Duty  bound 
shall  Ever  Pray  Henery  Derbon  J 

Josiah  Moulton  I Select  men  of 
Jeremiah  Marston  | Sd  Hampton 
Abraham  Drake  J 

August  18th — 1737  In  the  House  of  Representatives 
the  within  Petition  Read — and  Voted  that  the  Pet1'8  Serve  the 
Selectmen  of  Rye  with  a Coppy  of  the  Petition  to  appeare  before 
the  Gen11  Assm  on  the  3d  day  of  the  sitting  of  the  General  Assm  at 
their  next  Sessions — to  shew  Cause  (if  they  Can)  why  the  Prayer 
of  the  Petition  may  not  be  granted — and  that  Daniell  ffogg  & 
Benja  Lampre  Junr  be  not  rated  by  Either  partys  till  the  affaire  be 
Ended 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 
In  Coun1  Eodm  Die  Read  and  Concurrd 

Richd  Waldron  Sec17 
Same  day  Assented  to  J Belcher 

8r  the  20th-i737~By  agreem*  of  the  Parties  this  affaire  is  Con- 
tinued to  the  third  day  of  the  Next  Sitting  of  the  Gen11  Assm 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 


884 


APPENDIX. 


November  the  15th  1738  In  the  House  of  Representatives 

The  within  Petitioners  and  the  Delegates  for  the  Parrish  of  Rye 
were  heard  by  their  Council,  and  the  House  having  Considered 
thereof : voted — that  this  is  an  Explanation  of  the  vote  of  the  Gen11 
Assembly  made  the  26th  of  9^1730:  Describing  a line  between 
hampton  and  Rye  viz*  to  begin  at  David  Smiths  Lott  at  Ports- 
mouth line  and  then  running  westward  as  Said  Smiths  lot  runs  the 
length  of  the  first  North  Division  in  Hampton,  takeing  in  the  Said 
Smiths  Lott,  and  then  running  Westward  as  the  Quarter  of  a Mile 
Lotts  runs  towards  Hampton  to  the  Westerly  End  of  Said  Lotts  as 
they  are  now  laid,  and  thence  bounding  on  the  Westerly  End  of 
Said  Quarter  of  a mile  Lotts  towards  the  Sea,  to  the  uttermost 
bounds  of  Said  Quarter  of  a Mile  Lotts,  and  to  the  Easterly  Corner 
of  the  Second  North  Divission  Lotts,  and  then  to  run  A Streight 
line  to  the  Westerly  Corner  of  that  body  of  Laid  Claimed  by  John 
Jennes  & Richard  Jennes  & Joseph  Philbrook,  where  they  now 
live  and  so  bounding  on  the  Westerly  Side  of  Said  Jennesses  and 
Philbrooks  Land  to  the  Sea  James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

In  Coun1  Eodm  die  Read  and  Concurrd 

Richd  Waldron  Sec'7 

Same  day  Assented  to  J Belcher 


[. Petition  from  Joseph  Dearborn  to  Belong  to  Hampton,  174.0"] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  115.] 

To  his  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher  Esqr  Governour  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  in  & over  his  Majestys  Province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire The  Honorable  his  Majestys  Council  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  said  Province  in  General  Assembly  Convened — 

The  Petition  of  Joseph  Derbon  humbly  sheweth  That  your 
Petitioners  Dwelling  house  is  so  situated  that  Sometimes  he  has  been 
accounted  to  belong  to  Stretham,  sometimes  to  Hampton,  but  at 
the  last  running  of  the  dividing  Line  between  Portsmouth  and 
Hampton  his  dwelling  house  fell  about  twelve  foot  within  the  Parish 
of  Greenland  (which  Parish  is  in  the  Town  of  Portsmouth)  That 
your  Petitioners  Farm  lyes  partly  in  Greenland,  Partly  in  Hamp- 
ton and  partly  in  Stretham,  That  your  Petitioners  dwelling  house 
(as  the  Road  goeth)  is  four  mile  from  Greenland  Meeting  house 


APPENDIX. 


885 


and  but  about  Two  mile  from  North  Hill  Meeting  House  (so 
called)  That  your  Petitioner  and  his  family  labour  under  great 
difficultys  & disadvantages  with  respect  to  their  attending  the 
publick  worship  of  God  at  Greenland,  That  your  Petitioner  is  rated 
to  Greenland  Hampton  and  Stretham — 

Wherefore  your  Petitioner  humbly  prays  that  his  Estate  in 
Greenland  Hampton  and  Stretham  aforesaid  together  with  all  the 
Polls  that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  setled  or  Live  on  said  land 
or  any  part  thereof,  may  be  polled  off  to  North  : Hill  parish  (so 
called)  and  that  as  to  his  Province  Tax  he  may  pay  the  same  in 
the  Town  of  Hampton  when  there  shall  be  a new  Proportion  and 
your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  &c 

Joseph  Dearborn 

Province  of  New  Hampshire 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  ffeb  12th  1739-40 
the  within  Petition  Read  & voted  the  Petitioner  Serve  the  Select 
men  of  Greenland  with  a Copy  of  the  Petition  and  the  Order  of 
Court  hereon  to  appeare  fryday  the  15th  Curr*  at  ten  of  the  Clock 
before  noon  to  be  heard  & Shew  Cause  &ca  why  the  Prayer  of  the 
Petition  may  not  be  granted : all  at  the  Charge  of  the  Petitioner 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 

In  Coun1  Eodm  die 

Read  and  Concurrd  with  the  following  amendment  (Namely) 
that  the  time  for  hearing  be  on  tuesday  next  (if  the  Court  be  then 
Sitting)  instead  of  fryday  next,  and  if  the  Court  be  not  then  Sitting 
on  the  third  day  of  the  next  Session 

Richd  Waldron  Secry 

Eodm  Die  In  the  House  of  Representatives 
Read  & Concurr’d  with  the  Councils  amendm‘ 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assm 
feb  : 13  : 1739-40  Assented  to  J Belcher 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  ffebry  the  19 — 1738-40 
the  Within  Petition  Read  and  the  Parties  heard  by  their  Council 
the  House  having  Considered  thereon : Voted  that  the  Prayer  of 
the  Petition  be  granted,  and  that  the  Petitioner  have  liberty  to 
Bring  his  Bill  accordingly 

James  Jeffry  Cler  Assra 

In  Coun1  feb'7  21.  1739-40  Read  and  Non-Concurr’d 

Richd  Waldron  Secry 


886 


APPENDIX. 


\_Request  for  Division  Line  in  Hampton,  ijq.2.~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  125.] 

Jun  the  7th  1742 

We  the  subscribrs  of  the  north  part  of  Hampton  desire  to  put 
into  the  Hon1*1  general  Court  to  se  if  thay  will  grant  us  a line 
btwene  the  parish  in  Hampton  or  order  to  mantn  the  two  ministrs 
togathar  or  any  other  way  bi  thar  Considrachon 

Moses  Leavitt 
lisha  thomas 
Benjamin  Thomas 
uiakrtah  Bacheldr 


APPENDIX. 


887 


Att  a Legall  Meeting  of  ye  ffreeholders  of  ye  Town  of  Hampton 
the  3d  day  of  September  1742 

2 —  that  mr  Sam11  palmer  Jur  & Jonathan  Garland  be  a Com- 
’ittee  to  appear  at  ye  Generali  Court  at  there  Next  setting  in 
ye  behalfe  of  ye  Town  to  answere  in  the  affaire  of  ye  pititioners 
of  North  hill — Voted 

3 —  that  we  are  willing  that  those  parsons  the  pititioners  which 
are  desires  to  belong  to  the  parish  at  north  hill  should  with  their 
Estates  belong  there — Voted 

Vera  Copia  Attest  Sam11  Dow  Town  Clrk 


\_Hamfton  Falls  Line , iyj6.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  105.] 

Mund  September  2d  1736  Hampton  ffalls  beginning  at  Stone 
Bridge  & then  West  & by  North  one  half  Mile  from  thence  on  A 
Streight  Line  till  it  Crosses  Horse  Hill  road  forty  rods  below  or  to 
the  Estward  of  Jona  Browns  Dwelling  House  & So  on  A Streight 
Continued  Line  till  it  Intersects  the  Divideing  Line  between 
Salisbury  & Hampton  from  the  End  of  the  first  sd  Half  Mile  above 
Stone  bridge  the  above  sd  Line  Extended  to  Exeter  Line- — 

Joseph  Sherburn 
Theodr  Atkinson 
Edward  Hall 
Sam11  Palmer 


\_Hamfton  Falls  and  Kensington. ] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  107.] 

To  His  Excelency  Jonathan  Belchar  Esqr  Govenr  and  Comander 
in  Cheef  in  & Over  the  Province  of  Newhampshire  & the  Hono- 
rable the  Membars  of  the  Councel  & house  of  Represantatives 
Now  Sitting 

The  humble  address  & Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  parish  of 
hampton  falls  Most  humbly  Sheweth — 

That  as  there  was  an  act  past  for  the  setting  of  a parish  at  the 
westerly  part  of  this  Parish  by  the  name  of  kinsington  and  the 


888 


APPENDIX. 


bounds  Set  in  the  Said  act  for  the  Devideing  Line  between  the  Said 
parishes  We  Conseve  was  Ment  a Strait  Line  half  a Mile  westerly 
of  the  Stone  bridge  to  Run  Strait  from  Salisbery  bounds  to  Exeter 
bounds  but  the  Select  men  of  kinsington  agree  with  us  in  Runing 
Southerly  but  Say  that  thay  will  Come  to  the  Stone  bridg  to  run 
from  thence  to  Exeter  bounds  So  that  there  is  half  a mile  in  bredth 
from  said  stone  bridge  to  Exeter  line  in  Dispute  and  severall  Inhab- 
itence  liable  to  be  Rated  both  waies  and  a grate  Deal  of  trouble  & 
Dificulty  arise  therefore  to  prevent  those  troubls  & that  we  May 
have  no  farther  Dispute 

We  humbly  pray  that  the  true  meaning  of  what  was  Intended  to  be 
the  bounds  Whether  it  wear  a strait  line  or  Not  May  be  so  Explaind 
that  we  may  have  no  farther  Disputs  in  that  matter  & your  Petition- 
ars  as  in  Duty  bound  Shall  Ever  pray 


Select  men 
for  Hampton  falls 


James  Prescutt 
Jonaa  ffifield 
Joseph  Worth 
In  Coun1  Augs*  12,  1737 — 

Read  & Voted  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  Bring  in  a Bill 
agreeable  to  the  Original  Return  of  the  Com’itte  hereto  annexed 

R Waldron  Sec17 

Eodm  Die  In  the  House  of  Representatives  the  above  Vote  of 
Councill  Read  & Concurrd 


Augst  19.  1737  Consented  to 


James  Jeffry  Cler  Assia 
' J Belcher 


-v»  * M 


i to  b/»/l  orfj  rr<>  v/ibl  orb  mo -ft  \i>n/,t>iG  obJ  u/or^m  ffr  i» 
rtr  Vvr\.  . 1: ■ ' o ! : . r.  \ ■ • • rr i;0  * . //  I- it  Jii  o m ;o  on" 
I*  * DffBJaib'teaifisn  orb  bnc  bo-i  £i  bn/5  ofim  f ad  o)  t onrdGb 
ft  frioTt  bn/;  bo'i  0?  db  ' bn/.  • j lirn  £ *r  onrJ  notqnmH  srrbsn 
pvrtsi  9/irJ  tiigi/m^  r.  no  ?AUii  notqm/iH  tt/?  dai/ori  ^riimrrt 
I bo*j  001  A tdifri 


::  .q  ->o 


5>V- 


. ; 


. 


rijiw  bib  I xtoiegniX  *4o  v/o<I  I:  ;i  - ' ' • - >'  w 

:ol<  o H no  v»t u.i-  ^uoli  ^uiJoorn  //■■  : ' ' 
orfl  briuoi  o//  bne  oaixori  ginioorn  bio  rmteg^pf  rfllv/ 

•xijorf  vnii'om  n ioi  t>rru:  i orb  & • - :>•  ' - r : . ■ . ••  ; 

bio  9fb  ot. gbfi&te amfiil : bit: >.  .‘id//  rioJ8£ui/  & qfni.n  r \y.j 

.>  - r orb  of  bjso-H  or  ' or:  • *>''•’•  s PJ  Ujndt 

rar;l  lornix/I  buxnfiB 


Xaafs  h 


APPENDIX. 


889 


[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  102.] 


890 


APPENDIX 


[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  216.] 


/c  oj 


APPENDIX. 


[. Kingston  and  Chester. \ 

[Mss.  ‘‘Town  Boundaries,”  p.  73.] 

according  to  an  order  of  Council  to  us  bareing  Date  may  the  25. 
1728  we  did  repair  to  Kingston  north  Corner  bounds  on  thursday 
the  30th  of  may  fore  sd  to  try  the  trew  Corse  of  the  Divideing  Line 
between  the  towne  of  Chester  and  the  sd  Kingston 

and  we  find  the  Centre  of  the  trew  Corse  between  the  Sd  towns 
to  be  eight  degrees  to  the  westward  of  South  & better  or  South  & 
between  8 & 9 deg  west:  ly  as  the  Line  has  been  run  & marked 
out  between  the  two  Said  towns  formerly 

and  understanding  the  said  order  that  the  trew  Corse  of  said 
Line  when  found  should  be  Contineued  on  to  the  southward  on  the 
uper  & westly  part  of  Kingston  till  itt  came  to  the  Extent  of  Said 
Kingstwon  to  the  southward 

we  Did  accordingly  the  next  Day  Contineu  on  the  same  Corse 
of  South  and  between  8 & 9 deg  w:  ly  to  a white  oke  now  marked 
standing  on  the  south  Easterly  Edg  of  high  Land  Laying  nere  and 
on  the  North  westrly  Part  of  a Pond  Called  Island  Pond  and  time 
failing  us  wee  could  Proceed  no  further 

and  this  is  the  Servay  that  wee  have  taken  upon  the  above  Said 
order  that  wee  Recevied 

Samuell  Palmer 


[. Kingston  Committee  Ap pointed  1739-40.'] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  114-] 

Kingston  East  Parish  Jany  ye  29th  1739-40 

Att  A Legal  Meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  & freeholders  of  ye  sd 
East  Parish  in  Kingston 

i8t  John  Darling  was  Chosen  Moderator  for  sd  meeting 
4ly  voted  that  Joseph  Grele,  William  Boynton,  Jeremy  Webster, 
Nathan  Batchelder,  Ralph  Blasdel,  Ben]11  Morril,  & John  Webster  ; 
Shall  be  A Comtee  to  Represent  the  sd  Parish  at  the  Gen11  Court 
about  A Line  between  our  sd  Parish  & the  Town  ; 

Vera  Copia  attest  Jeremy  Webster  Cler  : for 

ye  East  Parish  in  Kingstown 


892 


APPENDIX. 


[. Boundary  between  Two  Kingston  Parishes,  7740.] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  119.] 

Province  of  > Pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  General  Court  dated 
New  Hampr  5 the  fifteenth  day  of  February  last  past.  We  have 
been  at  Kingston  and  viewed  both  parts  of  the  Said  Town  and 
having  duely  considered  the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  lands  the 
Situation  of  the  two  meeting  houses  and  the  Settlements  of  the 
Inhabitants  together  with  the  Course  and  Distances  of  the  Roads, 
we  are  humbly  of  opinion  that  the  dividing  boundary  between  the 
first  Parish  and  the  other  called  Kingston  East  Parish  be  as  fol- 
lows namely,  That  a Strait  line  be  run  from  meeting  house  to 
meeting  house  and  that  from  the  middle  of  the  Said  line,  a line  be 
run  by  the  Compass  North  to  Exeter  Bounds  and  South  to  Salis- 
bury Bounds  and  that  the  Said  line  extending  from  Exeter  to 
Salisbury  Intersecting  the  first  line  in  the  middle  be  the  established 
boundary  between  the  two  Parishes  Saving  to  such  persons  as 
desire  it  who  happen  to  fall  within  the  east  Parish  the  liberty  of 
belonging  still  to  the  old  Parish  there  to  receive  Privilege  and  do 
Duty,  the  aforesaid  line  notwithstanding,  Provided  Such  Persons 
shall  make  their  Request  known  in  writing  under' their  hands  to 
the  Select  men  of  the  Town  within  a Month  after  the  Said  Bound- 
ary shall  be  setled  by  a Law ; and  that  the  Persons  who  shall  so 
enter  their  Request  with  the  Selectmen  aforesaid  together  with  the 
estates  they  live  upon  shall  be  entirely  exonerated  and  free  from 
any  duty  as  Parishoners  within  the  Said  East  Parish  Notwithstand- 
ing their  Residence  within  The  Same,  and  moreover  it  is  our 
opinion  that  whatsoever  Farms  shall  happen  to  be  divided  by  the 
aforesaid  Boundary,  That  the  whole  of  the  said  Farm  being  one 
piece  of  Land,  shall  be  taxed  in  that  Parish  in  which  the  owner 
of  the  said  Farm  is  a Parishoner — All  which  is  submitted  by 
Dated  August  4th  1740  Richd  Waldron 

Ephm  Dennet 
Edward  Hall 
Tho9  Packer 

In  the  House  of  Representatives  August  5^1740: 

The  within  Return  Read  and  accepted  with  the  following  amendm4 
viz*  that  these  words  (Excepting  those  that  were  Polled  off  to  the  East 
^ish  by  a former  vote  or  act  & by  the  Town)  be  added  in  the 
24th  Line  where  the  hand  is  markt — and  in  the  last  Clause  of  the 


if  ) o.t  bibb;  ) bul  • n-  bit 

••  I ' 3',  '*/  : <'1;  ' ^ ' '/■'>[ 

. 


j 


APPENDIX. 


893 


Return  : viz*  when  any  Farm  is  split  by  the  Dividing  Line;  It  be 
Entred  that  the  owner  shall  have  liberty  to  declare  which  ^ish  he 
will  pay  too  : (Still  Excepting  those  that  were  formerly  Polled  off 
to  the  East  ^ish  : and  that  the  Petitioners  have  liberty  to  bring  in 
their  Bill  accordingly  James  Jeffry  Clr  Assm 

In  Coun1  Eodm  die  Read  and  Concurrd  with  the  above  Vote 

Richd  Waldron  Secry 
Same  day  I assent  to  the  above  Votes  J Belcher 


[. Plaistow  and  Kingston . ] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  243.] 

To  the  Hon.  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire,  to  be  convened  at  Concord  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
June  1810,  We,  the  undersigned  Committee,  appointed  by  the 
Hon.  House  of  Representatives  of  said  State  at  their  June  session 
1809,  to  settle  the  line  between  the  towns  of  Plastow  & Kings- 
town, did,  on  the  15th  day  of  Aug1  1809  meet,  and  after  reading 
the  Charter  of  said  Plastow,  and  comparing  it  with  a coppy  of  the 
plan  of  said  Plastow  annexed  to  said  charter  as  recorded  in  the 
book  of  Charters,  runing  several  lines,  examining  many  witnesses 
and  papers,  and  hearing  the  pleas  & allegations  of  the  agents  from 
each  town ; agree  to  report,  and  do  report,  that  the  lines  between 
the  said  Kingstown  & Plastow  shall  hereafter  run  & be  known 
by  the  following  courses  metes  & bounds,  that  is  to  say — A line 
shall  begin  at  a large  rock  called  Hunts  back,  From  thence  run- 
ning North  seventy  six  degrees  & eighteen  minutes  east,  one 
hundred  & forty  one  rods  & nine  links  to  a small  red  oak  tree  by 
an  old  pine  stump  near  the  southerly  side  of  a stone  wall  which 
divides  the  land  of  Moses  Williams  on  the  northerly  side  of  said 
wall  from  the  land  of  Daniel  Ayers  on  the  Southerly  side — This 
small  red  oak  tree  we  marked  with  the  letters  T C.  S A and  P M 
and  it  had  been  heretofore  marked  with  the  letters  IEK.  From 
thence,  south  thirty  seven  degrees  & twenty  minutes  east,  seven 
hundred  & forty  five  rods  to  a small  ash  tree  near  a small  elm 
tree  in  a meadow.  This  last  mentioned  boundary  is  well  known 
by  the  name  of  Carltons  bounds — 

Kingstown  August  18th  1809  Thomas  Chase  ^ 

Phinehas  Merrill  > Committee 
Samuel  Armor  ) 


894 


APPENDIX. 


State  of  New  Hampshire 
In  the  House  of  Representatives  June  8th  1810 
The  foregoing  report  was  read  and  considered,  received  and 
accepted 

Sent  up  for  Concurrence  Charles  Cutts — Speaker 

In  Senate  June  13,  1810  Read  & Concurred 

H.  B.  Chase  Clerk. 


\_JYorth  Hamfton  and  Rye,  //pj.] 

[Charter  Records,  VoL  4,  p.  257.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire  ) North  Hampton  Jan?  17th  1793 

Rockingham  ss  5 Pursuant  to  an  Act  of  the  General 
Court  of  this  State  appointing  us  a Committee  to  run  the  lines 
between  the  Townships  of  North  Hampton  and  Rye,  we  have  per- 
ambulated said  lines,  and  have  ascertained  the  Courses  and  dis- 
tance in  manner  following — 

Ist  Beginning  at  the  North  corner  of  North  Hampton,  Green- 
land and  Rye,  then  running  South,  sixty  nine  degrees  East  two 
hundred  and  fifty  six  rods  to  David  Smiths  corner — thence  South 
forty  seven  degrees  West,  three  hundred  and  eighty  two  rods  to 
the  Eastward  of  Lieut  Simon  Wards  orchard,  thence  South  seven- 
ty seven  degrees  East  eighty  six  rods  to  a birch  stump,  thence 
South  sixty  three  degrees,  East  three  hundred  and  sixty  eight 
rods,  thence  due  north  ten  rods  and  one  halfof'a  rod,  to  the  north- 
east corner  of  Simon  Lampreys  house,  thence  South  forty  one 
degrees  East,  one  hundred  and  seventy  rods  to  John  Jenness’s 
Junr  corner  so  called,  thence  south  fifty  four  degrees  West  thirty 
one  and  half  rods,  thence  South  forty  four  degrees  East,  two  hun- 
dred and  eleven  rods  to  the  Sea. 

The  land  of  Nehemiah  Moulton’s  home  place  is  to  pay  in  all 
taxes  to  North  Hampton  that  he  now  possesses — He  lying  upon 
the  line  between  said  Towns — Also  Simon  Lampreys  home-place 
is  to  pay  in  all  taxes  to  the  Town  of  Rye — And  the  Selectmen  of 
said  Towns,  are  to  take  notice  and  govern  themselves  accordingly 
— And  all  polled  lands  between  the  Towns  of  Rye  and  North 
Hampton  is  considered  to  pay  all  taxes  to  the  Towns  on  each  side 
of  said  line  where  they  lye,  excepting  Nehemiah  Moulton  and 
Simon  Lamprey  as  before  mentioned — 

James  Hill  [l  s]  ) 

Jere  : Bachelder  [l  s]  > Committee — 
Joshua  Weeks  [l  s]  ) 

Recorded  according  to  the  report  of  the  Committee,  in  pur- 
suance of  an  Act  of  the  General  Court — 

^ Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


APPENDIX. 


89s 


Plan  of  North  Hampton  & Rye  line  established  by  order  of 
Court  by  a Committee  Jan?  17th  1793. 


896 


APPENDIX. 


Minutes  begun  at  A. 

i8t  S.  69.  D.  E.  256  rods  to  David  Smiths  N.  E.  corner 
2d  S.  47.  D.  W.  382  rods  East  of  wards  Orchard 
3d  S.  77.  D.  E.  86  rods  to  a birch  stump,  one  old  bound 
4th  S.  63.  D.  E.  368  rods  to  a road  io£  rods  S.  of  Simon 
Lamprey's  house 

5th  Due  North  ioi  rods  to  the  N.  E.  corner  of  sd  Lampreys 

6th  S 41  D.  E.  170  rods  to  John  Jenness  jr  corner  so  called 

7th  S.  54  D:  W.  31^  rods  to  John  Jenness  corner  so  called 

8th  S 44  D.  E.  21 1 rods  to  the  Sea 

Pricked  Lines  on  sd  plan  is  roads 

Distance  run  from  A,  to  the  Sea  is  4 miles  & 235  rods 

Scale  15. Jere  Bachelder  Survr 

The  above  is  a true  copy  of  a plan  & survey  of  the  lines  between 
North  Hampton  & Rye  as  returned  to  be  by  Jere  : Batchelder 
Survr  Attestr  Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


[Extract  from  Nottingham  Char  ter.  ] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  161.] 

The  Boundery  Lines  of  Nottingham  as  Cataind  in  the  Charter 
for  Said  Town  are  as  fol°  Viz — 

To  Begin  at  Dover  Westerly  Corner  bounds,  Running  along 
Exeter  Northerly  Line  west  and  be  north  Two  miles  Then  along 
Exeter  head  Line  South  west  half  a point  More  Southerly  one 
mile  and  three  Quarters,  and  from  thence  upon  a west  north  west 
poynt  of  the  Compass  Ten  Miles  Into  the  Country:  Then  To 

begin  again  at  The  aforsd  Dover  westerly  Corner  bounds,  and 
Run  North  East  half  a poynt  more  Easterly,  four  miles  and  one 
Quarter  along  Dover  head  Line ; Then  upon  a north  west  point, 
half  a point  more  Northerly  Thirteen  Miles  into  the  Country,  and 
from  that  bounds  upon  a Strait  Line,  To  the  End  of  the  aforesaid 
Ten  mile  Line — The  above  is  an  Extract  from  Nottm  Charter  as 
on  Record  atest  Peter  Gilman  pr  Clk 

The  Line  from  Dover  Corner  as  it  is  now  Laid  out  & Divided 
Bounds  North  East  3 Degrees  North ; 4 miles  & i : So  that  the 
Line  as  by  Charter  will  Come  Lower  Down  on  Durham  ; 8 De- 
grees 45  minuits : then  it  now  Stands 

P G— 

memorand™  I believe  there  is  no  mistake  in  the  Two  Lotts  men- 
tiond  in  ye  warrant 


APPENDIX. 


897 


[Nottingham  and  Durham.'] 
[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  155.] 


Durham  April  26th  175 6 


Whereas  we  the  Subscribers  ware  Appointed  Committes  by  the 
Proprietors  of  Notingham  & the  Town  of  Derham,  to  Preambulate 
the  Line  between  sd  towns,  being  met  at  the  house  of  Mr  Benj11 
Witcher  in  Derham  have  agreed  to  run  sd  Line  as  follows  Viz — 
To  run  from  N°  1 Summerstreet  the  same  Course  it  now  runs  till 
it  comes  out  to  make  a Square  with  the  Red  Oak  between  Der- 
ham & Exeter  then  to  measure  the  Distance  from  Said  place  to  Sd 
Red  Oak  then  to  come  to  the  Easterly  End  of  sd  Summer  Street  & 
measure  the  same  Distance  on  a true  Square,  & there  fix  a 
Bounds,  & from  thence  to  Run  to  the  Red  Oak  Tree  afore  Men- 
tioned— 

N B it  is  to  be  understood  that  Where  Barington  Line  Joynes  to 
Notingham  the  Bounds  to  be  fixt  there — 

Memdm  to  meet  ye  24th  may  Next  at  Cap1  Joseph  Cillys  at  10 


To  His  Excellency  Benning  Wentworth  Esq  Governr  and  Com- 
ander  in  ChiefF  in  & over  his  maj1?3  Province  of  New  Hampshire 
the  Honble  His  Majty3  Council  & House  of  Representatives  for  Said 
Province  in  General  Assembly  Convened  the  14th  Day  of  December 


The  Humble  Petition  of  Samuel  Smith  & Ebenezer  Smith  Esqrs 
and  Ephm  Davis  Yeoman  all  of  Durham  in  Said  Province  as 
Agents  for  & in  behalf  of  the  Said  Town  of  Durham — Shews — 
That  there  is  a Dispute  between  the  Inhabitants  of  Said  Town 


Clock  A-M— 


Sam11  Smith 
Jonathan  Thomson 
Ebenezer  Smith 


Nath11  Peirce 


Thom3  Simpson 


[. Nottingham  and  Durham, ] 
[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  163.] 


1757' 


56 


898 


APPENDIX. 


and  the  Inhabitants  & Proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Nottingham 
Parte  of  which  Joyns  on  Said  Durham  Concerning  the  Dividing 
Line  between  them  for  the  Settlement  of  which  Several  Attempts 
have  made  by  Comittees  which  have  hitherto  been  Ineffectual  for 
that  Purpose  and  there  is  Reason  to  think  that  All  Essays  of  that 
kind  will  hereafter  be  so  (if  any  were  to  be  made)  as  Such  Com- 
ittees are  Parties  in  the  Dispute  & Interrested  in  the  Event — 

That  your  Petitioners  Apprehend  the  Line  of  Durham  at  the 
Head  ought  to  be  the  same  that  was  the  Line  of  Dover  before  Dur- 
ham was  Incorporated  which  began  at  a Certain  Red  Oak  Tree 
which  was  formerly  fixed  as  the  Westerly  Corner  Bounds  & from 
thence  runs  on  A Streight  Line  to  A Pitch  Pine  Stump  which  is  A 
Corner  Bounds  of  Barrington  the  Course  of  which  Line  will  be 
now  found  North  about  forty  degrees  & half  East  in  which  Line 
many  old  Trees  Are  Still  to  be  found  to  which  Durham  ought  to 
come  & to  hold  but  the  Agents  for  the  Said  Nottingham  deny  it 
and  alledge  the  Course  of  the  Said  Line  from  Said  Red  Oak 
ought  to  be  North  forty  Two  degrees  East  by  which  many  of  the 
Lotts  of  Land  laid  Out  by  Durham  will  be  Curtaild  & the  Pos- 
sessors under  Durham  Ousted — 

Wherefore  your  Petitioners  Humbly  Pray  that  as  there  is  no 
Probability  the  Said  Line  will  ever  be  otherways  Settled  A Com- 
mittee of  A Suitable  Number  of  Disinterrested  Persons  may  be 
Appointed  & Authorized  to  hear  the  Partys  Concernd  & finally  to 
Settle  & Determine  how  the  Said  Line  Shall  be  run  and  to  run  & 
mark  Out  the  Same  and  that  your  Petitioners  may  have  Leave  to 
bring  in  a Bill  Accordingly  And  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty 
Bound  Shall  Pray 

Sam11  Smith 
Ephm  Davis 
& in  behalf  of 
Ebenezr  Smith 

Province  of  New  > 

Hampr  5 In  Council  December  5th  1757 

Read  & ordered  to  be  Sent  down  to  the  Honble  the  Assembly — 

Theodore  Atkinson  SecTy 

Province  of  New  > In  the  House  of  Representatives  Decembr 
Hamp'  5 15  1751 

This  Petition  being  Read 

Ordred  that  the  Petitioners  be  heard  thereon  the  Second  Day 
of  the  Sitting  of  the  General  Assembly  next  after  the  15th  of  Febry 


APPENDIX. 


899 


next  & that  the  Petitioners  at  their  own  Cost  & Charge  cause  the 
Select  men  of  the  Town  of  Nottingham  & the  Clerk  of  the  Pro- 
prietors of  Said  Town  of  Nottingham  to  be  Served  with  a Copy  of 
this  Petition  & order  of  Court  that  they  may  Notify  the  Town  & 
Proprietors  to  Appear  & Shew  Cause  if  any  they  have  why  the 
Prayer  thereof  Should  not  be  granted 

Andrew  Clarkson  Clerk 

In  Council  December  the  16th  1757  Read  & Concurrd 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  New  > In  the  House  of  Representatives  March  1: 
Hampr  5 1758 

Voted  that  this  Petition  be  revived  and  that  the  Petitioners  be 
heard  thereon  the  Second  Day  of  the  Sitting  of  the  General 
Assembly  next  after  the  first  Day  of  April  next  and  all  Concerned 
are  ordered  to  Govern  themselves  Accordingly — 

Andrew  Clarkson  Clerk 

In  Council  March  2d  1758-Read  & Concurrd 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  ) 

New  Hampr  $ In  the  House  of  Representatives  April  20th  1758 

This  Petition  being  Read  the  Parties  Appear  & being  fully 
heard  thereon 

Voted  That  Jeremiah  Webster  of  Kingstown  & Samuel  Emer- 
son of  Chester  Esq™  be  a Comittee  to  Joyn  with  Such  as  may  be 
Appointed  by  the  Honble  Council  to  hear  the  Parties  & Examine 
into  the  Matters  in  Dispute  and  make  Report  to  the  General 
Assembly  as  Soon  may  be 

Andrew  Clarkson  Clerk 

In  Council  Eodm  Die  Read  & Concurrd  and  the  Honble  Joseph 
Newmarch  Esq  to  be  of  the  Comittee  on  the  Part  of  the  Board 

Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Copy  Exd  ^ Theodore  Atkinson  SecIy 

Prov  : of  New  Hampsr  Sepr  ye  24th  1759 

We  the  Subscribers  being  a Comtte  appointed  by  the  Generali 
Court  to  hear  the  Parties  & Examine  into  the  Matters  in  Dispute, 
relative  to  the  within  Petition  ; have  accordingly  so  done  ; & from 
what  appears  from  the  Evidences  laid  before  us,  do  report,  That 
the  westerly  Corner  bounds  of  Dover,  before  Durham  was  encor- 
pored ; begins  at  a certain  Red  Oak  Tree  & from  thence  to  run 


900 


APPENDIX. 


Northerly  on  a Straight  line  to  a Pitch  Pine  Stump  which  is  the 
Corner  Bounds  of  Barrington  which  line  so  far,  we  adjudge  to  be 
the  true  head  line  of  Durham  Jos.  Newmarch  ^ 

Jeremy  Webster  > Comtte 
Sam11  Emerson  ) 

In  Council  Octobr  11-1759  read  & Ordered  to  be  Sent  Down  to 
the  Honble  assembly  Theodore  Atkinson  Secry 

Province  of  ) 

New  Hampsr  $ In  the  house  of  Representatives  Janry  18th  1760 
Voted  That  this  Report  be  Accepted,  & Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

A Clarkson  Clerk 

In  Council  Janry  18-1760  The  Parties  being  fully  heard  on  the 
Premisses  the  Council  took  under  Consideration  the  above  Vote  & 
Concurd  the  Same  Theodr  Atkinson  Secry 

Consented  to  B Wentworth 


[Committee  A^pfointed  from  Nottingham, 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  159*] 

At  A Meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  Nottingham  held  on  Tues- 
day the  14th  day  of  February-1758  It  was  Then  : Voted  that  Nath11 
Peirce  & Peter  Gilman  Esqrs  Be  a Com’ittee  to  appear  at  the 
Generali  Court  To  make  answer  To  a Petition  of  Samel  Smith 
Esqr  & others  agents  for  the  Town  of  Durham  ; and  shew  Reasons 
To  Sd  Court  why  the  Prayer  of  Said  Petition  ought  not  to  be  gran- 
ted, and  Further  Voted  That  Said  Commette  have  full  power  To 
Setle  the  Boundary  Line  Betwen  Durham  & Nottingham  with 
the  Agents  of  durham  Provided  it  be  Setled  So  as  not  to  Brake  in 
upon  Summer  Street  Lotts,  and  to  apply  To  the  Generali  Court  to 
Confirm  any  Such  agreement  made  with  the  Said  agents  of  Durham 

A Coppy  from  Nottingm  Prop19  Book  of  Records  attest 

Peter  Gilman  Proprs  Clk 

Then  To  Begin  again  at  the  aforsd  Dover  westerly  Corner  and 
Run  : North  East  half  a point  more  Esterly  four  miles  and  a quar- 
ter along  Dover  head  Line 

A Copy  of  a Paragraft  in  nottingham  Charter  of  the  Line  that 
bounds  on  Dover  Taken  from  Nottingm  Proprieter  Records  attest 

Peter  Gilman  proprs  Clk 

the  Line  as  the  Lotts  ar  Laid  in  Sum1  Sti4  is  North  East  3 Degrs 
north — on  Barrington  North  west  £ North  13  miles. 


APPENDIX. 


901 


[. Portsmouth  and  Hampton. ] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Oct.  16,  1654.] 

The  Towne  of  Portsmouth  prefering  a petition  for  settling  the 
bounds  betweene  hampton  & themselves  the  Court  think3  meete  to 
referre  the  Issue  of  the  case  to  Commissionora  & to  that  end  have 
Chosen  mT  Joseph  Jewett  mr  Thomas  Bradbury  & mr  John  Saunders 
who  are  hereby  Impowred  to  examine  the  matters  in  diffrence 
betweene  the  Townes  of  Portsmouth  & Hampton  as  Touching  the 
Lyne  betweene  them  & to  settle  the  same  in  such  a way  as  may  by 
them  be  Judged  most  meete  uppon  a full  hearing  of  what  shalbe 
alleadged  in  the  Case  & that  they  make  returne  thereof  to  the 
next  court  of  Election  & mr  Joseph  Jewett  to  appoynt  the  time  & 
place  of  meeting 


[. Portsmouth  and  Hampton.] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  Nov.  1,  1654.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  peticion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Portsmouth  ; The 
Court  Judgeth  it  meete  to  Referr  the  Issue  of  the  Case  to  a Com- 
ittee  and  to  that  end  have  chosen  mr  Joseph  Jewett  mr  Thomas  Brad- 
bury and  mr  Jn°  Saunders  who  are  heereby  Impowered  to  examine 
the  matters  in  differenc  betweene  the  Townes  of  Portsmouth  and 
Hampton  as  touching  the  line  betweene  them  and  to  setle  the  same 
in  such  a way  as  may  by  them  be  Judged  most  meete  uppon  a full 
hearing  of  what  shallbe  alleadged  in  the  case  and  that  they  make 
retourne  thereof  to  the  next  Court  of  Election  mr  Joseph  Jewett  to 
Appointe  the  time  & place  of  meeting 


[. Portsmouth  and  Hampton.'] 

[Mass.  Court  Records,  May  15,  1672.] 

In  Ansr  to  the  motion  of  the  Deputies  of  Portsmouth  The  Court 
Judgeth  it  meete  to  order,  that  the  bounds  betweene  Portsmouth  & 
Hampton  as  to  their  Touneships  be  determined  & setled  & that  mr 
Elias  Stileman  John  Gilman  of  Exiter  & mr  Samuel  Dalton  attend 
this  service  and  make  returne  of  what  they  shall  determine  to  this 
Court  And  this  Court  declares  they  shallbe  willing  to  grant  to 
Portsmouth  land  for  a village  when  they  shall  Declare  to  this 
Court  the  place  where  they  desire  it — 


902 


APPENDIX. 


[. Portsmouth , Hampton,  and  Exeter .] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  25.] 

For  ye  better  Settlem4  ofye  bounds  between  Portsm0  Hampton  & 
Exeter, 

ordered  y4  Majr  Wm  Vaughan  & mr  Wm  Cotten  ffor  Portsm0 
& Cap4  Henry  Dow  & mr  Jn°  Tuck  ffor  Hampton  mr  Moses  Levit  & 
Mr  Nich0  Gilman  for  Exeter  Bee  & hereby  are  appointed  a Com- 
ittee  to  run  ye  bound  line  between  the  Towns  aforesd  & as  here- 
after mention’d  Viz4  to  begin  5 mile  North  of  Hampton  meeting 
hous'e  from  a tree  that  stands  ab4  6 pole  to  ye  North wd  of  Winicot 
river  where  a saw  mill  at  pr9t  Stands  by  ye  Comon  road  that  goes 
from  Portsm0  to  Hampton  & from  thence  to  run  a Direct  line  to  ye 
old  bound  tree  near  ye  bridge  at  asse  brook  & thence  to  ye  South 
bound  tree  being  a mile  & a halfe  from  Exetr  Fals  you  are  alsoe  to 
run  a line  from  ye  river  on  ye  west  side  of  ye  mouth  of  Walls  Cove 
lying  between  mr  Andrew  Wiggins  & Sandy  point  Due  South  till 
you  come  to  Hampton  bounds,  & that  ye  Sd  Comitee  meet  on 
Teusday  next  being  ye  22d  Ins4  by  ten  a clock  in  ye  forenoon  at  ye 
Mill  on  Winicot  river  to  Attend  this  service  & fforthw4h  to  make 
return  of  their  doeings  herein  to  ye  Honrable  ye  L4  Govr. 


[. Bounds  of  Portsmouth , /dp<?.] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  13.] 

Province  of  New  ) to  ye  honrabl  the  Lefft : govener  & councile  of 
hampshir  $ this  his  mags18  province  now  seting  at  portsm0 
the  5 of  Apprill  1698 — 

persewant  to  An  order  from  youer  honr3  beareing  dat  ye  11th  of 
march  Last  past : relating  to  ye  giveing  account  of  ye  bounds  & 
Limets  of  our  town  by  the  selectmen  thereof: — 

may  it  pies  youer  honers  : our  selves  selectmen  this  year  : being 
young  Esspeshally  as  to  ye  knolidge  of  those  things ; but  Look 
that  it  is  of  great  Consernment,  & according  to  ye  best  Light  wee 
have  : our  towne  was  Lemeted  and  bounded,  before  our  time : & so 
settled  by  ye  Masatusats  under  whos  government  this  place  then 
was  : the  full  determination  of  this  towns  bounds  belowe  may  be 
found  at  Larg  in  those  Records : what  wee  have  by  us  & in  our 
Records  : ye  Copy  whereof  is  Redy  for  youer  honrs  perusals : on 


APPENDIX. 


903 


which  wee  humbly  in  behalf  of  our  towne  offer  these  folloing  Con- 
siderations : viz : hamtoun  Exeter  & dover,  doutles  have  their 
Records  (of  their  bounds)  which  so  Incompos  this  skert  of  Land 
Called  portsm0,  that  no  Inlargment  or  addetion  may  be  ye  other 
towns  Iff  penched  may  be  Inlarged  : wee  have  herd  ye  climhants 
Say  that  all  ye  Land  on  this  side  pescataway  River  without  ye 
bounds  of  hamtoun  & Exeter  doth  sertenly  belong  to  portsm0  & 
though  it  doe,  yet  it  is  nothing  Compareable  to  ye  other  towns  for 
Largnes,  nor  convenances,  each  of  them  haveing  ye  whol  Land 
befor  them  : (for  Inlargment)  & though  it  is  so  yet  ye  comi- 
tioners  that  first  cam,  to  set  bounds  betwen  dover  & strabury  bank 
(coming  over  ye  River)  Laied  out  sundry  Lands  for  dover  which 
as  by  ye  second  Comittees  Return  : was  found  to  be  most  conven- 
ant  for  Strabury  bank,  so  ordered  only  400:  acers  : on  this  sid  : 
should  belong  to  dover : the  Rest  of  ye  Land  to  strabury  bank  : & 
so  confermed  by  ye  genrall  Court : so  that  wee  are  humbly  of 
openyon  all  ye  Land  without  hamtoune  bounds  & Exeter : belongs 
to  portsm0  as  for  ye  bounds  betwen  hamtoun  & portsm0  at  ye  sea 
sid,  it  is  sayed  that  it  is  setled  by  men  Appoynted  by  them  : other- 
ways  beleve  it  may  be  mad  Appere  that  our  bounds  begun  at  ye 
Little  River  beyong  Joslins  neck : thence  Round  the  sea  shor  into 
ye  great  harbor  & so  up  the  river  of  pascataway  through  ye  great 
bay  thes  things  considered  have  good  grounds  to  hop  youer  hon- 
ers  : will  see  Cause  to  Conferm  all  the  Lands  as  afore  sd  to  this 
towne  of  portsm0  as  other  towns  in  ye  Capasaty  as  before  wee  ware 
taken  from  Under  the  masatusats  government : this  being  ye  sum 
of  what  wee  have  at  present  to  offer  humbly  Crave  Leve  to  sub- 
scribe our  selves  youer  honrs  most  humble  servants  : 

John  pickerin 
John  Dennet 
Wm  Cotton 


Select  men 
of  portsm0 


\_Refort  of  Committee , ijoi  .] 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  29.] 

July  23  : 1701 

We  Whose  Names  are  here  unto  Subscribed  being  appointed  by 
the  Honourable  The  leftnt  Governour  and  Councill  a Com’ittee  to 
Run  the  lines  Here  after  mentioned  and  is  More  ffully  Exprest  in 
sayd  order  accordingly  Wee  Have  done  itt  and  from  about  Sixe 
Rod  ffrom  Winicut  River  Mill  to  a pine  Marked  H norward  of 


APPENDIX. 


9°4 

sayd  Mill  to  ass  Brook  tree  South  west  half  a point  westerly  is 
1240  Rod  and  from  the  South  tree  1 Mile  & half  ffrom  Exeter 
ffalls  ffrom  that  South  tre  to  ass  Brook  tree  East  North  East  some 
thing  more  Easterly  is  532  Rod 

ffrom  Walls  Cove  upon  a South  point  four  mile  one  quarter 
and  about  40  Rod ; to  Hampton  line  & Cut  the  line  about  One 
quarter  of  a mile  from  the  Bound  tre  att  Ass  Brook  as  Witnes 

Wm  Vaughn 
Henry  Dow 
Moses  Leavitt 
Jn°  Tucke 
Nic°  Gillman 

[Endorsed]  The  Committe3  Sertefecate  of  ye  Runninge  ye  Line 
from  by  wenecut  Mill : & walls  Crike  to  Ass  Broke  July  23d  1701 
— Beinge  Portsm0  Town  Bounds  from  Greneland  to  Exeter  & so 
by  hampton  Line  to  there  North  bound  tree  by  wenecutt  Mill — 

Recd  This  of  Colon11  Partredge  Maye  : 1706. 


\_Newington  Petition , iy2i.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  63.] 

To  his  Excellency  Sam11  Shute  Esqr — Govern1,  and  Command1 
in  Cheif  in  and  over  his  Majesties  Province  of  New  Hamp1'  &c 
To  the  Honourable  the  Councill  & Representatives  now  Con- 
veened  in  Gen11  Assembly  in  Portsm0  in  sd  Province 

The  Petition  of  Jn°  Knight  Moses  Dam  & Richd  Douning  Select- 
men of  Newington  in  behalfe  of  the  Inhabitants  thereof  most  hum- 
bly Sheweth 

That  in  as  much  as  the  Honourable  the  Councill  and  Gen11  As- 
sembly did  heretofore  order  that  a certain  Number  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Portsm0  Should  be  laid  to  that  part  of  the 
Town  of  Dover  which  lyeth  on  the  Westerly  Side  of  Piscataqua 
river  and  did  make  them  One  Parish  or  District  by  the  name  of 
Newington — which  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Portsmouth  were 
only  poled  of  by  a Committee  appointed  for  that  end,  and  the 
Stated  line  made  between  Portsmouth  & Newington  for  want  of 
which  very  great  Inconveniences  do  arise  to  persons  who  make 
new  Settlements  between  the  sd  Town  and  Parish,  especially  by 
their  being  taxed  to  them  both — 

Therfore  your  Petitioners  humble  pray  that  your  Excellency  and 
the  Honourable  Assembly  will  please  to  order  that  a dividing  line 


APPENDIX. 


9°5 


be  made,  and  that  the  Inhabitants  which  now  are  or  hereafter  may 
be  Setled  on  the  notherly  Side  of  that  line  may  belong  to  Newing- 
ton, which  line  we  pray  may  begin  at  Coll11  Richd  Waldron’s  farm 
in  the  long  reach  on  which  James  Gray  lives  & run  thence  directly 
over  to  Thom3  Pickerins  ffarm  so  as  to  take  in  the  houses  on  each 
ffarm,  so  your  Petitioners  Shall  ever  pray  as  in  duty  bound  & sub- 
scribe 

21.  April  1721 — Jn°  Knight 

Moses  Dam 
Richard  Downing 


[. Portsmouth , Hampton,  Exeter , and  DoverJ\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  15.] 

for  A setlment  of  ye  Ainshant  bounds  of  ye  severall  towns  within 
ye  province  nere  as  posable  may  be  & Are  as  herein  stated. 

Be  it  enacted  by  ye  Left  govonor  Councill  & representatives  con- 
vened in  genrall  Asemble  : & be  it  Enacted  by  ye  Athority  of  the 
same  that  ye  bounds  of  hamtoun  begining  ten  Rods  Easterly 
from  ye  causway  by  ye  sea  Easte  from  hamtoun  meeting  hous  & 
thence  to  Run  five  miles  along  and  as  nere  ye  highway  As  posable 
untell  ye  five  mils  be  ended  which  is  Judged  to  end  on  Joslins  neck 
& from  ye  five  miles  end  on  A direct  Line  to  met  with  ye  end  of 
hamton  north  Line  ner  Winnecutt  river  thenc,  on  Arrestook  Lin 
till  it  Com  within  two  mill  of  Exeter  ould  meeting;  house  thence  to 
A tree  marked  nere  a place  Caled  as  bruck : thence  Leveing 
Exeter  fals  a mile  & half  north  of  ye  Lin  & to  run  on  a west  & be 
south  Line  : into  ye  woods  mile  : & thenc  Athwart  the  Land 
to  met  with  salsbery  bounds ; so  on  that  Lin  to  ye  sea  sid  & so  to 
ye  place  where  it  first  began — 

Exeter  bounds  dtoh  begin  at  Lamprill  River  Lower  fals  thenc 
to  Run  on  A west  & be  north  Lin  eight  mils  into  ye  woods  : & 
from  ye  sd  fals  Round  as  ye  Rivers  goe  up  to  ye  place  Called  whel- 
rights  Creek,  & from  the  head  thereof  on  A straight  Line  to  ham- 
toun bound  tree*  standing  nere*  Ase  bruck  thence  as  hamton  Lin 
Runeth  into  ye  woods  9 mile  & from  ye  end  thereof  throo  ye  woods 
to  metye  end  of  ye  west  & be  north  Lin  from  ye  Lower  fals  : 

dover  bounds  : begins  at  newechawannick  : thence  into  ye  woods 
mils  & from  ye  sd  fals  down  ye  River  to  Rannys  cove  So  up  & 
thoo  ye  River  & throo  ye  bays  & up  Lamprill  River  & to  ye  Loer 
fals  therof  there  to  begin  wher  Exeter  bounds  begineth  : & to  Run 


select 

men 


90  6 


APPENDIX. 


on  ye  sd  west  & be  north  poynt  — mils : from  ye  end  therof 
through  ye  woods  on  A straight  Lin  to  mett  with  ye  head  Lin  goe- 
ing  from  sd  nechowaneck  the  Land  allso  on  this  sid  ye  river  from 
rannys  Cove  to  hogsty  Cove  : to  remain  to  dover  untell  an  other 
meeting  hous  : shall  be  bult  in  sd  towne  & then  to  belong  to  portsm0 
portsm0  bounds  bing  bounded  by  ye  sea  & River  & bay  : & buts 
on  all  the  other  three  towns  : bounds. 

memarandom  allso  portsm0  tract  of  Land  above  Dover  Lin  to  be 
as  it  stands  bounded 

as  for  New  castle  & king  ston  Leve  them  as  they  are 
*from  Whelwritts  Creek  to  the  bound  tree  of  Hampton  that  is 
two  mill : ffrom  Exeter  ould  meeting  House 

The  House  Humbly  offer  this  to  your  Honors  Consideration  as 
there  oppinion  Henry  Dow  Clerk  protempore 


[Portsmouth , Hampton , Exeter , Dover , New  Castle , and  Kings- 
ton.^ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  18L] 

Province  of  > An  Act  to  prevent  Contention  and  Contro- 
New  Hampshr  $ versie  that  may  Arise  concerneing  the  Bounds 
of  the  Respective  Towns  within  this  Province./ 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  U Gov1  Councill  & Repr- 
sentatives  Convend  in  Genr11  Assembly  and  by  the 
Authority  of  the  same  that  the  Line  between  the 
province  and  the  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New  Hampshire  from 
the  Sea  westwardly  shall  be  the  Southerly  Bounds  of  the  Town 
of  Hampton  and  the  Northerly  Bounds  as  foil  : viz  ffive  Miles  due 
North  from  Hampton  Meeting  House  to  a Markd  Tree  at  or  neare 
Winnicott  River,  and  thence  westwardly  on  a direct  Line  to  a 
marked  Tree  within  two  Miles  of  Exeter  Meeting  House,  and 
thence  on  a direct  Line  to  a marked  Tree  neare  Ass  Brook  by  the 
highway;  and  thence  on  a direct  Line  to  an  old  Bound  Tree 
marked  a Mile  and  a halfe  South  from  Exeter  ffalls,  and  thence 
upon  a west  and  by  North  Line  as  farr  as  the  Utmost  Extent  of 
Salisbury  Town  Bounds  westwardly.  And  thence  to  Runn  a 
Head  Line  Southwardly  till  it  meet  with  the  aforesaid  Bound  Line 
between  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire. 
The  Bounds  by  the  Sea  Eastward  from  Hampton  Meeting  House 
to  beginn  from  the  Causeway  and  thence  to  Runn  ffive  Miles 


APPENDIX. 


9°7 


along  Shoare  by  the  high  way  which  is  Supposed  to  end  about 
Joslings  Neck;  and  thence  on  a direct  Line  Westwardly  to  the 
Bound  Tree,  flive  Miles  North  of  Hampton  Meeting  House./ 

Exeter  Bounds  Easterwardly  to  beginn  at  the  Mouth  of  Lamp- 
erill  River  and  thence  on  a Direct  Line  over  The  Great  Bay  to  a 
Marked  Tree  at  walls  Cove  and  thence  to  Runn  South  and  by 
East  to  Hampton  Bounds  And  thence  by  Hampton  Bounds  to  the 
South  Bound  Tree  a Mile  and  a halfe  South  of  Exeter  ffalls. 
And  thence  to  runn  on  a west  and  by  North  Line  tenn  Miles  into 
the  woods.  And  from  the  Mouth  of  Lamperill  River  aforesaid  up 
said  River  to  the  ffalls  whereon  was  formerly  a Saw  Mill  Comonly 
called  Wadleighs  upper  Mill  and  thence  west  and  by  North  into 
the  Woods  flour  Miles.  And  thence  to  Runn  a Headline  South- 
erly to  meet  with  the  head  of  the  Southward  Bound  Line, 
Reserveing  to  the  Town  of  Dover  the  whole  priviledge  of  the  Said 
Lamperill  River  Streame  And  ffalls,  for  the  Erecting  Mills, 
Damms  &c  : on  either  Side  the  River,  without  Annoyance  from 
the  Town  of  Exeter.  And  that  noe  Interrupcon  be  given  by  any 
to  prevent  the  transportation  of  Timber  Downe  the  River  to  the 
Lower  ffalls  by  makeing  Booms  or  otherwayes./ 

Dover  Bounds  Northerly  to  beginn  at  the  Middle  of  Quamhegon 
ffalls,  And  soe  upp  the  River  ffour  Miles  or  thereabout  to  a 
Marked  Tree  by  the  River  Side  within  a Mile  of  Whitehall ; And 
from  the  Said  Quamphegon  ffalls  Downe  the  River  to  Hiltons 
point  And  from  thence  to  Kennyes  Creek  And  thence  on  a direct 
Line  to  Hogstie  Cove,  with  the  Mashes  on  the  Great  Bay.  And 
ffour  hundred  Acres  of  Upland  adjoyneing  thereto  as  formerly 
laid  out.  And  from  Hogstie  Cove  Over  to  Lamperill  River  Mouth 
and  soe  up  the  River  to  the  Upper  ffalls,  whereon  was  formerly  a 
Saw  Mill  Comonly  called  wadleighs  upper  Mill ; and  thence  west 
and  by  North  into  the  Woods  two  Miles  and  thence  to  Runn  a 
head  Line  Northerly  to  meet  with  the  head  of  the  Northward 
Bound  Line  on  Newichowanock  River  alwayes  Reserveing  Unto 
the  Town  of  Dover  the  whole  priviledge  of  the  Said  Lamperill 
River  Streame  and  ffalls  for  the  Erecting  Mills  Damms  &c : on 
either  Side  the  River  without  Annoyance  from  the  Town  of  Exe- 
ter. And  that  noe  Interrupcon  be  given  by  any  to  prevent  the 
transportation  of  Timber  downe  the  River  to  the  Lower  ffalls  by 
makeing  Booms  or  otherwayes/ 

Portsmouth  is  Bounded  by  the  Sea  and  the  River  And  Butts  on 
all  the  other  three  Towns  before  mentioned. 


908 


APPENDIX. 


Newcastle  and  Kingstowne  to  be  Bounded  according  to  their 
Charters,  provided  Kingstowne  doe  not  Entrench  upon  Exeter 
Bounds./ 

And  whereas  Sundry  Lands  such  as  the  Lands  of  Swampscott 
and  those  Lands  between  Hampton  and  the  Massachusetts  Bounds 
are  now  Settled  within  the  Bounds  of  our  Towns  aforesaid  which 
were  not  fformerly.  Soe  all  persons  haveing  Right  title  or  inter- 
est in  and  to  the  Said  Lands  are  hereby  prserved  in  their  Said 
Rights  and  Properties  as  fully  and  Amply  as  before  this  Settle- 
ment./ 

[p.  169.]  consented  to  by  the  Council  wth  this  Addition  that 
ye  Towns  of  New  Castle  & Kings  Town  be  bounded  According  to 
their  Charters,  provided  Kingston  doe  not  entrench  upon  Exeter 
bounds  & in  Exeter  bounds  instead  of  saying  (&  thence  by  Hamp- 
ton bounds  to  a Mark’t  tree  near  Asse  brook  & thence  nine  miles 
into  the  woods  on  the  Same  point  of  ye  Compasse  y*  Hampton  line 
runneth)  to  Say  (&  thence  by  Hampton  bounds  to  ye  South  bound 
tree,  a mile  & a halfe  south  of  Exeter  Falls  & thence  to  run  on  a 
West  by  North  Line  10  miles  into  ye  Woods) 

past  by  the  Assembly  Henry  Dow  Clerke  protempory 


[Port  mouth , Hampton,  Exeter,  Dover , New  Castle , and  Kings- 
ton, /70/.] 

[Mss.  ‘‘Town  Boundaries,”  p.  27.] 

20  June  1701 

We  Whose  Names  are  hereunto  Subscribed  being  appointed  A 
Commitee  to  Consider  of  all  papers  put  in  or  can  be  produced  by 
the  Towns  or  their  Representatives  Concerning  the  Bounds  of  Sayd 
Towns  and  to  a Report  of  our  oppinions  in  order  to  a Settellment 
there  of  We  Have  accordingly  perused  and  Considered  of  all  the 
sayd  papers  And  is  Humbly  of  the  Opinion  That  Hampton 
Bounds  on  the  North  side  is  to  Run  begining  att  a stake  or  Marked 
tree  on  the  northerly  side  Joslings  neck  by  the  sea  Side  as  by 
agrement  doe  appeare  And  from  thence  on  a streigh  line  to  Meet 
With  the  End  of  the  ffive  Miles  due  north  ffrom  Hampton  Meet- 
ing House  not  ffar  ffrom  Winicut  River  And  ffrom  thence  West- 
erly as  fformerly  Bounded  out  by  the  Commities  Appointed  ffor 
that  End  the  date  of  the  Commities  Return  being  1652  & 1653 
And  that  Exeter  bounds  be  Exactly  according  to  the  Returnes 


APPENDIX.  9O9 

under  the  Hands  of  ye  Committies  appointed  ffor  that  End  bareing 
date  the  8th  of  the  8th  Month  1667  and  the  19th  of  October  1652 
And  that  Dover  bounds  Alias  Northam  to  begin  att  the  Creek 
next  lamprill  River  and  thence  to  the  lower  ffalls  And  from  thence 
on  A West  and  by  North  line  into  the  Woods  Sixe  Miles  as 
appeare  by  the  Returne  of  the  Committie  baring  date  the  19th  of 
October  1652 

And  as  ffor  Portsmouth  We  ffind  no  Certaine  bounds  sett  but 
according  to  What  We  ffind  & Judg  all  the  lands  between  the 
bounds  of  Hampton  Exeter  & Dover  doth  belong  unto  Portsmouth 
ther  having  bin  Commities  Appointed  for  Considering  What  lands 
did  belong  unto  sayd  Portsmouth  one  of  Which  bare  date  the 
7th  Month  1643 — 

Also  the  Bounds  of  a trackt  of  land  granted  to  the  Towne  of 
Portsmouth  about  thirtie  years  past  bounded  and  layd  out  & 
Return  made  therof  lieng  and  being  on  the  Westerly  side  of 
Dover  bounds  to  be  allowed  as  bounded  out 

As  ffor  New  Castell  & Kingstowne  We  leave  them  as  thay  are 
All  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  to  Wm  Vaughan 
Peter  Coffin  only  Exsepting  against  the  Land  that  Lyeth  above 
Cha  wiggings  toward  Exeter  not  belonging  to  postmouth 

Henry  Dow 
John  pickerin 


[. Portsmouth , Hampton,  Exeter  and  Dover , iyoi.~\ 

[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  17.] 

A Bill 

To  prevent  contention  & Controversies  that  may  arise  concern- 
ing the  bounds  of  the  respective  Towns  wthin  this  Province 

Be  it  enacted  &ca 

yl  The  line  Between  the  Provinces  of  ye  Massachusets  bay  & 
New  Hampshire  from  the  Sea  Westwardly  shall  be  the  Southerly 
bounds  of  ye  Town  of  Hampton  & ye  Northerly  bounds  as  ffolo3 
viz4  ffive  mile  due  North  from  Hampton  meeting  house  to  a Markt 
tree  at  or  near  Winicot  River  & thence  westwardly  on  a direct  line 
to  a markt  tree  wtbin  2 miles  of  Exeter  meeting  house  & thence  on  a 
direct  line  to  a markt  tree  near  asse  brook  by  the  high  way  & thence 
on  a direct  line  to  an  old  bound  mark’d  tree  a mile  & a halfe 
South  from  Exeter  Falls  & thence  upon  a West  & by  North  line  as 


910 


APPENDIX. 


ffar  as  the  utmost  extent  of  Salisbury  town  bounds  westwardly 
& thence  to  run  a head  line  southwardly  till  it  meet  wth  the  aforesd 
bound  line  between- the  provinces  of  Massachusets  & N Hampshr 

the  bounds  by  the  sea  Eastward  from  Hampton  Meeting  house 
to  beginn  from  ye  Causey  & thence  to  run  five  miles  along  shore  by 
ye  high  way  wch  is  supposed  to  end  abl  Joselins  Neck  & thence 
on  a Direct  line  westwardly  to  ye  bound  tree  5 mile  north  of  Hamp- 
ton meeting  house 

Exeter  bounds  Eastwdly  to  begin  at  ye  mouth  of  Lampril  river  & 
thence  on  a direct  line  Over  ye  Great  bay  to  a markt  tree  at  Walls 
cove  & thence  to  run  South  & by  East  to  Hampton  bounds  & 
thence  by  Hampton  bounds  to  a mark’t  tree  near  asse  brook  & 
thence  9 mile  into  ye  Woods  on  the  Same  point  of  ye  Compasse  yt 
Hampton  line  runneth  & From  ye  mouth  of  Lampril  river  aforesd 
up'sd  river  to  the  Falls  whereon  was  formrly  a Saw  Mill  comonly 
call’d  Wadleigh’s  upper  mill  & thence  west  & by  North  into  ye 
woods  4 mile  & thence  to  run  a head  line  Southwardly  to  meet  wth 
ye  head  of  ye  Soutwd  bound  line  reserveing  to  ye  town  of  Dover  ye 
whole  priviledge  of  ye  Sd  Lamprill  river  Stream  & Falls  ffor  y* 
erecting  mills  Dams  &ca  on  either  side  the  river  wthout  annoyance 
from  the  Town  of  Exeter  & that  noe  Interuption  be  given  by  any 
to  prevent  ye  transportation  of  timber  down  ye  River  to  ye  Lower 
Falls,  by  makeing  booms  or  otherwais 

Dover  bounds  Norths  to  begin  at  ye  Middle  of  Quamphegon 
Falls  & Soe  up  yc  river  fifour  miles  or  thereabt3  to  a Markt  tree  by 
the  river  side  wthin  a mile  of  Whitehall  & From  ye  Sd  Quamphe- 
gon Falls  down  the  River  to  Hiltons  Point  & From  thence  to 
Kennys  creek  & thence  on  a Direct  line  to  Hogsty  cove  wth  ye 
Marishes  on  ye  great  bay  & 400  acres  upland  Joyning  thereto  as 
formrly  laid  out,  & from  Hogsty  Cove  over  to  Lampril  river  mouth 
& Soe  up  ye  river  to  ye  upper  ffalls  whereon  was  fformr,y  a Saw 
Mill  comonly  called  Wadleighs  upper  mill  & thence  west  & by 
North  into  the  woods  two  Mile  & thence  to  run  a head  line  North- 
erly to  meet  wth  the  head  of  the  northwd  bound  line  on  Nechowo- 
nuck  river  alwaies  reserving  unto  ye  town  of  Dover  the  whole 
priviledge  of  ye  sd  Lampril  river,  Stream  & Falls  ffor  the  erecting 
Mills  Dams  &ca  on  either  side  the  river  wthout  annoyance  from  the 
Town  of  Exeter  & that  noe  Interuption  be  given  by  any  to  prevent 
the  transportation  of  timber  Down  ye  river  to  ye  Lower  Falls  by 
makeing  booms  or  otherwaies 

Portsm0  is  bounded  by  ye  Sea  ye  river  & butts  on  all  the  other 
three  Towns  before  mention’d — 


APPENDIX. 


911 

And  Whereas  Sundry  Lands  such  as  the  Lands  of  Quamscott 
and  those  Lands  between  Hampton  and  the  Massachusetts  Bounds 
are  now  Settled  within  the  Bounds  of  our  Towns  aforesaid  which 
were  not  formerly  Soe.  All  persons  haveing  Right  title  or  interest 
in  and  to  the  said  Lands  are  hereby  preserved  in  their  Said  Rights 
and  properties  as  fully  and  Amply  as  before  this  Settlement./ 

30  August  1701  past  by  the  Assembly 

Henry  Dow  Clerk  protempore 

12th  Sepbr  1701  this  Bill  haveing  been  3 times  read  past  the 
Councill  and  Ordered  to  be  Engrossed  Cha  : Story  Secretary 


[' Committee  to  Run  Town  Lines,  iyoi.~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  35.] 

Province  of  ) Att  a Council  held  at  Portsm0  the  3rd  of  De- 
New  Hampshr  5 cember  1701 

Whereas  the  Bounds  of  the  Severall  Towns  in  this  province,  are 
Settled  by  Law,  and  noe  persons  are  yett  appointed  to  Runn  the 
Lines  between  the  Said  Towns./ 

Ordered  by  the  L‘  Govr  and  Councill,  that  the  men  hereafter 
mentioned,  are  appointed  for  to  Runn  the  Lines,  between  Town 
and  Town  in  Said  province  with  Such  others  as  the  Select  men  of 
the  Severall  Towns,  shall  send  with  them.  And  to  make  Good  and 
Suffitient  Bound  Trees  or  Bound  Marks  ; and  to  beginn  to  proceed 
in  soe  doeing  ; the  next  Monday  being  the  Eighth  day  instant ; if 
the  Season  will  permitt  and  soe  to  continue  Untill  the  Same  be 
finished  if  the  Season  prevent  not  if  it  doe  to  take  the  first  opper- 
tunitye  to  beginn  and  finish  the  same  as  the  weather  will  Allow. 

The  Men  appointed  is  three  in  every  Town  them  or  any  two  of 
them./ 

C Major  Wm  Vaughan 

ffor  the  Town  of  portsm0  < Cap*  Mark  Hunkin 

( Cap1  Jn°  Pickerin 
C Nath11  Weare  Esqr 

ffor  the  Town  of  Hampton  < Cap1  Henry  Dow 

( Ephraim  Marston 
C Cap*  John  Tuttle 

ffor  the  Town  of  Dover  < L James  Davis 

/ V Wm  ffurber 


912 


APPENDIX. 


C mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 

ffor  the  Town  of  Exeter  < Ensigne  Nicholas  Gilman 

( John  ffoulsham 

( mr  James  Randle 

ffor  the  Town  of  Newcastle  < James  Leach 

( Wm  Berry 

By  the  Order  of  the  U Govern1  and  Councill/ 

Cha : Story  Secretary 

Rune  ye  Line  from  Sampsones  poynt  to  Hampton  Bounds,  and 
is  4^  Miles,  South  weste,  & from  thence  to  ye  sea,  to  the  Estward 
of  Ragged  Necke  to  a Stake  Droven  in  the  Pond  on  an  Este 
poynt  and  is  Two  mile — 

New  Cassell  bownds  is  from  Sampsones  Point  on  ye  South  Side 
of  Sagamors  Crike  & from  thens  South  weste  to  Hampton  Bownds 
and  Then  Este  to  the  sea 


[Refort  of  Committee  to  Run  Town  Lines,  iyoi.'] 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  37.] 

1701  8 December  In  Obedience  to  an  Order  of  Councill  held  at 
Portsm0  the  3rd.  x **  1701 

Ther  Mett  at  Hampton  Beach  of  the  Com’ittie  Apointed  to  Run 
the  lines  Between  Towne  and  Towne  Majer  William  Vaughan 
Captn  John  Pickering  Henry  Dow  Mr  Nathanil  Weare  Ephraim 
Maston  Ens  Nicolis  Gilman  Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh  left  Will : ffur- 
ber  There  We  differd  and  agreed  to  meet  the  9th  December  att 
Hampton  tree  5 Mile  North  of  there  Meeting  House  Where  Mett 
on  the  9th  & 10  day  Majer  Vaughan  Nathanil  Weare  Esqr  Henry 
Dow  Ephraim  Maston  Mr  Gilman  Mr  Wadleigh  leftnt  William 
ffurber  We  Run  the  line  ffrom  Hampton  North  tree  five  mile  ffrom 
there  Meeting  House  Which  is  a Beach  Marked  H : P : 1701  with 
severall  other  letters  a maple  marked  Southerly  the  Bound  tree 
Stand  a littell  more  than  a Rod  Southerly  of  a litell  Run  and 
136  Rod  upon  a East  point  to  the  Road  Way  from  Hampton  to 
Portsmouth  to  a great  Hemlock  Marked  H : on  the  Easterly  Side 
Marked  for  the  finding  the  North  tree  againe)  ffrom  Hampton 
North  tree  as  above  mentioned  We  Run  the  line  upon  a West 
South  West  point  untill  We  Came  within  two  Mile  of  Exeter  pres- 
sent  meeting  House  and  marked  the  tres  Then  We  Run  the  line 
ffrom  Exeter  pressent  Meeting  House  East  North  East  two  mile  by 


APPENDIX. 


9J3 


Measure  to  a Small  thriveing  White  oak  6 or  8 Inchis  through 
standing  in  low  ground  Marked  HW:HD:WF:NG:EM:S 
K : N W and  severall  tres  marked  Round  it : With  other  letters  on 
the  bound  tree  : We  likewise  Run  the  line  ffrom  Walls  Cove  (Com- 
?only  So  called)  by  Exeter  River  : upon  a South  and  by  East  point 
and  marked  the  trees  to  the  affore  Sayd  line  that  Run  from  Hamp- 
ton north  tree  to  Exeter  Meeting  House : And  the  Bound  tree 
Between  Portsmouth  Hampton  and  Exeter  there  standing  is  a 
prittie  great  Beach  marked  H D : 1701  : H : P : W W : W F : De- 
cember Some  other  letters : And  Severall  other  trees  marked 
Round  it)  And  on  the  12  & 13  day  of  December  Majer  Vaughan 
Mr  Weare  Henry  Dow  : Ens  Gilman  Ephraim  Marston  Mr  Jona- 
than Wadleigh  Leftnt  ffurber  and  John  ffoulshem  mett  att  the 
South  tree  A mile  and  a half  South  of  Exeter  ffals  Which  South 
bound  tree  is  a decaieng  great  Beach  marked  H D : N G : 1701  : 
an  ould  Mark  1670 : Severall  trees  Marked  Round  But  to  the 
west  ward  about  a Rod  is  a small  Beach  marked  by  a Way  With 
1701  : WF:EM:HD:  December  14  : ffrom  that  South  tree  We 
Measured  and  Marked  the  trees  ten  mile  upon  A West  and  by 
North  point  to  a Croched  pine  tree  Standing  in  a Swamp  Marked 
J W : 1701  : H D : N G : with  other  letters  and  a tree  of  poyson 
Wood  growing  by  Sayd  pine  and  Severall  other  trees  Marked 
Round  it  And  on  the:  15:  16:  17:  18:  19:  days  of  December 
1701:  Mett  Majer  William  Vaughan  Mr  William  Cotten  left: 
William  ffurber  Capt11  Henry  Dow  Ephraim  Marston  Ens  Nicolus 
Gilman  Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh  and  jeams  leach  and  the  17  : 18  : 
19  : day  William  Berry  Was  With  us  And  We  Run  the  Line  ffrom 
Rennys  Creeke  Com’only  so  called  ffrom  an  ould  Stub  there 
marked  West  and  by  South  and  marked  the  trees  to  Hogstie  Cove 
so  called  to  a White  oak  standing  in  leftnt  ffurbers  pasture  thus 
Marked  WC:HD:WF:JW:  E M : N G : with  other  Letters 
And  we  measured  ffrom  Hampton  Casway  according  to  order  five 
mile  along  shore  And  piched  a stake  by  the  Edg  of  the  Meadow 
ground  and  Layd  stons  about  sayd  stake  And  We  Run  the  line 
ffrom  Hampton  Bound  tree  five  mile  north  of  there  meeting  House 
upon  an  East  South  East  point  one  quarter  southerly  and  marked 
the  trees  to  sayd  stake  by  the  Beach  five  mile  ffrom  Hampton 
Casway  And  We  Run  the  line  ffrom  Sampsons  Point  according  to 
New  Castell  Charter  and  marked  the  trees  to  the  line  between 
Portsmouth  and  Hampton  to  a Bound  tree  a Beach  thus  marked 
E:M:NG:WF:  HD:  JW:  1701  Severall  other  letters  : With 
trees  marked  Round  it : Which  Sayd  Beach  is  the  Bounds  Between 
57 


9*4 


APPENDIX. 


Portsmouth  Hampton  and  New  Castell  Then  We  Run  an  East 
line  to  the  sea  or  Beach  to  a stake  by  the  side  of  a Pond  Between 
Raggid  Neck  and  Sandy  Beach  And  on  the  22  : & 23  of  Decem- 
ber 1701  there  mett  at  Lampry  River  ffals  Where  Mr  Wadleighs 
uper  mill  stood;  Majer  William  Vaughan  Mr  William  Cotten 
Jeams  Leach  leftnt  William  ffurber  leftnt  James  Davis  & William 
Berry  And  We  tooke  our  departure  ffrom  the  Midell  of  sd  ffals  So 
near  as  We  Could  Judg  And  Measured  upon  A West  an  by  North 
point  of  the  Compas  two  mile  to  a great  maple  tree  Standing  on 
the  West  side  of  the  North  River  Com’only  so  Called  Not  above 
fower  Rod  from  thence  And  a great  Butten  Wood  tree  stand  near 
sayd  Maple  and  is  att  the  fFoot  of  a Hill  Which  sayd  Maple  is  thus 
Marked  With  a D and  an  E : And  ffrom  sayd  Maple  We  measured 
two  mile  ffother  on  the  same  point  of  the  Compas  West  an  by 
North  to  the  top  of  A great  Hill  to  a Pich  Pine  tree  they  marked 
With  an  E And  small  White  Oak  Standing  By  it  With  sundry 
letters  marked  on  it  There  is  also  an  other  great  Hill  att  some  di- 
stance baring  West  from  this  Hill  where  the  Pich  Pine  bound  tree 
stand  and  We  Marked  the  trees  the  Whole  ffower  miles  Lenth 
And  ffother  upon  the  20th  of  May  1702  att  the  Bound  tree  two  mile 
ffrom  Exeter  Pressent  Meeting  House  upon  an  East  North  East 
Point  att  that  bound  tree  Mett  Nathu  Weare  Esqr  Henry  Dow  Ens  : 
Nicolus  Gilman  Ephraim  Marston  and  John  ffoulshem  and  We 
Run  the  line  Between  Hampton  and  Exeter  to  the  Bound  tree  by 
ass  Brook  and  marked  trees  Which  line  ffrom  the  two  mile  tree 
above  sayd  to  the  Bounds  att  ass  Brook  Was  a south  point  of  the 
Compas  one  quarter  of  A point  Easterly  and  the  trees  are  Marked 
ffore  and  Aft  And  as  ffor  the  line  from  the  South  tree  one  mile  and 
a Half  South  ffrom  Exeter  ffals  to  the  Bound  tree  by  ass  Brook 
that  being  Run  the  twentie  third  day  of  July  last  by  Severall  of  us 
of  Hampton  and  Exeter  appointed  to  Run  it  now  and  some  others 
of  Hampton  and  Exeter  and  it  agreeing  then  with  the  ould  and 
antient  Bound  trees  fformerly  made  and  being  then  consented  too 
by  all  present  We  now  agree  this  day  to  stand  to  that  ould  line 
Which  is  ffrom  the  South  tree  a mile  and  a Half  ffrom  Exeter 
ffalls  upon  A streight  line  to  the  bound  tree  att  ase  Brooke  ould 
bounds 

And  att  Dover  the  22th  January  170^  ther  met  Majer  William 
Vaughan  Captn  Mark  Hunkins  trased  the  land  Betwen  New- 
chewanuck  ffals  and  Trysterum  Heards  and  judg  it  to  lye  one  from 
the  other  East  and  West  neare  five  mile  distance  and  from  thence 
to  Dover  bound  tree  nere  White  Hall  ould  Wigwam  some  few 


APPENDIX. 


9 J5 


Rods  short  therof  on  the  Rissing  ground  Just  by  the  Ways  side  A 
small  valley  being  Between  sayd  tree  and  Wigwam  it  being  a pich 
pine  Which  we  found  marked  and  was  the  ould  bound  marked 
tre  as  we  are  informed  by  Mr  Ezekell  Wintsworth  Who  sayd  it 
was  nere  one  mile  and  a quarter  to  Newchewanuck  River  & two 
mile  and  a half  to  Cochecho  : River  and  five  mile  to  the  affore  sd 
Heards  House  & lyes  ffrom  Sayd  House  to  sayd  tree  nerest  North 
and  by  West  & South  and  by  East  so  that  from  quamphegon  falls 
to  sayd  bound  tree  is  North  west  half  a point  westerly  distance 
nearest  seaven  miles  Which  tree  We  found  marked  on  the  West- 
erly side  with  a p : and  had  bin  Burnt  over  with  the  fire  and  Judg 
it  to  be  part  of  Portsmouth  New  Towne  Bounds  and  the  three 
other  sids  of  the  tree  we  marked  with  a D : this  Before  Written 
We  give  in  as  a tru  Return  : under  our  Hands  : 


Wm  Vaughan 
Nath8 * * 11  We  are 
Henry  Dow 
John  foullsam 


Wm  flfurber  Nicolas  Gillman 

Ephm  marston  Jonathan  wadleih 

James  Leach  James  Davis 

ye  mark  of  X william  Berry 


29th  of  May  1702  Returned/ 

Past  & approved  by  the  Lem*  Govr  & Councill ; & ordered  that 
the  persons  who  Runn  the  Said  Lines  be  paid  for  their  care  & 
Deligence  out  of  ye  Publick  Treasury  each  person  3s  ^ diem. 

Cha  : Story  Secretary 


[. Account  of  Co7nmittee  to  Run  Town  Lines , iyoi .] 
[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  43.] 


A tru  account  of  those  Men  that  attented  to  Run  the  lines  Be- 
tween Towne  and  Towne  in  this  province  By  order 


8th  December  1701 

Majer  William  Vaughan 

Captn  John  pickering 

Nath11  Weare  Esqr 
Captn  Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Maston 
Left  Will  fturber 
Ens  Nick  : Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 


9 : 10  : December  1701 
Majer  Will : Vaughan 
Mr  Nath11  Weare 
Captn  Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
Ens  Nick : Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 
Left  Will : flfurber 
two  days  apece 


9i  6 


APPENDIX. 


12  & 13  December  1701 
Majer  Vaughan 
Mr  Weare 
Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
left  Will  ffurber 
John  ffoulshem 
Ens  Gilman 
Mr  Wadleigh 
two  days  apece 
16  December  1701  present 
Mager  Will : Vaughan 
Mr  William  Cotten 
Captn  Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
left  Will : ffurber 
Ens  Nick  : Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 
Mr  James  Leach 
18th  & 19th  December  1701 
the  above  9 men  were 
present  both  Days  (Viz) 
Majer  Will  Vaughan 
Mr  Will  Cotten 
Henr}'  Dow 
Ephrain  Marston 
Leftnt  Will : ffurber 
Ens  Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 
Mr  James  leach 
Will : Berry  : 


15  December  1701 
Majer  Vaughan 
left  ffurber 
Capt  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
Ens  Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 
James  Leach 
Mr  William  Cotten 
17th  December  1701  present 
Majer  Will : Vaughan 
Mr  William  Cotten 
Capt : Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
Ens  Gilman 
Mr  Jonathan  Wadleigh 
left  Will : ffurber 
James  leach 
Will  Bern" 

22  January  170^ 
att  Dover 
Majer  Vaughan 
Cap1  Mark  Hunckin 
20  May  1702 
att  Exeter 
Nathu  Weare  Esqr 
Henry  Dow 
Ephraim  Marston 
Ens  Nicolis  Gilman 
& John  ffoulshem 


\_Names  of  Persons  Present  at  Running  of  Certain  Lines , iyo2.~\ 
[Mss.  “Town  Boundaries,”  p.  41.] 

May  ye  28th  1702 

The  Names  of  y*  persons  y*  appeared  at  Portsmouth  to  make 
ye  return  of  whatt  was  Don  in  runinge  the  bounds  of  ye  severell 
towns  in  ye  provence  by  order  of  ye  honreble  Ll  governer/ 

Nathu  weare  John  ffoullsham  william  Berry 

Henry  Dow  Nicolas  gillman  James  Leach 

william  ffurber  Jonathan  wadlah  Ephrim  marston 


APPENDIX. 


9*7 

wee  pray  ye  honorable  L4  governer  & Counsell  y*  gave  order  for 
ye  doinge  of  this  worke  of  runinge  ye  bounds  of  yr  respective 
towns  that  you  would  bee  pleased  to  give  order  for  our  pay  for  so 
doinge 

At  ye  running  of  Lamperell  Line — was  prsent  viz4 

Wm  Vaughan  Wm  Berry 

Wm  Coatton  james  Leitch 

Wm  ffurbur  James  Davis 

and  all  ware  3 Dayes  a pese  (Exepte  James  Davis  &hee  was  but 
Two  Dayes)  before  wee  Returned  hoome,  and  it  was  a very  Severe 
time  of  Could  wether. 


\_Refort  of  Committee  on  Town  Lines , iyi8.~\ 

[Mss.  “ Town  Boundaries,”  p.  45.] 

We  whose  names  are  hereunto  Subscribed  being  a Committe 
appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  the  year  1715  to  Run  out  & Setle  the  Bounds  of  the 
Towns  in  this  Province  & also  by  an  Additional  Act  of  Said  Gen- 
eral Assembly  in  the  Year  1718  Directing  & Impowring  us  to 
Proceed  and  Finish  Said  Lines  in  Pursuance  thereto  We  having 
at  Sundry  times  Met  & Debated  on  all  & Every  Towns  Arguments 
& having  Deliberatly  Considered  all  the  arguments  Papers  & 
Records  that  were  Produced  do  thus  make  Our  Return — 

The  Bounds  between  Hampton  & Portsmouth  Are  a Small 
Beach  Tre  near  Winecut  River  Marked  on  the  South  Side  with  H 
and  on  the  North  Side  R:  W — 1718 — J.  F — Having  Severrel 
Trees  by  it  that  are  marked  with  Sundry  Letters  and  on  1718 — 
this  Tree  being  Called:  the  North  Tree  and  is  Five  Miles  Due 
North  from  Hampton  old  Meeting  House  We  of  the  Committee 
did  Run  it  and  Measure  it  on  the  16th  Day  of  September  1718  and 
from  Said  Tree  to  Run  towards  the  Sea  Side  South  Sixty  Seven 
Degrees  & Thirty  Minutes  East  or  East  Twenty  Two  Degrees  & 
Thirty  Minutes  South  to  a Stake  that  is  Drove  Down  South  Fifty 
Degrees  West  Distance  Seventeen  Rod  from  Joseph  Locks  Corner 
of  his  Celler  Door  & on  the  Same  Course  to  the  Sea  Side  at  Locks 
Point  of  the  Neck  and  from  Said  North  Tree  on  a West  Point 
towards  Streatham  to  the  House  of  Abraham  Morgan  these  to  be 
the  Setled  Bounds  between  Portsmouth  & Hampton — 

And  for  the  Bounds  between  Streatham  & Hampton  it  Shall 
begin  at  Streathem  South  East  Corner  from  Wheelwrights  Creek 


9i  8 


APPENDIX. 


at  the  End  of  Three  miles  Run  out  by  the  Committe  on  the  24th  of 
7br  1718  at  a Maple  Tre  marked  J.  W.  M H.  E.  S.  1718:  and 
from  the  Said  Tree  to  Run  North  East  Forty  four  Degrees  untill  it 
meet  with  the  West  Line  from  the  before  Said  North  Tree  which 
is  about  16  Rod  to  the  Eastward  of  Joseph  Dearbourns  New  House 
& between  Streathem  & Exeter  from  the  mouth  of  Wheelwrights 
Creek  at  Lowwater  mark  to  the  Maple  Tree  above  Said  on  a South 
East  Point  Three  miles.  The  Bounds  between  Streathem  & Ports- 
mouth to  begin  at  Sandy  Point  and  Run  Three  miles  South  East 
and  whereas  the  Committe  was  Deceived  at  the  First  Runing  Said 
South  East  Line  haveing  begun  Short  of  Said  Sandy  Point  it  is 
now  Concluded  that  it  Shall  be  measured  from  the  Stake  that  was 
Drove  down  by  the  Committe  7br  the  i8m  1718  to  Sandy  Point  and 
what  that  Distance  is  it  Shall  be  Set  Back  from  the  Beach  on  the 
South  Side  of  Winecutt  River  & from  thence  a Streight  Line  to  the 
upper  South  East  Corner  from  Wheelwrights  Creek — 

For  the  Line  between  Exeter  & Hampton  from  the  Stump  of  the 
old  South  Tree  where  We  Erected  a heap  of  Stones  on  Wednesday 
the  25th  of  7br  1718  and  Run  from  Said  Heap  of  Stones  on  a West 
& by  North  Line  to  the  Bounds  between  Exeter  Hampton  & 
Kingstown  West  & by  North  Line  to  the  Bounds  between  Exeter 
& Hampton. 

The  Line  between  Kingstown  & Hampton  to  be  a North  & South 
Line  from  Exeter  & Hampton  West  & by  North  Line  to  a White 
Oak  Stump — 

Another  Line  between  Exeter  & Hampton  to  begin  at  the  South 
East  Corner  of  Streathem  at  the  End  of  Three  Mile  from  Wheel- 
wrights Creek  at  the  White  Maple  Tree  marked  J W.  M H.  E.  S. 
1718  as  it  was  Run  and  marked  the  24th  7br  1718  and  from  Said 
Tree  South  West  to  the  South  Side  of  the  Road  from  Exeter  to 
Hampton  where  it  is  marked  and  then  West  five  Degrees  South  to 
Exeter  South  Tree  or  Stump  where  the  heap  of  Stones  are 
Erected — 

The  Bounds  between  Exeter  & Kingstown  Shall  be  the  West  & 
by  North  Line  from  the  North  Corner  Tree  of  Kingstown  to 
Hampton  as  We  Run  it  up  Ten  Miles  to  a Beach  Tree  marked  E 
on  the  North  Side  for  Exeter  & K.  for  Kingstown  on  the  South 
Side  & 1718,  as  We  marked  them  on  the  Tenth  Day  of  xbr  this 
West  & by  North  Line  as  We  Run  it  up  and  marked  to  the  Stated 
Bounds  between  Exeter  & Kingstown  to  Run  Two  miles  further  on 
the  Same  West  & by  North  Point  above  the  abovesaid  Beach 
Tree — 


APPENDIX. 


9X9 

The  Bounds  between  Dover  & Exeter  to  begin  at  the  First  Lower 
Falls  of  Lampre  River  on  the  Land  Just  adjoyning  to  a Great 
Picked  Rock  & a flat  Rock  Standing  Close  on  the  Lower  Side 
thereof  in  the  River  on  Said  Falls  about  Ten  Rod  above  the  Saw 
mill  that  now  Stands  Close  on  the  South  Side  of  Said  River  and 
from  Said  Picked  Rock  on  a West  & by  North  Line  Crossing 
Piscasack  River  about  Two  Rod  to  the  Southward  of  the  Grist  mill 
and  So  unto  the  Woods  West  & by  North  Six  Miles  to  a Red  oak 
Tree  marked  on  the  North  Side  D for  Dover  and  E.  for  Exeter  on 
the  South  Side  with  Severell  other  Letters  and  6.  Notches  Cutt 
Signifying  Six  Miles  which  is  the  Extent  of  the  Bounds  between 
Dover  & Exeter  Exeter  to  Run  Two  Miles  higher  from  Said  Oak 
Tree  on  the  Same  West  & by  North  Line  & Exeter  to  begin  at  the 
head  of  Goddards  Creek  and  Runing  on  a Streight  Line  to  the 
above  Said  Falls  at  Lampre  River  at  the  Picked  Rock. — 

The  Bounds  of  New  Castle  Shall  begin  at  Sampsons  Point  and 
Run  South  West  untill  it  come  in  Sight  of  the  House  that  was 
Anthony  Libbys  where  it  meets  Hampton  Line  from  the  North 
Tree  to  the  Sea  as  it  Setled  by  this  Committe  and  from  the  Place 
where  it  meets  Hampton  Line  abovesaid  to  Run  East  to  the  Sea  to 
the  Great  Pond  to  a Maple  at  the  Side  of  the  Pond  that  marked 
and  then  over  the  Pond  to  the  Beach  to  a Great  Round  Stone  to 
the  Eastward  of  Ragged  Neck  these  Lines  being  According  to 
their  Charter  this  East  Line  from  Hampton  Line  by  Anthony 
Libbys  House  abovesaid  to  the  Bounds  between  New  Castle  and 
Portsmouth  and  the  abovesaid  SouthWest  Line  also  as  it  was  Run 
by  the  Committe  7br  the  17th  1718 — 

Portsmouth  December  the  24th  1718.  In  Testimony  of  our 
Agrement  to  all  and  Every  the  Bounds  before  made  and  Entered 
We  have  hereunto  Set  our  hands — 

Mark  Hunking  James  Davis  Thomas  Webb 

R.  Wibird  Nicholis  Gilman  Peter  Wear 

Jonathan  Sanborn 
James  Jeffry  Surveyor 

Tobias  Langdon  at  the  Runing  of  the  Two  upper  Lines — 

Major  Peter  Wear  do  Sign  with  this  Exception  (Viz1)  That  the 
Line  from  Streathem  South  East  Corner  from  Wheelwrights  Creek 
Should  Run  Streight  to  Exeter  South  Tree  or  Stump. 

True  Copy  R.  Waldron  Sectry 

A True  Copy  att*  H Wentworth  Cler 


920 


APPENDIX. 


[ Tamworth , Eaton , 

[Charter  Records,  Vol.  4,  p.  261.] 

State  of  New  Hampshire 

In  the  Year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred & ninety-six 

An  Act  to  empower  a Committee  to  settle  and  fix 
the  boundary  lines  between  Tamworth  and  Eaton 
and  Tamworth  and  Burton — 

Whereas  Thomas  Cogswell  Thomas  Leavitt  and  Bradbury 
Cilley,  agents  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  of 
Tamworth ; Winthrop  Smart  Jacob  Blasdell  and  John  Banfill, 
agents  in  behalf  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  of  Eaton; 
Moses  Senter,  Henry  Weed,  and  Orlando  Weed,  agents  in  behalf 
of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Township  of  Burton,  all  in  the  State  of 
New  Hampshire,  have  in  their  Petition  to  this  Court,  represented 
that  on  the  fourteenth  Day  of  October  seventeen  hundred 
and  sixty  six  the  township  of  Tamworth  was  granted,  that  soon 
afterwards  Eaton  and  Burton  were  granted,  Eaton  adjoining  on 
the  east  side  and  Burton  on  the  North  of  Tamworth — That  various 
disputes  had  arisen  on  the  part  of  Eaton  relative  to  the  East  line 
of  Tamworth;  on  the  part  of  Burton  relative  to  the  North  line  of 
Tamworth — That  it  appears  that  there  is  land  sufficient  to  com- 
plete the  above  mentioned  grants  according  to  their  true  intent  and 
meaning — and  that  from  a desire  to  put  an  end  to  altercation  & law- 
suits the  Petitioners  agents  in  behalf  of  the  said  several  Proprietors 
had  agreed  to  lay  their  papers  and  evidence  before  the  Honourable 
Simeon  Olcott  of  Charlestown,  John  Peirce  of  Portsmouth  both  in 
the  State  of  New  Hampshire  Esquires  and  Josiah  Little  of  New- 
bury in  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  Esquire,  and  in  case 
of  the  refusal  or  death  of  either  of  them  Russell  Freeman  of  Han- 
over Esquire  to  be  joined — and  that  they  shall  be  a Committee  to 
fix  the  line  on  the  East  between  Tamworth  and  Eaton,  and  on  the 
North  between  Tamworth  and  Burton  : the  report  of  whom  or  any 
two  of  them  aforesaid  to  be  final  and  conclusive  between  the  par- 
ties if  made  and  lodged  in  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of  this  State 
within  twelve  months  from  the  passing  of  the  Act  for  the  purpose 
— And  that  it  was  further  agreed  that  fourteen  days  notice  given 
by  said  Committee  to  the  Proprietors  Clerk  of  the  townships  of 
Tamworth,  Eaton  & Burton,  or  to  one  of  the  Agents  before  named 


APPENDIX. 


921 


of  each  of  those  towns,  of  the  time  and  place  of  the  sitting  of  said 
Committee  on  the  business,  shall  be  sufficient  notice,  and  if  either 
of  them  neglect  to  appear  to  proceed  exparte — And  that  they  had 
further  agreed  to  Petition  this  Court  to  pass  an  Act  empowering 
said  Committee  to  settle  and  fix  the  Lines  aforesaid — Whereupon 
they  prayed  that  they  might  have  leave  to  bring  in  a Bill  and  that 
an  Act  might  be  passed  empowering  the  said  Committee  to  ascer- 
tain and  fix  the  said  lines  under  the  restrictions  aforesaid — which 
being  reasonable — 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in 
General  Court  convened  That  Simeon  Olcott  of  Charlestown  John 
Peirce  of  Portsmouth  both  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  and 
Josiah  Little  of  Newbury  in  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 
and  in  case  of  the  refusal  or  death  of  one  of  them  Russell  Free- 
man of  Hanover  in  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  be  and  are 
hereby  appointed  a Committee  with  full  Power  and  Authority 
to  hear  said  parties  their  Witnesses  and  evidences  and  to  settle 
fix  and  establish  the  Easterly  boundary  line  of  Tamworth  between 
Tam  worth  and  Eaton,  and  the  Northerly  boundary  line  of  Tam- 
worth between  Tamworth  and  Burton — Provided  that  the  said 
Committee  shall  give  fourteen  days  notice  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Tamworth  Eaton  and  Burton  or  to  one  of  the  Agents 
of  the  Proprietors  of  each  of  those  towns  petitioning  for  this  act,  of 
the  time  and  place  of  the  sitting  of  said  Committee  for  the  afore- 
said purpose ; and  in  case  either  party  after  such  notice  shall 
neglect  to  appear,  the  said  Committee  may  proceed  exparte — 
And  the  report  of  the  said  Committee  or  any  two  of  them  there- 
upon made  in  writing  under  their  hands  ascertaining  and  fixing 
said  boundary  lines,  and  lodged  in  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of 
this  State  within  twelve  months  from  the  time  of  the  passing  this 
Act  shall  be  final  and  conclusive  between  the  said  parties ; and 
shall  forever  hereafter  establish  the  said  Lines  as  the  true  line  be- 
tween the  said  towns,  and  they  shall  accordingly  be  so  deemed 
and  taken. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  Committee  be  and 
they  hereby  are  fully  authorized  and  empowered  to  appoint  (if 
they  think  necessary)  a Surveyor  and  Chainmen  to  run  such  lines 
and  to  report  to  said  Committee  such  plans  relative  to  said  Premises 
as  either  of  said  parties  shall  request — And  the  Surveyor  so  ap- 
pointed shall  give  fourteen  days  notice  to  the  Clerk  of  each  of  the 
Proprietors  of  each  of  said  Towns  of  Tamworth,  Eaton  and  Bur- 
ton or  to  one  of  the  Agents  of  the  Proprietors  of  each  of  said  towns 


922 


APPENDIX. 


of  the  times  and  places  when  and  where  said  lines  are  to  be  run 
and  plans  taken 

And  the  said  Committee  be  and  hereby  are  fully  authorized  to 
adjudge  and  determine  who  shall  pay  the  necessary  Costs  and 
Charges  that  may  arise  in  the  hearing  and  settling  of  said  Lines, 
and  to  ascertain  those  costs  in  such  manner  as  to  said  Committee 
shall  appear  Just  & equitable — 

State  of  New)  In  the  House  of  Representatives  January  9th 
Hampshire  5 1796 — 

The  within  Bill  having  had  three  several  readings  passed  to  be 
enacted — Sent  up  for  Concurrence 

Russell  Freeman  Speaker 


In  Senate  June  10th  1796  This  Bill  having  been  read  a third 
time,  Voted  that  the  same  be  enacted — 

Approved  June  11th  17 96 


Ebenr  Smith 


President  of 
the  Senate 


True  Copy  Examined  ^ 


J T Gilman  Governor 
Nath1  Parker  Depy  Secy 


Whereas  in  and  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of 
New  Hampshire  passed  the  eleventh  Day  of  June  Anno  Domini 
1796  by  agreement  of  parties  authorizing  and  empowering  us  the 
undersigned  a Committee  to  hear  adjudge  fix  and  determine  the 
boundary  lines  betwixt  Tam  worth  on  the  one  part,  and  Eaton  and 
Burton  on  the  other  part,  as  by  said  act,  a Copy  whereof  is  here- 
unto annexed  may  more  fully  appear — In  Pursuance  of  said 
Power  and  Authority,  and  having  duly  notified  all  the  parties  of 
time  and  place  of  hearing  and  their  appearance  in  conformity 
thereunto,  we  proceeded  to  hear  the  parties,  their  allegations  and 
proofs,  and  viewed  their  several  papers  documents  and  Claims 
have  agreed  to  report,  and  do  hereby  report,  that  the  lines  in  said 
Act  mentioned  be  and  hereby  are  settled  affixed  and  established 
as  follows,  that  is  to  say  that  the  East  line  of  Tamworth  which  is 
the  West  line  of  Eaton  begin  at  a Pitch  pine  tree  standing  on  the 
Patent  line,  so  called,  about  one  mile  East  of  Bear  Camp-River- 
Bridge,  marked  with  six  notches,  and  is  the  South  east  corner  of 
Tamworth,  and  the  South  west  corner  of  Eaton,  from  thence  run- 
ning North  six  miles  to  a Beach  Tree  marked  H.  G.  N.  H & T C 
& dated  Dec  22d  1796,  which  shall  be  the  East  line  of  Tamworth 
& west  line  of  Eaton,  and  from  said  Beach  Tree  to  run  on  a line 


APPENDIX. 


923 

due  west  until  it  intersects  the  East  line  of  Sandwich  Addition  so 
called  to  a Stake  marked  T C about  Eight  feet  South  Easterly 
from  said  Stake  is  a Red  Birch  Tree  marked  H G — T C & I G 
which  shall  be  the  North  line  of  Tamworth  and  South  line  of 
Burton  so  far  as  said  Burton  is  adjoining  on  said  Tamworth — 

And  in  pursuance  of  said  Power  and  Authority  granted  by  said 
Act  We  do  further  adjudge  and  determine  that  the  Agents  of  the 
Proprietors  of  Eaton  pay  to  the  Agents  of  the  Proprietors  of  Tam- 
worth the  sum  of  Seventy  Dollars  and  fifty  Cents,  as  necessary 
costs  and  charges  arising  in  hearing  and  settling  the  lines  afore- 
said— And  also  that  the  Agents  of  the  Proprietors  of  Burton  pay 
to  the  said  Agents  of  the  Proprietors  of  Tamworth  a further  Sum 
of  Seventy  Dollars  and  fifty  Cents  arising  for  like  purposes — 

Feby  8th  1797 — Simeon  Olcott 

Josiah  Little 
Russell  Freeman 

I John  Peirce  named  and  appointed  as  one  of  the  Committee  to 
adjust  and  Settle  the  boundary  lines  between  Tamworth,  Eaton  & 
Burton,  according  to  the  Act  of  the  General  Court  hereto  annexed, 
did  refuse  to  undertake  or  perform  said  Trust  or  Business — 

John  Peirce 

To  Col°  Henry  Gerrish  Esq — 

Sir — By  agreement  and  consent  of  Parties  You  are  appointed 
Surveyor  to  take  a Survey  of  the  boundary  line  between  the 
Townships  of  Tamworth  and  Eaton,  being  the  East  line  of  Tam- 
worth and  West  line  of  Eaton — You  are  to  begin  at  a Pitch  Pine 
tree  marked  with  six  notches,  which  stands  on  the  Patent  line  so 
called  about  one  mile  e'ast  of  Bear-camp  River,  so  called,  being 
the  Southerly  corner  between  Tamworth  & Eaton  and  from  thence 
to  extend  a North  line  between  Tamworth  and  Eaton  until  six 
miles  are  compleated,  where  you  are  to  erect  a good  and  sufficient 
Monument  or  land  mark — And  from  thence  are  to  extend  a line 
due  west  between  Tamworth  & Burton  until  it  shall  intersect  the 
East  line  of  Sandwich  addition  (so  called)  where  you  are  to  affix 
a Monument  or  land  mark  as  above — You  will  appoint  two  good 
& qualified  Chainmen  who  shall  be  sworn  to  a faithful  discharge 
of  their  duty  & trust — You  will  Notify  the  Agents  of  the  Townships 
Tamworth  Eaton  & Burton  when  you  shall  make  said  Survey — 
You  will  compleat  said  Survey  and  make  a return  thereof  on  oath 
to  me  the  Subscriber  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  Settling  the 
boundary  lines  between  said  Tamworth  Eaton  & Burton  on  or 


APPENDIX. 


924 

before  the  first  day  of  March  next — You  are  to  expect  your  pay  & 
reward  for  said  Services  from  the  Agents  of  the  Township  of  Tam- 
worth — 

Concord  15th  Dec  1796 — ^ Order — 

Simeon  Olcott  Chairman 

Pursuant  to  the  within  appointment  I Notified  the  Agents  of 
Tam  worth  Eaton  and  Burton  to  meet  me  on  the  twenty  first  Day 
of  December  Instant  at  the  within  mentioned  Pitch  Pine  Tree 
with  six  notches  at  the  above  time  and  place,  there  met  me  Honbl* 
Thomas  Cogswell  Esq  Agent  for  Tam  worth,  Jacob  Blasdell  Esq 
and  Major  Winthrop  Smart  Agents  for  Eaton  and  Mr  Henry  Weed 
Agents  for  Burton.  By  mutual  agreement  of  Parties  Colonel 
Nathan  Hoit  was  appointed  to  carry  the  fore  end  of  the  Chain  & 
myself  the  hind  end  of  the  Chain — After  being  sworn  to  the  faith- 
ful discharge  of  our  trust  we  began  at  the  aforesaid  Pitch  Pine  tree 
marked  with  six  notches,  and  thence  measured  upon  an  old  line 
which  was  then  agreed  to  by  the  parties  which  runs  North  one 
Degree  and  about  twenty  five  minutes  West  by  the  Needle  Six 
miles  to  a Beach  Tree  about  seven  inches  diameter  which  we 
Spotted  on  four  sides  for  the  North  East  Corner  of  Tam  worth 
which  tree  I also  marked  with  the  letters  H G N H & T C 
and  dated  it  Decr  22d  1796  and  drove  a Cent  into  the  Westerly 
side  of  said  Tree — From  thence  I run  and  spotted  a line  West 
one  degree  and  about  twenty  five  Minutes  South,  which  makes 
it  a right  angle  with  the  old  line  until  I came-  to  the  line  of 
Sandwich  Addition  where  I set  up  a Stake  for  the  Northwest 
Corner  of  Tamworth,  said  Stake  is  spotted  and  marked  with  the 
letters  T C about  eight  feet  Southeasterly  from  said  Stake  I also 
Spotted  a Red  Burch  Tree  which  is  about  Eleven  Inches  diameter 
which  I marked  with  the  letters  H G — T C & I G and  drove  a cop- 
per into  the  side  of  said  tree  facing  the  Bounds — 

Tamworth  Decr  24,  179 6 Henry  Gerrish  Surveyor 

I hereby  Certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a true  copy  of  papers 
lodged  in  the  Secretarys  Office  Feby  13th  1797  by  a Committee 
empowered  to  settle  and  fix  the  boundary  lines  between  Tamworth 
& Eaton  & Tamworth  & Burton — 


Attest  Joseph  Pearson  Secy 


INDEX. 


INDEX  OF  NAMES  OF  PLACES 


Acworth 3,  37  L 380-386 

(Burnet) 3,  371,  372,  538 

(New  Burnet). ..3,  371,  375,  376,  378-380 

(Number  3) 3-6,  371,  767,  768 

Albany 389,  920 

(Burton) 389,  390,  392-394,  920-924 

Albany,  N.  Y 389 

Alder  Brook 482 

Allenstown 233,  489 

Almsbury  or  Amesbury,  Mass...  106,  no,  189 
I9S>  3°6»  335»  755»  76 2,  767 

Alstead 6,  404,  408,  409,  41 1 -413 

(Newton) 6,  404,  405,  407,  408,  538 

(Number  4) 6,  404,  767,  768 

Amherst 8,  204,  414,  415,  417,  418 

(Narragansett  No.  3). . . .8,  172-174,  176 
177,  216,  219,  220;  250,  414,  416 

(Salem  Narragansett) 8,  16,  174,  176 

177,  4i4 

(Souhegan  West) 8,  16,  414-417,  458 

Ammonoosuck  River.. 448,  452,  455,  704,  707 

Amoskeag 36,  no,  158,  178,  193-195 

Amoskeag  Falls. ..35,  105-112,  180,  182,  187 

202,  226 

Andover 297 

Andover,  Mass 36,  37,  247,  612,  618 

Androscoggin  River 62 

Annahooksett  Falls  (see  Hannakooksy 

Falls) 108 

Annapolis,  N.  S 144 

Antrim 136 

Appledore  (Isles  of  Shoals) 149,  152 

Apthorp  (Littleton  and  Dalton) 482,  678 

Arlington  (Winchester). ..144,  145,  275,  277- 

281,  319,  320,  322,  345,  353-359,  766 

Arrostook 905 

Ashburnham,  Mass.  (Dorchester  Can- 
ada)  283,  285 

Ashland 418 

Ashuelot 772,  773,  778,  781,  783,  784 

Ashuelot  River. ..78,  152,  298,  318,  330,  773— 
' 776,  778-784 

Ass  Brook.  ..858,  864,  871,  872,  876,  877,  902 
904-906,  908-910,  914 
Athol,  Mass.  (Paquoiag)..  ..78,  298,  775,  776 

779-782,  784 


Atkinson 419 

Auburn 419,  566 

(Long  Meadow) 419 

Babboosick  Brook 19 

Back  River..  843 

Bakerstown  (Salisbury) 297 

Baldwin,  Me 333 

Bafbadoes 478 

Barnstable,  Mass 143 

Barnstead 419-422,  576,  830-832 

Barrington.. . 292,  420,  423-426,  866,  897,  898 

900 

Barrington,  Mass 814 

Bartlett 426,  544 

Bath 447,  448,  4SO-452,  454,  455,  482 

Bear  Camp  River 922,  923 

Beaver  Brook 87,  165,  232 

Bedford 13,  16,  178,  415,  416,  457,  458 

(Narragansett  No.  5).  13-17,  21,  106,  107 
112,  116,  121,  124,  125,  192,  219,  220 
222,  457 

(Souhegan  East) 13,  17,  457,  458 

Bedford,  Mass 814 

Belemans  Bank  River 853 

Bellingham,  Mass 814 

Bellows  Falls 330 

Bellowstown  (Walpole) 330 

Belmont 460 

(Upper  Gilmanton) 460 

Bennett’s  Brook 143 

Bennington ; 460 

Benton 460 

(Coventry) 460,  461,  463 

Berlin 477 

(Maynesborough) 477,  478,  480 

Berwick,  Me 758,  773-776,  779,  814 

Bethlehem 481,  482 

(Lloyd  Hills) 481-483 

Beverly,  Mass 340-344,  813 

Beverly  Canada  (Weare) 339 

Biddeford,  Me 814 

Billerica,  Mass 165,  169,  772,  812 

Black  River 543 

Blackwater  River 338 

Bloody  Point  (Newington) 224,  859 


928 


INDEX. 


Blow-me-down  Brook 667,  669 

Boiling  Rock 858,  859 

Bonnabeague 773,  774 

Boscawen 21,  485,  486,  488,  528 

(Contoocook). . .21,  27,  57,  67,  226,  301- 
306,  485,  620,  766 
Boston,  Mass.9,  ii,  14,  17,  31,  33,  56,  61,  65 
74,  75.  83>  S8,  I02,  Io8*  ”0,  123,  124,  140 
1 5°,  155,  167,  186,  195,  198,  206,  210,  21 1 
214,  215,  221,  262,  263,  267,  269,  275,  285 
292,  293,  295,  296,  312,  314,  315,  324-327 

352»  364,  366,  379,  450,  454,  574,  640,  648 

665,  721,  740,  798,  799,  804,811,836,842 
845,  846,  848,  849,  851,  852,  835,  859,  868 

870,  876 

Boston  Piscataquog  Township  (New 

Boston) 80,  81,  215 

Bow. 31,  145,  233,  246-249,  439,  489-492,  610 
614,  617-619,  625-627,  629,  630,  633-636 

645-647,  709 

Boxford,  Mass 813 

Boyle  (Gilsum) 405 

Bradford 28,  339 

(New  Bradford) 28,  339 

(Number  2) 28,  29,  766,  767 

Bradford,  Mass 28,  36,  612,  762,  767,  814 

Braintree,  Mass 685,  813 

Brandy  Rock 863 

Breakfast  Hill 879 

Brenton’s  Farm  (Litchfield). 83,  157,  160,  161 

Brentwood 493,  743 

(Brintwood) 493,  865 

Bretton  Woods  (Carroll).. .482,  529-531,  533 

534,  536 

Bridgewater 496 

Bridgewater,  Mass 764,  813 

Brintwood  (Brentwood) 493,  865 

Bristol 21,  485,  496 

Bristol,  Mass 814 

Brookfield 496 

Brookfield,  Mass 813 

Brookline 497 

(Raby) 497,  49S  j 

Brookline,  Mass 763,  814 

Buckingham  (Unity) 372,  376,  538 

Buckstreet 489 

Burnet  (Acworth) 3,  371,  372»  538  j 

Burton  (Albany).  .389,  390,  392-394,  920-924  | 

Cambridge 499-50L  5°3»  735*  739 

Cambridge,  Mass 129,  133,  204,  331,  762 

798,  799,  814  I 

Cambridge  School  Farm 130-132  j 

Camden  (Washington) 339 

Campton 504,  505,  507-509,  51 1,  513,  718  ! 

Canaan.  513,  514,  516,  518,  519,  521,  522,  732  j 

Candia 271,  523,  566  j 

(Charmingfare) 523  | 


Canterbury 29,  31,  489,  523-525,  527,  528 

610,  629,  830-832 

Cape  Ann 260 

Carroll 529 

(Bretton  Woods)  482,529"53I.533,534,536 

Casco,  Me 757 

Casco  Bay 66,  758 

Center  Harbor 537 

Charles  River 623 

Charlestown. 330,  386,  388,  409,  537,  539-541 
543,  580,  920,  921 

(Number  4) 537,  538,  766,  767 

Charlestown,  Mass. 33,  169,  204,  205,  815,  874 

Charlestown  School  Farm 87,  204,  210 

Charmingfare  (Candia) 523 

Chatham. . . .426,  544,  545,  547,  554,  556,  650 
Chelmsford,  Mass..  ..68-70,  83,  185,  192-195 

206,  238 

Chester.  105,  187,  249,  271,  419,  523,  566-568 
833~836,  864,  891,  899 

(Cheshire) 566 

Chesterfield 142,  569,  570,  573-^75 

(Number  1) 357,  569,  766,  767 

Chichester. ..489,  524,  576,  578,  579,  629,  631 

632,  830-832 

Chiswick  (Littleton  and  Dalton) 678 

Claremont 579~582,  584-586 

Clarksville 587 

(Dartmouth  College  Grant) 587 

Cochecho  (Dover) 73,  695,  698 

Cochecho  River. . 293,  294,  364,  365,  367,  368 

8 53,  9i5 

Cockburne  (Columbia) 598,  740,  742,  743 

Cockbumetown  (Columbia)..  . 598,  602,  603 

606,  607,  610 

Cockermouth  (Groton  and  Hebron). 505,  509 

Colburn  (Colebrook) 589 

Colchester,  Mass.  (Salisbury) 866,  867 

Cold  River 334 

Colebrook 589,  598 

(Colburn) 589 

(Colebrooktown) 589,  593,  594 

(Dryden) 589,  590,  592 

Columbia 598 

(Cockburne) 598,  740,  742,  743 

(Cockbumetown). 598,  602,  603,  606,  607 

610 

(Preston) 590,  598,  599,  601 

Concord... 29,  31,  233,  489,  523,  528,  610,  648 

893 

(Penacook) . 22-27,  29»  31*  33»  34,  36,  3s” 
41,  43,  44,  46-62,  64-66,  109,  170,  233 
235_237’  248»  610,  612,  617,  618,  623 
625,  626,  630,  632,  633,  636,  640,  642- 
645,  747,  7 54-7  58 
(Rumford).  29-31,  59-61,  78,  80,  145,  297 
298,  339,  610,  614,  615,  617,  620,  621 
633-635,  639,  641,  643-645,  647,  747 
761,  762,  766 


\ 


INDEX. 


929 


Concord,  Mass..  . .64,  135,  330,  331,  766,  767 
785,  794,  795,  815 
Connecticut  River.  3,  6,  28,  29,  39,  57,  61,  139 
140,  143,  145,  154,  155,  330,  331,  333-335 
339,  345-348,  35°“352»  357,  37 L 404,  448 
452,  455,  537,  538,  543,  544,  569,  570,  580 
585,  s86,  588,  590,  594,  598,  603,  606,  607 
610,  616,  663,  667,  669,  747,  748,  751-753 
756-759,  761,  762,  764-768 
Contoocook  (Boscawen)..  .21,  27,  57,  67,  226 
301-306,  485,  620,  766 
Contoocook  River.. 26,  27,  34,  35,  41,  45,  137 
254,  256,  257,  486,  633,  642,  680 
Conway. 390,  394,  396,  401,  403,  432,  434~436 
438,  440,  445,  544,  545,  551,  553,  650 
65 653,  655-657,  659,  660 

Coos 706 

Cornish 580,  662,  663,  665-667,  671 

(Mast  Camp) 662 

Cotterill’s  Delight 267,  859 

Couleraine 420,  496,  669,  670 

Coventry  (Benton) 460,  461,  463 

Coyachus 127 

Crawford’s  Grant 529 

Crosby’s  Brook 184 

Croydon 662,  663,  671,  672,  674,  676,  677 

Cumberland  (Society  Land) 67,  679 

Dalton 678 

(Apthorp) 482,  678 

(Chiswick) 678 

Dame’s  Gore 513 

Danvers,  Mass 734 

Danville 678 

(Hawke) 678 

Dartmouth  (Jefferson) 530,  533 

Dartmouth  College 587,  588 

Dartmouth  College  Grant  (Clarksville). . 587 

Dedham,  Mass 804 

Deerfield 316,  317,  319,  679 

Deerfield,  Mass .767 

Deer  Hill 496 

Deering 67,  460,  679,  680 

Derry 170,  681 

Derry,  Ire 681 

Derryfield  (Manchester) 170,  178 

Discovery  Hill 147,  149 

Dorchester 521,  522,  682,  683,  685-687, 

689-691,  693 

Dorchester  Canada  (Ashburnham,  Mass.) 

283,  285 

Dorchester,  Mass 201,  202 

Dover.64,  73-77,  101,  102,  104,  152,  224,  225 
264,  266,  270-272,  292-294,  363,  367,  368 
423,  425,  426,  624,  695,697,  701,  710,  711 
833,  836-847,  849-857,  859,  860,  862,  863 
866,  896,  898-900,  903-91 1,  914,  916,  919 

(Cochecho) 73,  695,  698 

(Northam) 73,  260,  695,  839,  851,  909 

58 


Dover  Neck 102 

Dracut,  Mass 87,  105,  232,  826,  827 

Dram  Cup  Hill 87,  132 

Dryden  (Colebrook) 589,  590,  592 

Dublin 701,  702 

(Monadnock  No.  3) 701 

(North  Monadnock) 701 

Dublin,  Ire 701 

Dummer 703,  704,  735,  739 

Dunbarton 78,  105,  340,  445,  566,  658,  708 

709 

(Gorhamtown) 78,  708 

(Starkstown) 78,  708 

Dunstable  (old  grant).. 34,  35,  82-88,  90,  93- 
101,  1 14,  1 16,  127,  128,  130,  132,  146,  157 
159-163,  178,  179,  203,  210,  224,  232,  288 

497,  747-75°,  752»  754~758,  §25,  827 

Dunstable  (Nashua) 82,  210 

Dupplin  (Lempster) 154 

Durand  (Randolph) 478 

Durham 73,  101,  695,  701,  710-712,  866 

896-900 

(Oyster  River).. 101,  102,  710,711,843 

Duxbury,  Mass 208-210 

Duxbury  School  Farm.  174,  176,  177,  204,  208 

Earlington  (Winchester)..  .274,  322-324,  345 

East  Kingston 712 

(Kingston  East  Parish).. . .712,  891,  892 

Easton 712 

Eaton 390,  7 1 2-7 14,  716,  717,  920-924 

Ellis’s  River 428,  430,  436,  438,  442 

Ellsworth 717,  718 

(Trecothick) 717,  718,  720-722 

Enfield 723,  724,  726-728,  731,  732 

(Relhan) 723,  72 7-732 

Epping 496,  712,  732,  743 

Epsom 732,  733 

Errol 734,  735,  737,  739 

Exeter.. ..64,  272,  425,  493,  566,  678,  679,  732 

743,  833,  834,  838,  839,  844~852,  854,  857~ 
859,  861-872,  876,  877,  887,  888,  892,  896 

897»  9°I_9°3,  9°5"9I°,  9I2~9I4,  9X6,  9 r7 

919 

Exeter  Falls. 849,  854,  859,  862,  871,  872,  877 

902,  904-909,  913,  914 

Exeter  River 364,  495,  913 


Falmouth 758 

Farmington 292 

Fitzwilliam J04,  272,  282 

(Monadnock  No.  4) 104 

(Stoddardstown) 104 

Fort  Dummer 766 

Francestown 460,  680 

Franklin 297 

Freetown  (Raymond) 271 

Fremont 493,  678 

(Poplin) 493 


930 


INDEX. 


Fresh  Creek. . . . 
Fullerstown,  Me. 


•843 

..62 


Gates’s  Gore 513 

Gerrishtown  (Salisbury) 297 

Gilmanton 460,  524,  830-832 

Gilsum 316,  409 

(Boyle) 405 

Gloucester,  Mass 260 

Goddard’s  Creek 919 

Goffstown..  . .78,  105,  178,  215,  566,  708,  709 

(Narraganset  No.  4)...  105,  108-112,  222 

(Shovestown) 16,105 

Goliah’s  Neck 292 

Gorhamtown  (Dunbarton) 78,  708 

Goshen 154 

Gosport  (Star  Island) 149 

Grafton 732 

Grantham 662,  663,  671,  672,  723 

Great  Bay 907,  910 

Great  Boar’s  Head 880 

Great  Cohass  River 196,  197 

Great  Eddy 292 

Great  Falls'.  29,  334, 339,  538,  747, 761, 762, 766 

Great  Falls  (Walpole) 330 

Great  Hill 865 

Great  Monadnock 4 

Greenfield 172,  249,  460 

Greenland. . . 258,  547,  732,  733,  884,  885,  894 

904 

Grenada,  W.  1 589,  594,  603 

Groton  (old  grant) 126,  127 

Groton  (Cockermouth) 505,  509 

Groton,  Mass. 38,  83,  88,  90,  92-101,  1 27-134 

230,  330,  331 

Gunthwaite  (Lisbon) 482 

Halestown  (Weare) 339 

Half  Moon  Meadow 167,  168 

Hammersmith,  Eng 481 

Hampstead 678,  679 

Hampton 77,  134,  136,  265,  269,  620,  834 

845-847,  849*  854,  858—860,  862—864}  866— 
880,  882-887,  901-91 4,  9 1 7-9 1 9 

(Winnicunnet) 134-136,  860 

Hampton  Falls 134,  887,  888 

Hampton  River 866,  874 

Hancock 136,  460 

Hannakooksy  Falls  (see  Annahooksett 

Falls) 109 

Hanover 514,  920,  921 

Hanover,  Mass 20 

Harrytown  (Manchester) 178 

Hart’s  Location 426 

Harvard  College 66,  333,  494 

Hatfield,  Mass 111,  319 

Haverhill 461,  466,  468,  473,  476 

Haverhill,  Mass.36,  38,  44,  106,  170,  171,  191 
306,  419,  612,  763,  826,  827,  875 


Hawke  (Danville) 678 

Hebron  (Cockermouth) 505,  509 

Henniker 139,  680 

(Marlborough  Town) 139 

(New  Marlborough) 139 

(Number  6) 5,  71,  72,  139,  766,  768 

(Toddstown) 139 

I Hill 496 

j Hillsborough 140,  680 

(Number  7) 5,  68-70,  140,  767,  768 

Hilton’s  Point 860,  907,  910 

Hinsdale 142,  345 

Hogstye  Cove..  ..851,  859,  906,  907,  910,  913 

Holderness 418,  505,  509 

Holt’s  Rocks 826 

1 Hollis 8,  82,  204,  210,  414,  497 

(Holies) 497,  498 

Hooksett 78,  105,  566,  708 

Hopkinton 145 

(New  Hopkinton) 145,  709 

(Number  5) 145,  766,  768 

Hopkinton,  Mass..  .80,  81,  145,  251,  762,  767 

Horse  Hill 887 

Hudson 146,  170 

(Nottingham  West) 146 

Ipswich  (New  Ipswich) 225,  252,  315,  325 

326 

I Ipswich,  Mass. 35,  36,  38,  128-132,  215,  225- 
231,  263,  271,  364,  754,  874 

Island  Pond 891 

j Isles  of  Shoals 149-151 

(Appledore) 149,  152 

I Jackson. 426 

, Jaffrey  (Middle  Monadnock) 702 

! Jefferson  (Dartmouth) 530,  533 

Jennesstown  (Warner) 335 

j Joslin’s  Neck 877,  903,  905,  907,  908,  910 

Kearsarge  Gore 335 

i Kearsarge  Mt 28 

Keene 152,  316,  318 

(Upper  Ashuelot) 152,  317 

f Keeneborough 493,  494 

Kenny’s  Creek 859,  907,  910,  913 

! Kensington 887,  888 

Kingston 620,  678,  712,  833-835,  891-893 

906,  908 

(Kingstown). 496,  566,  836,  865,  891,  893 
899,  908,  909,  918 

Kingston  East  Parish  (East  Kingston) 

712,  891,  892 

Kittery,  Me 269,  838 

Lamprey  or  Lampereel  River... 272,  363,  423 
424,  837-839,  845,  849-854,  862,  905 
9°7,  909»  9io,  914,  9U>  9:9 
Lancaster  (Upper  Coos) 590,  599 


INDEX 


931 


Lancaster,  Mass 70 

Lancaster  River 92 

Landaff 466,  468,  470,  712 

Lanestown  (New  Boston) 215 

Langdon 330,  537 

Lebanon 724,  728,  732 

Lee 73,  101,  695 

Lempster 154,  155,  339 

(Dupplin) 154 

(Number  9) 154-157,  767,  768 

Lexington,  Mass 330 

Lisbon  (Gunthwaite) 482 

Litchfield..  1 57, 164, 165,180, 182,  183,186,825 

(Brenton’s  Farm) 83,  157,  160,  161 

(Naticook)..  .157,  158,  161-165,  203,  206 
366,  367,  773,  774 

Little  Cohass  Brook 196-198 

Little  Naticook  Brook 206 

Littleton 481,  482,  678 

(Apthorp) 482,  678 

(Chiswick) 678 

Littleton,  Mass 127,  133,  134,  330,  331 

Lloyd  Hills  (Bethlehem) 481-483 

Lock’s  Point .917 

London,  Eng 589,  594,  603 

Londonderry 146,  170,  187,  658,  681 

(Nutfield) 36,  39,  170,  172 

Londonderry,  Ire 170 

Long  Meadow  (Auburn) 419 

Loudon 29,  31,  523,  610 

Louisbourg,  Can 427,  469 

Lovewellstown  (Pembroke) 180,  186,  233 

773.  774 

Lower  Ashuelot  (Swanzey).275,  318-324,  570 

Lunenburg,  Mass 223,  280,  345-349 

Lyman 452,  455 

Lyme 683,  687,  691 

Lyndeborough 172,  204,  324 

(Salem  Canada) 172,  256,  325-327 

Madbury 73,  695 

Madison 712 

Malden,  Mass 33,  146,  148 

Manchester 13,  105,  170,  178,  457,  566 

(Derryfield) 170,  178 

(Harrytown) 178 

(Old  Harry  Town) 81,  118,  178,  183 

(Tyngstown) 178,  183-188 

Marblehead,  Mass 64,  79 

Marlborough 152,  272,  318,  701 

(Oxford) 105 

Marlborough,  Mass 139 

Marlborough  Town  (Henniker) 139 

Marlow 409 

Masheshattuck  Hill 232 

Mason  126,498 

Mast  Camp  (Cornish) 662 

Maynesborough  (Berlin) 477,  478,  480 

Medford,  Mass 1 17-120 


Meredith 401,  537 

Meredith  Harbor 537 

Mericoneg  Neck 66 

Merrimack 203,  415,  416 

Merrimack  River..  ..3,  6,  9-1 1,  13,  14,  16,  17 
19,  20,  22-30,  34-36,  38,  39,  41-47,  57,  61 
62,  64,  66,  67,  80,  81,  83-87,  99,  105-113 
1 16,  1 18,  135,  139,  140,  *45-H9>  154,  155 
1 57,  159-165,  167-169,  180-184,  186,  187 
189,  190,  192-200,  202,  203,  205,  206,  212 
214,  215,  219,  222,  224,  232,  233,  235,  236 
239,  240,  297,  298,  301-306,  335,  339,  342 
344*  345»  367.  37 1 > 4<M,  41 5>  457,  486,  528 
566,  616,  622-624,  626,  627,  629,  631,  633 
636,  641-644,  708,  748,  75i_753>  755-759 
762,  764-766,  768,  773,  774,  825-827,  833 
862,  867,  875 

Merry  Meadow 319,  334 

Methuen,  Mass 87,  826,  827 

Middle  Monadnock  (Jaffrey) 702 

Middleton 496 

Milan  (Paulsbourg) 500,  504,  704,  7 07 

Mile  Slip 8,  204,  414,  497 

Milford 8,  172,  204,  414 

Miller’s  River 775,  776,  779 

Milton 292 

Milton,  Mass 763 

Monadnock  Mt. . .252-254,  256,  257,  283,  285 

33° 

Monadnock  No.  1 (Rindge) ...  .282 

Monadnock  No.  3 (Dublin) 701 

Monadnock  No.  4 (Fitzwilliam) 104 

Monadnock  No.  8 (Washington) 339 

Monson 8,  414 

Mont  Vernon 8,  172,  414 

Moultonborough  Harbor 537 

Muscatanapus  Pond 87 

Narragansett  No.  3 (Amherst)..  ..8,  172-174 
176,  177,  216,  219,  220,  250,  414,  416 
Narragansett  No.  4 (Goffstown). . . 105,  108- 

112,  222 

Narragansett  No.  5 (Bedford) 13-17,  21 

106,  107,  112,  116,  121,  124,  125,  192,  219 
• 220,  222,  457 

Nash  and  Sawyer’s  Location 529 

Nashua 82,  210 

(Dunstable) 82,  210 

Nashua  River.88,  90, 94,  99,  146-148,  212,  222 

Nashville 210 

Natanis  Brook 143 

Naticook  (Litchfield) 157,  158 

161-165,  203,  206,  366,  367,  773,  774 

Naticook  Brook 167,  169,  206 

Nelson 152,  316 

New  Almsbury  (Warner) 335 

New  Boston 16,  105,  215,  415,  416 

(Boston  PiscataquogTownship)8o, 81,215 
(Lanestown) 215 


932 


INDEX. 


New  Bradford  (Bradford) 28,  339 

New  Burnet  (Acworth) 3,  371,  375,  376 

378-380 

Newbury 28 

Newbury,  Mass 21,  24,  29,  106,  135,  306 

485,  620,  754,  874,  920,  921 

New  Castle 258,  732,  733,  875,  906 

908,  909,  91 2-914,  919 

New  Concord  (Washington) 339 

New  Hampton 537 

New  Hopkinton  (Hopkinton) 145,  709 

Newichwannock  River 292,  294,  295,  365 

366,  757-759.  773.  774,  842,  851,  853 
905-907,  9IQ,  9X4»  9*5 
Newington..  .73,  224,  419,  695,  730,  904,  905 

(Bloody  Point) 224,  859 

New  Ipswich 225,  230,  313,  315,  324 

(Ipswich) 225,  232,  315,  325,  326 

New  London,  Conn 721 

Newmarket ioi,  495,  496,  553,  710,  712 

743,  865 

New  Marlborough  (Henniker) 139 

Newport 580,  663,  672 

New  Salisbury  (Salisbury) 297 

Newton  (Alstead) 6,  404,  405,  407,  408 

538 

Newton,  Mass 794,  795 

Nissitissit 93,  98,  99 

Northam  (Dover) 73,  260,  695,  839,  851 

909 

Northfield 29,  297,  523 

Northfield,  Mass 142-144,  345-356 

747-75°,  752,  758,  772,  773,  775,  77 6 
778,779 

North  Hampton 134,  894-896 

(North  Hill  Parish). . . 134,  880,  885,  887 

North  Monadnock  (Dublin) 701 

Northtown 775,  776,  778 

North  Yarmouth,  Me 706,  759 

N orwottocke 146 

Nottingham.  . .86,  87,  146,  161-163,  423,  425 
426,  576,  631,  679,  733,  864,  866,  896-900 
Number  1 (Chesterfield).  .357,  569,  766,  767 

Number  1 (Warner) 335-338,  766,  767 

Number  1 (in  Vermont) 766 

Number  2 (Bradford) 28,  29,  766,  767 

Number  2 ( Westmoreland) 766,  767 

Number  2 (in  Vermont) 766 

Number  3 (Acworth) 3-6,  371,  767,  768 

Number  3 (Walpole) 330,  331,  333,  766 

767 

Number  4 (Alstead) 6,  404,  767,  768 

Number  4 (Charlestown). . 537,  538,  766,  767 

Number  5 (Hopkinton) 145,  766,  768 

Number  6 (Henniker) 5,  71,  72,  139,  766 

768 

Number  7 (Hillsborough) 5,  68-70,  140 

767,  768 

Number  8 (Washington) 339,  767,  768 


Number  9 (Lempster) 1 54-1 57,  767,  768 

Nutfield  (Londonderry) 36,  39,  170,  172 

Old  Harry  Town  (Manchester).  .81,  118,  178 

i83 

One  Pine  Hill 82,  210 

Ossipee 235 

Oxford  (Marlborough  and  Troy). .......  105 

Oyster  River 838,  849,  853,  862 

Oyster  River  (Durham) 101,  102,  710 

7ib  843 

Palmer,  Mass 685 

Paquoiag  (Athol,  Mass.) 78,  298,  775,  776 

779-782,  784 

Paulsbourg  (Milan) 500,  504,  704,  707 

Pawtuckett  Falls 165,  232,  624,  644,  825 

Peeling  (Woodstock) 718 

Pelham 232 

Pembroke 233,  244,  245,  489 

(Lovewellstown) 180,  186,  233,  773 

774 

(Suncook) 36,  57,  78,  80,  81 

108,  109,  145,  159,  160,  180,  182 
183,  186,  226,  233,  238,  240-244, 
246-249,  333,  489,  644,  645,  647 
Pemigewasset  River.  .301,  303-305,  505,  509 

Pemmemittequonnitt  Pond 232 

Penacook  (Concord) 22-27,  29,  31,  33,  34 

36,  38-41,  43,  44,  46-62,  64-66,  109,  170 
233,  235-237,  248,  610,  612,  617,  618,  623 
625,  626,  630,  632,  633,  636,  640,  642-645 
747,  754-758 

Penechuck  Brook. . 1 1 

Penechuck  Pond 1 1 

Peterborough 137,  249,  307,  309,  31 1,  324 

(Souhegan) 249 

Peterborough  Slip  (Temple  and  Sharon) 

307,  324 

Pigwacket  (Conway). . 234-237,  245,  643,  650 

Piscasack  River 919 

Piscataqua  (Portsmouth)..  258-260,  262-264 
838,  840,  841,  868,  870 
Piscataqua  River. . .74,  77,  224,  262,  855,  858 
859,  867,  903,  904 

Piscataquog 178 

Piscataquog  River.  17,  no,  113-116,  118,  119 
I59»  183-185,  192,  219,  222,  224 

Pittsfield 576 

Plainfield 663 

Plaistow 419,  893 

Plymouth 504 

Plymouth,  Mass 140,  169,  279 

Poplin  (Fremont) 493 

Port  Royal,  N.  S 143,  144 

Portsmouth 74-76,  152,  224,  258,  262,  263 

267-269,  271,  291,  335,  373,  378,  382,  387 
391,  394,  396,  397,  399,  402,  406,  41 1,  421 


INDEX. 


933 


Portsmouth,  cont. : 

423,  427,  429,  431,  433,  437,  441-443,  446 
449,  453,  463,  465,  467,  469,  47i,  475,  479 

482,  494,  501,  507,  51 1,  516,  520,  522,  531 

535,  540,  547,  552,  555,  557,  55$,  560-563 

568,  572,  578,  582,  586,  591,  596,  600,  604 

608,  617-620,  624,  628,  634,  645,  653,  660 
664,  668,  674,  684,  688,  692,  705,  715,  720 
725,  729,  734,  736,  74i,  826,  840,  876,  878- 
880,  882,  884,  901-921 
(Piscataqua).. 258-260,  262-264,  838,  840 
841,  868,  870 

(Strawberry  Bank)..  . .101,  224,  225,  258 
261,  263,  264,  266-270,  840-842,  858 
860,  903 

Preston  (Columbia) 590,  598,  599,  601 

Quamphegon  Falls 907,  910,  915 

Quebec,  Can 427 

Quobbin hi 

Quohquinnapasskessanahnoy 9-1 1 

Raby  (Brookline) 497,  498 

Ragged  Neck 912,  914,  919 

Randolph  (Durand) 478 

Ranny’s  Cove 905,  906 

Raymond 271,  523,  566 

(Freetown) . 271 

Relhan  (Enfield) 723,  727-732 

Richmond 272,  274,  318,  345 

(Sylvester  Canada) 272 

Rindge 104,  282,  286,  290,  330 

(Monadnock  No.  1) 282 

(Rowley  Canada) 282,  287-289,  291 

(South  Monadnock) 282 

Roaring  Brook 279-281 

Robiestown  (Weare) 339 

Rochester 292,  296,  426,  670,  866 

Rollinsford 73,  695 

Rowley  Canada  (Rindge). . 282,  287-289,  291 

Rowley,  Mass 282 

Roxbury 152 

Roxbury,  Mass 9,  11 

Royalshire 290 

Rumford  (Concord) 29-31,  59-61,  78,  80 

145,  297,  298,  339,  610,  614,  615,  617,  620 

621,  633-635,  639,  641,  643-645,  647,  747 
761,  762,  766 

Rumford,  Me 62 

Rumney 505,  509,  718 

Rutland,  Mass 775,  776 

Rye.  . ..149,  335,  675,  878-880,  882-884,  894- 

896 

(Sandy  Beach) 914 

Ryetown  (Warner) 335 

Saco  River. . .21,  247,  333,  428,  430,  436,  438 

442,  651 


Saco  Swift  River 394,  396,  397,  400,  401 

403 

Sagamore’s  Creek 912 

Sagumskuffe 214 

Salem. 531 

Salem,  Mass.  64,  67,  79,  177,  254,  257,  263,  734 

Salem  Canada  (Lyndeborough) 172,  256 

, 325-327,  329 

Salem  Narragansett  (Amherst)..  . 8,  16,  174 

176,  177,  414 

Salisbury 297 

(Bakerstown) 297 

(Gerrishtown) 297 

(New  Salisbury) 297 

(Stevenstown) 297 

Salisbury,  Mass. . 106,  no,  199,  762,  849,  861 

862,  868,  870-875,  887,  888,  892,  905,  906 

910 

(Colchester) 866,  867 

Salmon  Brook 214,  215 

Salmon  Falls  River 651,  670 

Sampson’s  Point 912,  913,  919 

Sanbornton 297 

Sandown 679 

Sandwich 390 

Sandwich  Addition 923,  924 

Sandy  Beach  (Rye) 914 

Sandy  Point 859,  902,  918 

Scohomogomocke  Hill 293-295 

Shankhassick 862 

Sharon 249,  307,  324 

(Peterborough  Slip) 307,  324 

(Sliptown) 324 

Sheffield,  Mass 764,  765 

Shelburne 478,  480 

Shewbrook 226 

Short  Falls 184 

Shovestown  (Goffstown) 16,  105 

Shrewsbury,  Eng 260 

Shrewsbury,  Mass 859 

Sliptown  (Temple  and  Sharon) 324 

Society  Land 67,  136,  460,  679,  680 

(Cumberland) 67,  679 

Somersworth 73,  517,  695,  701 

Souhegan 83,  106,  107,  457 

Souhegan  (Peterborough) 249.  250 

Souhegan  East  (Bedford)..  . . 13,  17,  457,  458 

Souhegan  River 9,  14,  16,  87,  90,  99,  132 

159,  160,  174,  176,  177,  203,  209,  210,  250 

415,416,458 

Souhegan  West  (Amherst) 8,  16,  414-417 

458 

Souheganock 205 

Souheganock  River 9-1 1,  205 

South  Hampton 712,  826,  827 

South  Monadnock  (Rindge) 282 

Spectacle  Brook 212 

Spectacle  Meadow 212 

Springfield 543 


934 


INDEX. 


Star  Island 149 

(Gosport) 149 

Stark 703 

Starkstown  (Dunbarton) 78,  708 

State’s  Gore 513 

Stevenstown  (Salisbury) 297 

Stewartstown 588,  594 

(Stuart) 588 

Stockbridge,  Mass 137,  140,  435 

Stoddard 316 

Stoddardstown  (Fitz william) 104 

Stow,  Me 76S 

Strafford 423 

Stratford  (Woodbury) 599,  607,  610 

Stratham 878,  S84,  885,  917-919 

Strawberry  Bank  (Portsmouth) 101,  224 

225,  258,  261,  263,  265-270,  840-842,  85S 

860,  903 

Stuart  (Stewartstown) 588 

Success 500,  503,  504 

Sudbury,  Mass. . , 70 

Suffield,  Mass 764 

Sullivan 152,  316 

Suncook  (Pembroke).  .36,  57,  78,  80,  81,  108 
109,  145,  159,  160,  180,  182,  183,  186,  226 
233,  238,  240-244,  246-249,  333,  489,  644 

645,  647 

Suncook  River 34.  35.  233 

Swampscott.262,  265,  846,  847,  854,  855,  857 
858,  860,  861,  908,  91 1 

Swanzey  152,272,318,319 

(Lower  Ashuelot) 275,  318-324,  570 

Swanzey,  Mass 318 

Swift  River hi,  773-776 

Sylvester  Canada  (Richmond) 272 

Tamworth 389,  390,  7 12-7 14,  920-924 

Temple 172,  249,  324 

(Peterborough  Slip) 324 

(Sliptown) 324 

Thornton 718 

Toddstown  (Henniker) 139 

Topsfield,  Mass 77 

Townsend,  Mass. 87, 88,  90,  92,  127,  128,  130 
132.  I33>  j78,  179.  228.  229 

Trecothick  (Ellsworth) 717,  718,  720-722 

Troy 104,  272,  318 

(Oxford) 105 

Tyngstown  (Manchester) 178,  183-188 

Umbagog  Lake 500,  503 

Unity 380,  537 

(Buckingham) 372,  376,  53S 

Upper  Ashuelot  (Keene) 152,  317 

Upper  Coos  (Lancaster) 590,  599 

Upper  Gilmanton  (Belmont) 460 

Upper  Housatonic 137 

Uxbridge,  Mass 120-123 

Varney’s  Hill 843  , 


Wachuset  Hill 775,  776 

Wales’s  Location 598 

Wall’s  Cove 864,  902,  904,  907,  910,  913 

Wall’s  Creek 904 

Walpole 330-332»  405,  409.  537.  538 

(Bellowstown) 330 

(Great  Falls) 330 

(Number  3) 330,  331,  333,  766,  767 

Ware,  Mass 773,  774 

Warner 335 

( J ennesstown) 335 

(New  Almsbury) 335 

(Number  1). . 335~338.  766,  767 

(Ryetown) 335 

Warren 718 

Washington 28,  154,  339 

(Camden) .339 

(Monadnock  No.  8) 339 

(New  Concord) 339 

(Number  8) 339,  767,  768 

Washington  Gore 28,  339 

Waterford,  Me 140 

Watertown,  Mass 748,  752,  753 

Wattannanuck  River 146,  148,  212 

Weare 78,  339,  340,  708,  709 

(Beverly  Canada) 339 

(Halestown) 339 

(Robiestown) 339 

(Wearestown) 339 

Webster 21,  485 

Weekasoak  Brook 212 

Wenham,  Mass 762 

Westfield,  Mass 764,  765 

Westford,  Mass 330,  767 

Westmoreland  (Number  2) 766,  767 

Weston,  Mass 748,  752 

Wheelwright’s  Creek.  .864,  905,  906,  917-919 

White  Pine  Plain 865 

Whitefield 481 

Whitehall 907,  910,  914 

Wilton 126 

Wilton,  Me 1 88 

Winchester. . 142,  272,  322,  345,  353,  357,  570 

(Arlington).  .144,  145,  275,  277-281,  319 

320,  322,  345,  353-359.  766 

(Earlington) 274,  322-324,  345 

Windham 146,  170,  232 

Windsor,  N.  Y 5S5 

Winnicunnet  (Hampton) 134-136,  860 

Winnicut  River.  .269,  858,  876,  902,  903,  905 
906,  908,  909,  917,  918 
Winnipiseogee  Lake. . . 178, 179,  303-305,  524 

Woburn,  Mass 767 

Woodbury  (Stratford) 599,  607,  610 

Woodstock  (Peeling) 718 

Worcester,  Mass 70 

Yarmouth,  Mass 816 

York,  Me 101,  269,  816 


INDEX  TO  NAMES  OF  PERSONS 


Abbe,  Joseph 231 

Thomas 454 

Abbott,  Amos 649 

Benjamin 378,  689 

Daniel 649 

David 247 

Edward 618,  649 

George 649,  653 

Jabez 649 

Jacob 614 

Jesse 649 

Jonathan 245 

Joseph 698 

Joshua 649 

Moses 649 

Nathan 649 

Nathaniel 613,  649 

Rebecca 18 

Reuben 649 

Samuel 247 

Stephen 649 

Abel,  Andrew 726 

Gerrill 592 

James 592 

John 592 

Abrames,  Andrew 592 

Anthony 592 

Achincloss,  Thomas 454,  532 

Ackley,  Benjamin,  Jr 507 

Isaac 507 

Acworth,  Lord 3>  371 

Adams,  Charles 103 

Daniel 815 

EPhraim 374,  378,  383,  583 

John 73° 

Joseph 332,  419,  421 

Judah 450 

Nathaniel 547 

Robert . .383 

Samuel 526 

Thomas 332,  540 

William 89,  92,  93,  98,  374 

Addington,  Isaac 66 

Akerman,  Benjamin 569 

Alden,  Daniel 726 

John 67,  153,  208,  296,  324-327,  329 

765,  794,  795 


Alden,  Nathaniel 324,  326 

Aldrich,  Jonathan 675 

Solomon 675 

Alexander,  Elias 574 

Elijah 583 

Joseph,  Jr 280,  281 

Alford,  John 808 

Allard,  Henry 422 

Allen,  Benjamin 541,814 


Daniel 

Tacob 

698 

Jeremiah 

307-3” 

John 

••••336,  337,  526,  855,  857 

Joseph 

Jude 

49i 

Nicholas 

811 

Richard 

Samuel 

632,  733 

Silence 

18 

Spencer 

698 

William 

92 

Ally,  John 698 

Samuel 698 

Almy,  Job 764,  765 

Alvord,  Simeon 730 

Stephen 730 

Ambler,  John 527 

Joseph 463 

Joshua . . .463 

Ames,  Jacob 234 

Jethro 234 

William 592 

Amherst,  Lord  Jeffry 8,  414 

Amsdale,  Isaac 463 

Amsden,  Isaac 540 

Anderson,  John 601 

Anderton,  James 303 

Andrew,  Joshua 245 

Andrews,  John 813 

Robert 813 

Angier,  John 737 

Oakes 7 

Annabee,  Daniel 507 

Applebee,  William 697 

Appleton,  Daniel 231 

Elizabeth 231 

Isaac 231 


INDEX. 


936 


Appleton,  John 231,874,875 

Mary 231 

William 454,  729 

Arbuckle,  William 20 

Arbuthnot,  John 223 

Armes,  John 573,  583,  730 

John,  Jr 573 

Armor,  Samuel 893 

Arnold,  John 18,  811 

Josiah 507 

Thomas 105,  106,  159 

Arthur,  John 150,  1 51 

Ash,  Thomas 697 

Ashley,  Oliver 583 

Samuel 581,  582 

Samuel,  Jr 583 

Atherton,  Humphrey 856 

Major 101 

Atkinson,  Theodore..  . 3^2,  373-375,  378-380 
383.  385*  387,  396,  399>  402,  403,  406- 
408,  412,  414,  416,  418,  419,  421,  422 
425,  429,  437,  438,  444,  449_4Si>  454 
459>  463,467,  47i,  475,  48o,  487,  492 
494-496,  499,  502,  5°7,  5°8,  5I2>  5*6- 
519,  522,  523,  527,  532,  536,  537,  540 
541,  543,  544,  552,  555,  558,  559,  561 
562,  564,  568,  569,  572,  574,  575,  578 
579,  583,  586,  592,  596,  605,  608,  622 
625,  632,  633,  653,  657,  665,  668,  678 
681,  684-686,  689,  693,  695,  703,  705- 
707,  716,  721,  725-727,  734,  737,  826 
865,  887,  898-900 

Theodore,  Jr 382-384,  392-394,  41 1- 

413,  441,  446,  450,  454,  463,  464,  475 
489,  498,  507,  51 1,  512,  529,  547,  548 
550,  582-584,  592,  593,  600-602,  653- 
655,  660,  665,  666,  674-676,  678,  685 
689,  690,  710,  715-717,  729,  730 

Atwell,  John 689 

Auchmuty,  Robert. . . .223,  310-314,  422,  492 

Ault,  John 837,  853 

Austin,  Abiel 247 

Nathaniel 532 

Zebediah 247 

Averill,  John 332 

Samuel 589,  592,  601 

Avery,  James 678 

John 492 

Awls,  William 20 

Ayer,  John 613 

Obediah 612,  614 

Peter 245 

Samuel 613 

William 233,  235,  236,  247,  643 

Ayers,  Daniel 893 

Edward 685 

Jacob 653,  656 

Job 450 

Mark 422 


Ayers,  Moses 

Perkins 

454 

Perley 

654 

Peter 

3°3»  654»  656 

Richard 

653 

Roger 

45° 

Samuel 

Samuel,  Jr 

653 

Thomas 

422 

Babb,  Philip 

151 

Philip,  Jr 

665 

Babcock,  Joseph 

5j6 

Bacon,  John 

45°>  454 

Reuben 

45° 

Badger,  John 

302 

Bagley,  Jonathan 

455 

Orlando 

Bagnall,  Benjamin 

223 

Bailey,  Joseph 

813 

Philip 

..426,  427,  436,  438 

Baker,  Daniel 

816 

John 

18,  843 

Joseph 

247 

Otis 

5°r 

Samuel 

816 

Thomas 

William 

816 

Baldwin,  Benjamin,  Jr.  . 

50! 

Ebenezer 

50I>  726 

Isaac 

70 

Jabez 

Jeremiah 

89 

Nathan 

730 

Rufus,  Jr v. . . 

726 

Samuel 

89 

Ball,  Gideon 

223 

Nathaniel 

33 1 

Ballantine,  John 

46 

Ballou,  William 

Bamford,  Robert 

Bancroft,  Timothy 

332 

Banfield,  Charles 

522 

Banfill,  John 

Banks,  James 

463 

Bant,  William 

223 

Bantom,  Ambrose  

Barber,  David 

454 

Robert 

Bardin,  Robert 

Barker,  Jonathan 

665 

Nathaniel 

Noah 

Samuel 

816 

Stephen 

36 

William 

613,  738 

Zebediah 

613 

Barnard,  Edward 

John 

INDEX. 


937 


Barnard,  Jonathan 335—338 

Rev. 247 

Samuel,  Jr 336,  337 

Thomas 247,  812 

Barnes,  John 18 

Thomas 20 

Barrell,  Nathaniel 412,  653 

Barrett,  James 330 

John 122,  123,  814 

Joseph 251 

Barron,  Moses 19 

Oliver 245 

Samuel 383 

Timothy 454 

William 730 

Barrows,  Jabez 726 

Barter,  John 720 

Bartholomew,  Timothy 738 

William 364,  857,  860,  874,  875 

Barthrick,  Jonathan 814 

Thomas 814 

Bartlett,  David 303 

Joseph 121 

Josiah 426,  588 

Samuel,  3d 302 

Barton,  Henry 89 

Basford,  Jacob 568 

James 525 

Bass,  Joseph . 532,  720 

Samuel 18,  813 

Batchelder,  Abraham 41 1 

Jeremiah 894,  896 

Joseph 568 

Josiah 568 

Nathan 891 

Nathaniel 568 

Nathaniel,  Jr 568 

Stephen 135 

Uiakrtah  (?) 886 

Batchellor,  849,  866,  867,  874 

John 578 

Josiah 578 

Bates,  Benjamin 19,21 

James 463 

J?hn 463 

Bathrick,  John 407 

Baxter,  Thomas 816 

Bayley,  Abner 454 

Henry 813 

Jacob 454 

James 454 

John 32,  613 

Joshua 1 1 5,  454,  612,  613,  706 

Beal,  Zachariah 303 

Bean,  Daniel. ...  454 

Beard,  John 706 

Thomas 837 

William 103,  837 

Beatle,  Thomas 18 


Beck,  Amos 689 

Henry 649 

John 532 

Beckhard,  Elias 726 

John,  3d 726 

Beckman,  Gerandus 592 

James,  Jr 592 

John 592 

Theophilus 592 

Thomas 592 

Beckwith,  Job 507,  512 

Nathaniel 507,  512 

Bedel,  Cyrus 454 

Moody 454 

Robert 454 

Timothy 454 

Bedford,  Duke  of 13,  457 

Bedgood,  Jeffry 310,  31 1,  313-315 

Beebe,  Jonathan,  3d 516 

Silas 507 

William,  Jr 507 

Beedle,  Thomas 812 

Beers,  Richard 76 

Belcher,  Andrew 334,  81 1 

Jonathan 14,  15,  17,  25,  28,  31,  52,  54 

56,  57,  59,  68,  70,  71,  73,  80-82,  '85,  87 

88,  90-93,  96,  98,  no,  in,  1 13,  117 

1 18,  120,  121,  123,  124,  126,  128,  129 

132,  138,  143,  145,  162,  164,  176,  177 

182-185,  190-192,  194,  195,  198,  201 

203,  204,  209,  210,  218,  219,  228-230 

242,  244,  254,  256,  258,  274,  277-279 

281,  286,  300-302,  304,  306-310,  312 

314,  316-318,  321,  322,  326,  329,  334 

344,  350,  352,  354-356,  359,  7 10,  7" 

750,  754,  765,  767-769,  780-782,  784 

785,  791,  799,  809,  81 1,  817,  818,  880 

882-885,  887,  888,  893 

Samuel 19 

Belding,  Samuel 463 

Belknap,  Benjamin 407 

William 455 

Bell,  Andrew 738 

J ohn 20 

William 737 

Bellew,  Henry 550,  557,  559 

Bellingham,  Richard 266,842 

Bellows,  Benjamin 330,  332 

Benjamin,  Jr 332 

John 332 

Joseph 332 

Peter 332 

Belmont,  August 460 

Bemis,  Jonathan 7 

Joseph 814 

Benedict,  Daniel 463 

Bennett, 143 

Abraham 526 

Arthur 654,  716 


938 


INDEX. 


Bennett,  Caleb 716 

Job 526 

John . . .240,  241,  547 

John,  Jr 547 

Peter 812 

Thomas 407,  716 

Benson,  Joseph 18 

Benton,  Thomas  H 460 

Bergin,  Edward  Hall 392,  348,  716 

Bernard,  Edmund 8 

Francis 140,  142,  230,  286 

Nathaniel 302 

Thomas 18 

Berry,  Ephraim 392 

John 231 

Thomas.  . .90,  91,  228,  229,  231,  285,  286 
300-306,  322-324,  665,  765 

William 665,  91 2-91 7 

Besley,  James 592 

Biber,  James 698 

Bickford,  Benjamin 151 

Eleazer 526 

Henry 698 

Jethro 422 

John 103,  151,  526,  697,  837 

John,  Jr 697 

Joseph 526,  697 

Lemuel 421 

Thomas 422,  698 

Bicknall,  Benjamin 19 

Bicknard,  Benjamin 81 1 

Samuel 81 1 

Bigbee,  James 454 

Bill,  Richard 18,  812 

Billings,  Daniel.. 813 

Joseph 340 

Nathaniel 815 

Bingham,  Thomas 693 

Bingley,  Samuel 813 

Thomas 813 

Bird, 144 

Bisco,  Josiah 8 

Thomas 8 

Bishop,  John 407 

Samuel 737 

Bixby,  John 813 

Joseph 813 

Black,  Alexander 374 

Blackfield,  Thomas 813 

Blackmore,  Lemuel 689 

Samuel 685 

Solomon 685,  689 

Blagdon,  John 527 

Blair,  Alexander 713 

Edward 454 

Blaisdell,  Jacob 920,  924 

John 189-191,  200 

Jonathan 199,  303,  336-338 

Ralph 891 


Blake,  Moses 568,  578 

Philemon 568 

Samuel ....  568 

Blanchard,  Abiel 649 

Augustus 383 

Eleazer 407 

James 383 

John 649 

Jonathan 378,  383 

Joseph 16,  70,  86,  89,95,  9$,  101,  no 

126,  157,  182,  203,  272,  288,  351,  352 
379»  507,  601 

Joseph,  Jr 407 

Jotham 720 

Richard 527 

Thomas 613 

Thomas,  Jr 383 

William 92 

Blazo,  William 665 

Bleecker,  Jacobus 592 

Bliss,  Peletiah 706 

Blodgett,  Caleb 158-160,  339,  768 

Joseph,  Jr 332 

Nathan 614 

Seth 407 

Blood,  Elnathan 374 

James 378 

John 97 

Joseph 92,  93,  97 

Josiah 89,  92 

Nathaniel 84,  89,  93 

William 92 

Blunt,  Charles 532,  685 

Ephraim 247 

William 685,  721 

Boardman,  Moses.. 613 

Bodge,  Benjamin 697 

Benjamin,  Jr 697 

Ichabod 698 

Bollan,  William 614,  615 

Bolton,  Hannah 302 

Nathaniel 846,  847 

Bond,  Amos 156 

Benjamin 8 

Daniel 8 

Henry 583 

John 32 

Jonas 748 

Thaddeus 156 

William 66 

Boody,  Azariah 698 

Booth,  Robert 847 

Borland,  Francis 161 

Borworth,  John 814 

Boscawen,  Edward 21,  485 

Botts,  William 477,  478 

Bourne,  Ezra 795 

Meletiah 800 

Bouton,  Eleazer 463 


INDEX. 


939 


Jehiel 463 

Samuel 463 

Bowdoin,  James 721 

Bowen,  Ezra 809 

Bowers,  Jonathan 526 

Samuel'. 378 

Bowman,  Nathaniel 215,  216 

Noah 450 

Boyd,  George 737 

James 568 

Boydell,  John 222 

Boyes,  Matthew.  .839,  845,  851,  852,  854,  872 

Robert 836 

Boylston,  Dudley 450 

Zebdiel 450 

Boynton,  Benoni 234 

David 532 

Ichabod 814 

John 814 

John,  Jr 374,  378 

Joshua 374,  378 

William 891 

Brackenbury,  William 34 

Brackett,  George 665 

Joshua 532,  547,  693,  716,  730 

Nathaniel 665 

Bradbury,  Thomas.. . .77,  364,  365,  862,  867- 

871,  901 

William no 

Bradish,  Jonathan 407 

Bradley,  Daniel 303 

Isaac 191,  192 

Jonathan 649 

Timothy 649 

Bradstreet,  135,  146,  839 

John 578 

Jonathan,  Jr 332 

Simon 263 

Bragg,  Thomas 653 

Brainard,  Chileab 51 1 

Daniel,  Jr 507 

Jeremiah 507 

Josiah 51 1 

Nathan 51 1 

Brattle,  Major 22,  178,  761,  777 

Thomas 84,  814 

William 814 

Breed,  Ebenezer 816 

John 816 

Brent,  Amos 450 

Brenton,  83 

William 366,  367 

Bretnall,  John 151 

Brewer,  James 737 

Brewster,  Daniel 721 

Briard,  John 689,  729 

Brick,  Thomas 814 

Bridge,  Ebenezer 223,  383,  407,  41 1 

Joseph 156 


Bridges,  Moody 287,  289,  290 

Briggs,  Joseph 18 

Brigham,  Aaron 156 

Gershom 738 

Nathan 156 

Bright,  Henry 156 

Brinley,  George 706 

Brock,  John 422 

Nicholas 698 

William 526 

Brooks,  Caleb 118-120,407 

John 574 

Simon 41 1 

Thomas 730 

Broughton, 839 

George. . . 76 

Brown,  Abisha 245 

Abraham 568 

Adonijah 463 

Arthur 726,  730 

Daniel 678 

David 382 

Ebenezer 7,  234 

Ephraim 815 

George 160 

Henry  Young 553,  657,  830,  832 

James 302 

John 720 

Jonah 373 

Jonas 411,  675 

Jonathan 568,  887 

Joseph 247,  880,  882,  883 

Josiah 7,  156,  378,  41 1,  574 

Matthew 685 

Marmaduke 726 

Richard 231 

Samuel.. 40,  41,  89,  140, 141,  37 4,  378,  757 

Thomas 332,  814,  815 

W 89 

William 7,  231,  526 

Brownell,  George 568 

Bruen,  Obediah 259,  260 

Bryant,  Jonathan 407 

Bryent,  Jeremy 392,  547,  716 

John 392,  548,  716 

Walter.. 390,  392,  532,  547,  665,  701,  714 

716 

Walter,  Jr 392,  546,  547,  706,  716 

Bryer,  Thomas 491 

Buckley,  Joseph 815 

Peter 815 

Buckminster, 226 

Colonel 226 

Joseph 34,  35 

Bucknam,  Edward 536 

Bulfinch,  Thomas 223 

Bulkeley,  John 134 

Peter 83 

Bunbury,  Mons 720 


940 


INDEX. 


Bunker,  Daniel 

Elijah 

Zachary 

Bunton,  Andrew 247,  653,  656, 

Burbank,  Daniel 

Ebenezer  

Burge,  David 

Burleigh,  Andrew 

James 653, 

John 392,  547, 

John,  Jr 

William 

Burling,  Edward . 590, 

Edward,  Jr 

Richard 

Burnap,  Isaac 

John 

Burnet,  Ebenezer 

William 3,  50,  236, 

Burnham,  James 231, 

John 

Ofiin 

Richard 

Robert 103,  526, 

Burns,  John 

Jonas 

Burridge,  Ephraim 

John 

Burrill,  Ebenezer 256,  304,  310,  312, 

342,  359,  765,  781,  783, 

John 

Theophilus 

Burroughs,  Lemuel 

Bursley,  John 

Burt,  William 

Burton,  Henry 

William 

Bush,  Timothy 

Bushnall, 

Ephraim 118, 

Bussey,  John 

William 

Buswell,  Caleb 

Butler,  Alford 

Edmund 

James 

Oliver 

Phineas 

Simon 

Valentine 

Butman,  Jeremiah 

Butterfield,  Benjamin 

Jonathan 68-70, 

Nathaniel 

Samuel 192- 

William 

Butters,  Samuel 

Samuel,  Jr 

Buttrick,  Samuel 


697  1 

698  ; 
697 
657! 

412 

3^3 

$ 
716 1 
547  j 
49i  1 
592  i 
592 
592  : 
693 

693 : 

412 

526  ; 

526  i 
411 1 

813 1 
866 
.20 

837 

••7 

••7 

3o6 

784  i 

• j9 : 

143 

726 1 
846 1 
815! 

•93 

• 51 
693  ! 
.19, 
120  j 

527  I 
527 
649! 
.18 
.64 
737 
573 
737  ! 
501 

573  ; 

343 : 

383 

378 

383: 

■195! 
392  I 
726! 
726 

815  I 


Buzzell,  Henry. . . 

John 

William 

Byam,  Benjamin.. 

John 

Byels,  Jonathan. . 
Byfield,  Nathaniel, 


697 

698 

698 

383 

§82 

813 

,40,  41,  43,  46,  754,  796 


Cadogan,  Rice 

Cady,  Aaron 

Aaron,  Jr 

Nathaniel 

Calder,  Hugh 

Caldwell,  Samuel 

Calfe,  John 

Call,  David 

Jonathan 

Thomas 

Came,  Samuel 

Campbell,  Andrew 

Cannev,  Jane 

John 

Joshua 

Love 

Paul 

Thomas 

Canning,  Thomas 

Capen,  John 

Caplin,  Thomas 

Carlisle,  William 

Carlton,  

Benjamin 

Christopher 

Nathaniel 

Nehemiah ,. . 

Stephen,  2d 

Carly,  Samuel 

Carnes,  John 

Carpenter,  Greenwood, 

John 

Carr,  David 

Francis 

John 

Carrigain,  Philip 

Carter,  Daniel 

Ephraim 

Ezra 

Henry 

Jacob 

John 

Thomas,  Jr 

Carver,  Richard 

Cary,  James 

Thomas 

Cass,  Amos 

John 

Joseph 

Caswell,  Nathan 

Cate,  Captain 


'S' 

5i6 

5»6 

378 

;'5®9 

706,  721 

815 

34 

57 

726 

815 

697 

698 

697 

851 

225 

685 

813 

3X5 

846,  847,  893 

613 

613 

426 

613 

426 

526 

223 

737 

601 

653 

653 

653,  656 

649 

642,  649 

653 

620,  622,  649 

532 

649 

526,  698 

501 

846,  847 

813 

837 

568 

583 

583 

455 

866 


INDEX. 


94I 


Cate,  Daniel 665,  721 

Ebenezer 665 

Eleazer 665 

John 833 

William 425 

William,  Jr 665 

Cavanaugh,  Charles 685 

Chadbourne,  Thomas 532 

Challis,  John 336,  338 

John,  Jr 337 

Thomas 303 

Chamberlain,  Abner 517 

Benjamin 517 

David 517 

Henry 812 

John 517,  812 

Samuel 763,  767 

Simeon 583 

William 517 

William,  Jr 517 

Chamberlin,  Benjamin 738 

John 19,  20,  97,  247,  458,  737 

William 732 

Chambers,  Charles 46 

C hamper  no  wne,  Captain 858 

Champney,  Downing 814 

Samuel 814 

Chandler, 159,  345,  809 

Abiel 649 

Colonel.  127,  172,  192,  253,  297,  319,  761 

David 247 

Isaac 336,  337 

James 121-126,  175,  326,  327,  329 

John 9,  22,  51,  106,  158,  252,  340,  612 

613,  620,  622,  642,  749,  751,  754,  757 

773,  777,  780,  790,  796,  797,  807,  808 

John,  Jr 223,  730,  765 

Joseph 815 

Josiah 240,  245 

Moses 234 

Nathaniel 336,  337 

Peter 649 

Samuel..  .78,  106,  159,  160,  172,  173,  176 
777,  780,  781,  783,  784,  794,  795,  807 
808,  815,  818,  819 

Samuel,  Jr 815 

Thomas 19 

William 781,  782 

Zachariah. 19 

Chapman,  Benjamin 716 

Samuel 716 

Timothy 507 

Chase,  Benoni 41 1 

Bradford 41 1 

Caleb 41 1,  675 

Daniel 41 1,  675 

Daniel,  Jr 41 1,  675 

David 618 

Dudley 41 1,  675 


Chase,  H.  B 894 

John 649,  816 

Jonathan 41 1,  491,  669,  674 

March 41 1,  675 

Moody 41 1,  675 

Moses 41 1,  667,  674 

Moses,  Jr 41 1 

Paul 41 1 

Samuel.. . .6,  404,  410,  411,  671,  673,  674 

Samuel,  Jr 41 1,  675 

Seth 674 

Solomon 411,  675 

Stephen 302,  41 1,  675 

Thomas 893 

William 816 

Chatham,  Lord 544 

Checkley,  John 112 

Richard 223 

Cheeker,  Solomon 813 

Cheever,  Daniel 814 

James 814 

Cheney,  John 32 

Chesley,  George 526 

Ichabod 525 

James 697,  698 

Jonathan C2  c,  844,  866 

Joseph 526 

Philip 103,  526,  844 

Reuben 698 

Samuel 526,  697 

Cheslin,  Philip 261 

Child,  Edward 156 

Jonathan 501 

Childs,  Jonathan 737 

Choate, 178,  345,  777,  780,  809 

Francis 231 

John 225-229 

Nehemiah 231 

Robert  231 

Thomas 231 

Thomas,  Jr 231 

Church,  Charles 86,  87,  783,  784 

Colonel 153,  297 

John 698 

Thomas 751 

Cilley,  Bradbury 920 

Holdridge 492 

John 568 

Joseph 897 

Claggett,  Wyseman. . .383,  441,  660,  665,  693 

Claghorn,  James 816 

Clapp,  Supply 721 

Clark,  Alexander 383 

Asahel 693 

Benjamin 222,  422,  587 

Caleb 507 

Ebenezer 065 

Edward 613 

Elias 526 


INDEX 


942 


Clark,  Elisha. 726 

Enoch 665 

George 492 

Greenleaf 665 

Ichabod 720 

Ichabod,  Jr 720 

John 40,  41,  548,  613,  685,  81 1 

John,  Jr 70,  454 

Jonas 158,  185 

Jonathan 491 

Josiah 665 

Nathaniel 302 

Oliver 726 

Percival 303 

Richard 698 

Robert 332 

Samuel 170,  532 

Thomas 64,  856 

William 18,  143,  68 1,  782,  81 1,  815 

Clarkson,  Andrew 899,  goo 

Clay,  Henry 418 

Clays,  Elijah 737 

Clement,  Nathaniel 613,  649 

Clements,  Daniel 698 

James 698 

Job 526,  698 


Colburn,  Thomas 243 

William 89,  93 

Colby,  Abraham 642 

Ichabod 336,  337 

Orlando 336-338 

Samuel 191,  201,  337,  656 

Samuel,  3d 336 

Thomas 338 

Timothy 336,  337 

Colcord,  Edward 837,  855,  857,  862 

Cole,  Anna. 205,  206 

Jacob 815 

Colebrooke,  Sir  George 5S9,  594,  603 

Coleman,  Dudley 468,  477,  482,  483 

Eleazer 421 

Thomas 613 

Coles,  Daniel 601 

Colley,  Richard 491 

Richard,  Jr 491 

Collins,  Edward 856 

William 218 

Colt,  John 450 

Peter 450 

Comey,  David 407 

Conant,  Caleb 1 12 

Lot 813 


John 

69  7 

, Cone,  Jonah 

512 

Cleveland,  Aaron 

512 

Jonathan 

511 

Clifford,  Richard 

568 

Stephen 

5°7 

Zachariah 

568 

William 

512 

Clive,  Sir  Robert 

579 

: Connor,  Hugh. . . 

Clough,  Caleb 

336,  337 

James 

Jeremiah 

831,832 

Jeremv 

864 

J onathan 

569 

Jonathan 

831,  832 

Thomas 

527>  831,832 

Joseph 

..698 

Cloutman,  John 

698 

Converse,  Josiah. . 

. . / 

407 

Cobb, 

763 

Cook, 

170,  757 

Cochran,  John 

721 

Elisha 

Cock,  William 

598,  601 

Hezeriah 

698 

Cockbume,  Sir  James. . . 

••589,  594,  598,  603 

Cooley,  Simon 

574 

Coffin,  Charles 

223 

Coolidge,  David 

8 

Edmund 720 

Enoch 613,  649 

John 21-28,  485,  620 

Joseph 486 

Peter 32,  6 4*  367*  3&>  837,  9°9 

Tristram 526,  69S 

William.- 649 

Coggin,  John 614 

Cogswell,  Jonathan 231 

Nathaniel 613 

Thomas 920,  924 

William 231 

Coker,  Robert 32 

Colburn,  Andrew 737 

Ephraim 19 

Henry 241 

John 183,  184 

Robert 89,  93,  374 


John 

8 

Jonas 

7 

Joseph 

8 

Nathaniel 

8 

Richard 

8,  613 

Thaddeus 

8 

William 

7,  8 

William,  Jr 

8 

Coombs,  John 

374,  378 

Medad 

392 

Samuel 

83 

Coope,  John 

45° 

Moses 

45° 

Copp,  David 

454 

Corbett,  John 

I52 

Corey,  Jacob 

234,  241 

Cornell,  Benjamin 

592 

John 

592 

INDEX. 


943 


Cornell,  Joseph 592 

Joseph,  Jr 592 

Cornish,  Thomas 848,  850 

Corwell,  William 20 

Cotton,  751 

John 134,  142,  333 

Roland 104,  374,  378,  407 

William.  .32,902,  903,  913,  914,  916,  917 

Coutant,  Henry 592 

Cowan,  Thomas 378 

Craige,  Thomas 383 

Cram,  Benjamin 578 

James 547 

John 568,  578 

Thomas 578 

Crane,  John 847 

Cressy,  Samuel 463 

Crillis,  Matthew 837 

Critchett,  Elias 526 

Crocker,  Andrew  Savage 454,  706 

John 222 

Paul 332 

Simeon 507 

Crockett,  Richard 491 

Crombie,  William 407 

Cromwell,  Joseph 698 

Thomas 135 

Crosby, 184 

Increase 51 1 

John 532 

Levi 512 

Nicholas 243 

Cross,  John 135 

Shubael 454 

Thomas 231 

Crosswent,  William 568 

Crouch,  Richard 157 

Crowell,  John 816 

Yelverton 816 

Cummings,  James 89,  113,  nq,  116,  102 

194,  195,  201,  202,  218 

Jerathmeel 80,  81,  89,  93,  114,  115 

218-220,  342,  345 

John 97 

Jonathan 374,  378 

Jonathan,  Jr 374,  378 

Josiah 243 

Samuel... 92,  184,  185,  193-195*  374*  378 

383 

Samuel,  Jr 689 

William 97,  374 

Cunningham,  James 247 

Thomas ' 242 

Currier,  Captain 578 

Daniel 336,  337 

Jacob 336,  337 

Jonathan 336,  337 

Joseph 336 

Joseph,  Jr 337 


Currier,  Richard 336,  337 

Curry,  626 

Curtis,  James 813 

Peter 532,  720 

Cushing, . . . . 39,  809 

John 754,  796 

John,  Jr 273,  277 

J onathan 578 

Thomas.  . . 57-59,  134,  142,  333,  778,  808 

Cushman,  Ambrose 693 

Isaac 755 

Cutler,  Ephraim 156 

John 19,  811 

Samuel 156 

Thomas 154,  155,  250 

Thomas,  Jr 156 

Timothy 816 

William 156,  332 

Cutt,  Edward 689 

Henry 837 

John 426,  569,  622,  624,  685 

Richard 75,  76,  268,  270 

Samuel 689,  720 

Cutter,  Ammi  Ruhamah. . .465,  470,  472,  473 

547,  706,  730 

Gershom 814 

Samuel 706 

William 706 

Cutts,  Charles 894 

Samuel 547,  737 

Cuyper,  Cornelius 592 

Bailing,  Thomas 720 

Dalton,  Caleb 234 

Samuel 861,  863,  868,  875,  901 

Tristram 678 

Daly,  Elijah 737 

Dam,  Elnathan 422 

John 363,  422,  837 

John,  Jr 422 

Joseph 698 

Moses 422,  904,  905 

Richard 422 

Zebulon 422 

Dame,  Theophilus 520,  521 

Dana, 541 

Isaac 726 

James 726 

Jedediah 723,  724,  726 

Jedediah,  Jr 726 

Jonathan 726 

Judah 544 

Thomas 674 

William 7 

Danforth, 761 

Jonathan. . 10,  n,  13,  34,  64,  66,  146,  147 
149,  165-169,  205,  206,  213,  214,  233 

295 

Samuel 196-199 


944 


INDEX 


Danforth,  Thomas 32,  166,  293,  294 

Daniell,  David. 103,  69S 

Jacob 697 

John 697 

Joseph,  Jr 699 

William 569 

Daniels,  Asa. 516 

Clement 517 

Eliphalet 454 

Joseph 526 

Danielson,  Arthur 697 

Darling,  John 332,  891 

John,  Jr 332 

Reuben 450 

Timothy 675 

Davenport,  Addington 17,  46,  812 

Captain S12 

Deodat 463 

Hezekiah 46"? 

James 17 

Joseph 463 

Richard 167,  16S 

William iS 

Daverson,  Thomas 693 

Davis,  Benjamin 126 

Darnel 492,  526,  613,  844,  866 

David 526,  653,  716 

Ebenezer ~ . 156 

Eleazer 112,  814 

Ensign 271 

Ephraim 526,  613,  71 1,  897,  S9S 

Francis 33^  337 

Hopestill 816 

Jabez 526 

James. . .422,  492,  S2/*  578,  699,  71 1,  91 1 
914,915,917,919 

James,  Jr 526 

James,  3d 526 

John 103,  846 

Joseph 303,  526,  613,  634,  699 

Joseph,  Jr 526 

Nathaniel 699 

Samuel 526,  574,  613,  69S 

Samuel,  Jr 698 

Simon 583 

Solomon 721 

Thomas 383,  527,  697 

VI  illiam 9,  11 

Zachariah 816 

Dawes,  Ambrose 812 

Thomas 18,  812 

Day,  Ebenezer 574 

James 223 

Joseph 693 

Moses 37,  612,  613 

Dean,  Abner 507 

Daniel 815 

Thomas 569,  730 

William. 18,  574 


Dearborn,  Ebenezer. 

56S 

Godfrey 

S47 

Henrv 

883 

John,  Jr 

578 

Tonathan 

49E  568 

Joseph 

■ 527>  578,  8S4,  SS5,  91S 

Samuel 

665 

Simeon 

665 

Decker,  John 

421 

Deering,  Frances 

67,  679 

De  Grev, 

646 

Delaware,  Earl 

641 

Demerit,  Eli 

527 

EH,  Jr 

697 

Job 

697 

Tohn 

527,699 

William. 

527,  698 

Demitt,  Peter 

Denbow,  Salathiel. . . 

103 

Denio,  Aaron 

3l6,  3X7 

Dennett,  Ephraim. . 

. .422,  492,  527,  568,  578 

S44,  892 

John 

876,  903 

Dennis,  Thomas . . . . 

231 

Dennison,  Daniel . . . 

268,  270,  839 

Nathan 

726 

Derby,  Jonathan.. . . 

502 

Devoll.  Manassah.  . . 

737 

William,  Jr 



Dewev,  Nathan 

5QI 

Noah. • 

Devckman,  Jacob. . . 

592 

Dickinson,  

7C1 

Ebenezer 

James 

685 

Nehemiah 

5°7 

Obediah 

540 

Dimond,  Ezekiel 

Jacob 

-*649 

Dinsdell,  William. . . 

Dinsmore,  Thomas. . 

89,  93 

Dix,  James 

8 

Joseph. 

156 

Doacks,  William. . . . 

720 

Dodge,  Andrew . . . . . 

813 

David 

613 

Ebenezer 

James 

454 

John 

813 

Samuel 

5*7 

Samuel,  3d 

516 

William 

231,813 

Doe,  Bradstreet 

547 

Tohn 

Nicholas 

103,  547 

Samuel 

526 

Dole,  John 

Joseph 

INDEX. 


945 


Doolittle,  Benjamin 353 

Ephraim 730 

Dorman,  Ephraim 583 

Dorr,  Ebenezer 18 

Dorrill,  John 18 

Doty,  Moses 601 

Richard 601 

Douglass,  John 407 

Dow,  Henry  303,  823,  870,  871,  875,  902,  904 
906,  908,  909,  911-916 

Samuel 877,  887 

Downe,  Thomas 222 

William.. 332,  574 

Downing,  Ananias 601 

Benjamin 421 

Emanuel 77 

George 601 

Harrison 422 

John.. . .332,  374,  378,  422,  492,  527,  574 

578,  601,  675 

John,  Jr 421,  422 

Jonathan 421 

Joseph 421 

Joshua 421 

Josiah 422 

R 832 

Richard 421,  904,  905 

Downs,  Gershom 699 

Dowse,  Jonathan 54 

Joseph 815 

Margery 815 

Nathaniel 665,  685,  706 

Doyen,  Francis 234,  247,  249 

Drake,  Abner ....  568 

Abraham 578,  846,  847,  883 

Nathaniel 568,  578 

Draper,  Thomas 407 

Drew,  Elizabeth 103 

Francis 103,  699 

John 697 

Joseph 697 

Thomas 103,  527 

Drury,  Luke 412,  675 

Zedekiah 374,  378 

Duda,  Nicholas 716 

Dudley,  Colonel 170 

Daniel 846 

David 41 1 

John 665 

Jonathan,  Jr 41 1 

Joseph 126,  175,  620,  815 

Paul 18,  46 

Samuel 675,  839,  847,  851,  862,  873 

Stephen 271 

Theophilus 864 

Thomas 847 

William 6,  35,  41,  70,  71,  73,  87,  180 

181,  218,  223,  254,  255,  675,  762,  76? 

767,  780,  790,  808 


Duffy,  John 847 

Dummer, 135 

Jeremy 45 

Richard 212 

William 43,  45,  46,  238,  239,  798 

Duncan,  John 234 

Dunlap,  William 407 

Durant,  Edward 223 

Dures,  Moses 814 

Durgin,  Francis 526 

James 527 

Durrell,  Peter 7 

Dustin,  Timothy 383 

Dutch,  George 716 

Dwight,  Daniel 156 

Jonathan 154-156 

Joseph 156 

Nathaniel 156,  318,  781,  782 

Samuel 156 

Timothy 143,  781 

Dyer,  Benjamin 18,  812 

Samuel 455 

Eames,  Ebenezer 516 

Jacob 613 

Joseph 516 

Stephen 92,  97 

Eastman, 626 

Ebenezer 31,  37,  53,  60,  568,  610,  612 

613 

Joseph 617,  653 

Joseph,  Jr 653 

Moses 653 

Moses,  Jr 649 

Nathaniel 653 

Obediah 653 

Philip 649 

Richard 247 

Thomas 617 

Eastwick,  Captain 754»  757 

Eaton,  Henry 706 

Joseph 89 

Edgerly,  Thomas 103 

Zachariah 698 

Edson,  Josiah 813 

Edwards,  Thomas 83 

Egremont,  Earl  of 641 

Elkins,  Henry 847 

Ellinwood,  John 813 

Ralph 813 

Elliot,  Jonathan 649 

Ellis,  Gideon 583 

John 156,  582 

Joseph 526,  583 

Welbore 641 

Emerson,  Daniel 373,  378,  689 

Edward 303,  569 

Jonathan 568 

Micah 526 


946 


INDEX. 


Emerson,  Samuel..  190, 191,  199,  200,  525, 836 

899,  900 

Solomon 698 

Stephen * 613 

Emery,  Benjamin 649 

Noah 548,  665 

Emmons,  Joseph 507 


John 44-50,  62,  64-66,  148,  223,  262 

363,  366,  643 

John,  Jr 232 

Epes,  Daniel 1 77,  272,  340,  790 

Major 53,  807 

Simonds 778,  809 

Erving,  John 223 

William 739,  740,  742 

Esterbrook,  Joseph 726 

Moses 383 

Samuel 726 

Estow,  William 77,  135 

Eustis,  Joseph 526 

Evans,  Benjamin 526,  698 

Daniel 698 

David .,18 

Edward 526 

John 295,  642,  698 

Joseph 526,  698 

Joseph,  Jr 698  ; 

Joseph,  3d 698 

Robert 698 

Robert,  Jr 698 

Thomas 478 

Eveleth,  Daniel 231 

Everett,  John 214 

Ewer,  Nathaniel 716 

Fabyan,  John ici,  421 

John,  Jr 421 

Joseph 421  j 

Samuel 421,  665 

Fairfield, 809,  810 

Fairweather,  John 225  j 

Fales,  Tames 569  J 

Faley,  John 815 

Falmouth,  Viscount 641 

Fansher,  John 463 

John,  Jr 463 

William 463 

Farley,  Benjamin 89,  374 

Samuel 92,  374,  378,  498 

Farmer,  Jacob 382 

Peter 592 

Thomas 19,  234,  241 

Widow 19 

Farnsworth,  David 540 

Ephraim 234 

Tames 540 

Reuben 234 

Stephen 540 


Famum,  Benjamin 

649 

Ephram 

613 

Ephraim,  Jr 

649 

John 

Joseph 

Farrell,  Robert 

685 

Farrington,  Joseph,  Jr.. . 

592 

Farrow,  George 

Si5 

Farwell,  Benjamin 

98 

Henry 

199 

Henry,  Jr 

243 

Isaac 

89,98,  374 

Oliver 

98.  383,  583 

Oliver,  Jr 

383,  583 

Fassett,  John 

737 

Josiah 

764 

Fay,  Jeremiah 

Fellows, 

Hezekiah 

Nathaniel 

■ -45°»  5°7>  5I2»  685 

William 

..422,  492,  527,  578 

Felton,  Thomas 

816 

Fernald,  George 

John 

532 

Revnald 

. . 264,  2 66,  268,  270 

Ferriman,  William 

73° 

Ferrin,  Jonathan 

234,  241 

Ferris,  Benjamin 

592 

Ferson,  Thomas 

225 

Field,  David 

Ebenezer 

407 

Gains 

3J9 

John 

697 

John,  Jr 

697 

Joseph , 

103 

Samuel 

574,  583 

Seth 

Uriah 

592 

William 

407 

Zacharias 

103 

Fifield,  Benjamin 

649 

Edward 

49i 

Jonathan 

578,  888 

Samuel 

678 

Fileg,  Zachariah 

156 

Fish,  Thomas 

97 

Fisher,  John 

Samuel  Wentworth.. 

737 

William 

407 

Fisk,  Amos 

6S9 

John 

156 

Nathan 

613 

Samuel 

Fitch, 

291 

Jabez 

494 

John 

450 

Samuel 

Theophilus 

Thomas 

233,754 

INDEX 


947 


Fitts,  Jeremiah 231 

Fitzwilliam,  Earl  of 104 

Flagg,  Eleazer 92,  815 

Flanders,  Abner 649 

Jeremiah 336,  337 

Samuel 336,  337 

Fleming,  John 532 

William 685 

Fletcher,  Oliver,  Jr 378 

Robert 84,  378,  383,  392,  574 

Samuel 234 

Flint,  John 136,  330,  331,  333,  764,  767 

Floyd,  Hugh 730 

Thomas 693 

Flucker,  Thomas 134,  333,  531 

Fogg,  Benoni 568 

Daniel 883 

James 568 

Follen,  William 816 

Follett,  Benjamin 492 

Ichabod 526 

John 844 

Folsom,  David,  Jr 547 

James 547 

Jeremiah 392,  547,  716 

Jeremiah,  Jr .392,  492,  547,  716 

John 392,  547,  716,  912-916 

John,  Jr 716 

Nathan 716 

Nathaniel 492,  706 

Nathaniel,  Jr 656 

Peter 392 

Samuel 706 

Footman,  John  Jr 527 

Thomas 837 

Ford,  Robert 234,  569 

Foskett,  John 815 

Robert 815 

Samuel 815 

Foss,  Isaac 491 

Joshua 734 

Josiah, 665 

Zachariah 392,  547,  685,  689,  720 

Foster,  Abiel 241 

Abraham 613 

Asa 653 

Caleb 653 

Daniel 547,  650,  652,  653 

Ephraim 247,  653 

Henry 582 

Jareb 450 

Jehiel 450 

John no,  hi,  613 

Moses 247,  620,  654 

Moses,  Jr 653 

Phineas 234 

Rebecca 812 

Richard 18 

Samuel 532,  720,  726 


Foster,  Thomas 223 

Fountain,  Matthew 463 

Fowle,  Daniel 517,  532,  720,  730 

John 404,  405,  407 

John,  Jr 89,  98 

Morris 698 

Robert  Lewis 532,  693,  721,  730 

Fowler,  Jacob 336,  337,  392 

James 592 

Jonathan 378,  454 

Michael 721 

Philip,  Jr 392,  548 

Fox,  Ezra 450 

Henry 641 

Simon 450 

William,  Jr 516 

Foxcroft,  Francis 85,  809 

Foxwell,  101 

Foye,  John 698 

Francis,  Ebenezer 407 

Nathaniel 730 

Nathaniel,  Jr 730 

Freeman,  Benjamin 583 

J onathan 693 

Peter 450 

Russell 920-923 

Skif 726 

Frees,  Jacob 577,  578 

Jacob,  Jr 578 

French,  Benjamin 374,  378,  383,  574 

John 95,  101 

John,  Jr 574 

Jonathan 374 

Joseph 98,  374 

Sampson 332 

Samuel 374,  383 

Thomas 491 

William 491 

William,  Jr 491 

Frimington,  Oliver 225 

Frink,  Thomas 582 

Frisbee,  Levi 706 

Frost,  Charles 527 

Ezra 450 

George 579,  665 

John. . . .422,  492,  527,  531,  579,  698,  721 

Joseph 579 

Joshua 716 

Nathaniel 547 

Peleg 450 

Reuben 450 

Simon 68,  70,  71,  73,  90,  91,  93,  114 

1 17,  120,  126,  129,  194,  203,  219,  229 
277,  281,  306,  308-310,  312,  314,  322 
323.  344,  355,  356,  785 

Thomas 8 

William 698 

Frye,  J 249 

James 36,  37 


948 


INDEX. 


Frye,  Julian 450 

Fullam, 35 

Francis 748 

Fuller,  Isaac 7 

James 880,  882,  883 

Joshua..  7,  8 

Josiah 8 

Samuel 7 

Thomas 507,  51 1 

Thomas,  2d 507 

Fulton,  John 407 

Furber,  Jethro 422 

Joshua 392 

Moses 421 

Thomas 532 

William 32,  421,  837,  853.  911-917 

Furbush,  Benjamin 698 

Furniss,  Benjamin 407 

Robert 43i,  432 


Gage,  Benjamin 

Henry 

John 272,  698,  700, 

Solomon 

William 

Gains,  Samuel 268, 

Gale,  Benjamin 

Daniel 

Gallop, 789, 

Benadam 

Samuel 

Gambling,  Benjamin 568, 

Gardner  or  Gardiner,  Andrew... 447,  448, 

Captain 170, 

Henry 

Isaac 

John .140, 

Joseph 19, 

Nathaniel 859, 

Samuel 

William 

Garfield,  Benjamin 

Eliakim 

Nathaniel 

Garland,  Jabez 

Jacob 

Jonathan 578, 

Nathaniel 

Peter 

Gary,  Benjamin 

Gates,  Bezaleel 

Jacob 

Jonathan 507, 

Josiah,  Jr 

Samuel 

Simon 

Thomas 

Gault,  Andrew 


613 

816 

816 

649 

816 

270 

649 

791 

llA 

161 

57S 

45° 

540 

171 

720 

768 

450 

814 

860 

814 

693 

411 
41 1 

383 

698 
568 
887 
698 
454  | 
332  I 
507  1 
234 
814  | 

5*6 
507 
814  I 
5*7  1 
247  I 


Gault,  John 877 

Patrick 247 

Gay,  Jonathan 18 

Gee,  Peter 151 

George,  Samuel 302 

German,  William 112 

Gerrish, 620,  626 

Henry 732,  923,  924 

John 578,  698 

Joseph 29,  298,  764,  765 

Paul 422,  492,  525,  527,  578,  698 

Samuel 306 

Timothy,  Jr 422 

Gerry,  John 720 

Gibbons,  Ambrose. 837 

Major-General 363 

Gibbs,  Henry 97 

Jacob 41 1 

John 592 

Robert 84 

Samuel 332 

Gibson,  James 526,  831 

Giddings,  John 706 

Gilbert,  John 726 

John,  Jr 507 

Gile,  Ephraim 569 

Samuel 18 

Giles,  John 526,  698 

Matthew 151 

Gill,  Samuel 18 

Gilman,  Andrew 493,  494 

Benjamin 494 

Bradstreet 392 

David 392,  548,  716 

Edward 569,  848,  850 

Edward,  Jr 848,  850 

Israel 392,  501 

Israel,  Jr 392,  716 

Jacob 392,  569 

Jeremiah 392,  716 

John..  . .422,  492,  527,  569,  578,  706,  716 
861,  863,  864,  878,  901 

John  Taylor 922 

Joseph 706 

Nicholas 578,  706,  844,  864,  865,  878 

880,  902,  904,  912-916,  919 

Peter 578,  706,  866,  896,  900 

Philip 454 

Robert 454 

Samuel.. 392,  544,  548,  553,  554,  563,  564 

578,  716 

Samuel,  Jr 897 

Simon 392 

Gilmore,  James 726,  730 

John 383 

Robert 19 

Gilson,  Ebenezer 92 

Gittens,  George 873 

Gleason,  William 814 


INDEX 


949 


Glines,  John 

William,  Jr 

Goble,  Thomas 

Goddard, 

Captain 

159.  345.751 

Ebenezer 

7 

Edward 

, .58,  106,  782-784,  809 

John 

103,  156,  837 

[osiah .... 

Seba 

Godfrey,  William 

568 

Goffe,  Daniel 

223 

John 19,  105, 

1 18,  120,  194,  195,  416 
458,  583 

Thomas 

x95»  196 

816 

Gold,  Henry 

Joseph 

764.  765 

Golding, 

763 

Goodall,  Ira 

Goodhue,  Samuel 

49i 

Gooding,  James 

547 

Goodridge,  Joseph..  . . 

332 

Goodwin,  James 

John 

812 

Lazarus 

Nathaniel 

Gookin,  Daniel 

Nathaniel 

576,  578 

Gordon,  Nicholas. 

....864 

Gorges,  Sir  Ferdinando 365,  639 

Gorham,  Jabez 

816 

John.  

Shubael 

...79,  80,  82,  789>  79i 

Goss,  Nathaniel 

665 

Gould,  Ebenezer 

382 

Elihu 

336,  337 

James 

223 

Joseph 

3°2 

Moses 

332,  574 

Moses,  Jr 

332 

Nehemiah 

Reuben 

382 

Gowen,  Nathaniel. . . . 

Graham,  John 

477,  478 

Robert 

477,  478 

Granger,  John 

613 

Samuel 

613 

Grant,  Benjamin 

737 

Benjamin,  Jr 

502,  737 

Christopher 

Christopher,  Jr. . 

7 

James 

Noah 

738 

Peter 

SOL  737 

Graves,  Moses 

234 

Samuel 

737 

Sterling 

507 

Gray,  Braveter 

245 

George 

61 

4 77,  478 

Gray,  Isaac 343 

James 426,  432,  434-436,  9°5 

John 526 

Reuben 698 

Samuel 706 

William 816 

Greaves,  Edward 772 

Thomas 296 

Greeland,  Samuel 815 

Greeley,  Jonathan 379,  383,  665 

Joseph 891 

Samuel 374,  378,  574 

Green,  Ebenezer 501,  737 

Henry 823 

James 97 

John.. 92,  97,  137,  138,  223,  492,  685,  689 

Joseph 137,  138,  223 

Peter,  Jr 649 

Rufus 223 

Samuel 491 

Thomas 222,  223 

Greenfield,  Samuel 135,  845-847 

Greenleaf,  Abner 512 

Stephen 299,  301,  302,  304-306 

Tristram 303,  306 

Greenwood,  Thomas 7 

Gregg,  James 171 

William 342,  343,  345 

Gregory,  John 720 

Grenville,  George 641 

Gridley,  John 19,  811,812 

Joseph 81 1 

Griffin,  George 507,  51 1 

John 815 

Lemuel 511 

Lemuel,  Jr 51 1 

Matthew 816 

Griggs,  Jacob 17,811 

John 815 

Grimes,  John 583 

William 450,  583 

Grind,  George 816 

Grouard,  James 532 

Grow,  John 665 

Gummer,  Ezekiel 532 

Gunn, 142 

Guppy,  James 721 

Gurnet,  Samuel 18 

Gurney,  Zachariah 812 

Gustin,  Thomas 513,  515,  516 

Thomas,  Jr 517 

Gutteridge,  Jeremiah 303 

Gutterson,  William 613 


Hack,  William 162 

Hacy,  William 19,  812 

Hagerman,  Adrian 601 

Rem 601 

Haines,  Joshua 665 


950 


INDEX 


Haines,  Samuel 665 

Hale, 40,  41,  297 

Doctor 80,  81 

Eliphalet 706 

Enoch 330 

John 665 

Jonathan 675 

Joseph 55>  6i3 

Robert 293,  294,  339-341,  343,  344 

788,  790 

Samuel 401,  403,  454 

Thomas 30  3 

Halifax,  Earl  of 641 

Hall, 5 8,  773 

Benjamin 247,  699 

Daniel 649 

David 649 

Edward 864,  866,  887,  892 

Enoch 280,  281 

Jacob 454 

Jeremiah 323,  582 

John 178,  293,  601,  837 

Joseph 613,  697,  816 

Joseph,  Jr 649,  698,  699 

Nathan 738 

Nathaniel 816 

Ralph 64,  699,  837,  846 

Richard 234 

Samuel 364,  365,  531,  730,  816,  857 

860,  867,  868,  870 

Stephen 412,  674 

Thomas 41 1 

Thomas,  Jr 507 

Willis 675 

Hallett,  John 816 

Halley,  William 568 

Hallock,  John 592 

Halsey,  James 223 

Ham,  Benjamin 698 

Daniel 699 

Dodefer 698 

Ephraim 693,  698 

John 698 

John,  Jr 698 

Jonathan 698 

Joseph 699 

Lyda 699 

Nathaniel 699 

Samuel 737 

Hamblett,  Joshua 407 

Hammond,  Jonathan 156,  583,  737 

Joseph 583 

Nathaniel 318-322 

Hancock,  John 136 

Thomas 223 

Handmore,  John 813 

Hands,  John 812 

Hanford,  Theophilus 463 

Hanks,  Benjamin 726 


Hanks,  Uriah 726 

Hannaford,  John 491 

Zah 492 

Hannors,  Rebecca 19 

Hanson,  Benjamin 699 

Benjamin,  Jr 699 

George 699 

James 526 

John,  Jr 699 

Jonathan 699 

Joseph,  Jr 699 

Joseph,  3d 699 

Ruth 699 

Samuel 699 

William 699 

Hardy,  John 383 

Jonathan 383,  544,  650 

Harford,  Elisabeth 697 

John 716 

Nicholas 716 

Harkman,  John 450 

Harmon,  Colonel 751 

Rebecca 812 

Harold,  Robert 454 

Harriman,  Jaasiel 454 

Joseph,  Jr 454 

Harrington,  George 8 

George,  Jr 8 

Jonah 737 

Timothy 332 

Harris,  Daniel 516 

Ebenezer 332,  516 

George 516 

Gibson 516 

John 156,  720 

Nathaniel 763,  767 

Noah 450 

Owen 18,  812 

Samuel 813 

Simon 450 

Stephen 7,  89,  93,  374 

Thomas 7 

Timothy 156 

Harrison,  Joseph 721 

Peter 721 

Hart,  Robert 532 

Samuel,  Jr 689 

Zephaniah 374 

Hartshorn,  Ebenezer 19 

Hartwell,  Edward 241,310,312,315 

Jonathan 737 

Samuel 815 

Harvell,  John 378 

Harvey,  Clement 697 

Daniel 697 

John 697 

John,  Jr 507 

Harwood,  Samuel 137 

Thomas 247 


INDEX. 


951 


Haslett,  James 454,  501,  532 

Matthew 720 

Hastings,  Benjamin 156 

Daniel 156 

John 454,  540 

John,  Jr 340 

Lemuel 541 

Moses 7 

Richard 649 

Silvanus 540 

Zebulon 156 

Hatch,  Isaac 18 

Haven,  Joseph 706 

Nathaniel  Appleton 706 

Samuel 394,  395,  706 

Hawke,  Admiral 678 

Hawkes,  John 583 

Hawkins,  John.  . .. 815 

Hawley,  John 450 

Hawthorne,  William 64,  65,  860 

Hawxhurst,  Daniel 592 

Hay,  James 8 

Peter 814- 

Hayes,  Elihu 699 

Hezekiah 699 

Ichabod 699 

John 526,  699 

John,  Jr 699 

Peter 699 

Roger 656,  720 

Thomas 699 

Hayward,  Elisha 813 

George 815 

Oliver 778 

Thomas,  3d 813 

William 434 

Haywood,  Ebenezer 112 

Nathaniel 283 

William 540 

Hazelton  or  Hazeltine,  Richard 569 

Silas 411,  675 

Hazzen,  John 234,  454 

John,  Jr 454 

Moses 234,  613 

Richard 30,  51,  302-305,  619,  620 

Richard,  Jr 26-28,  613 

Head,  James 726 

Healey,  Nathaniel 578,  794,  795 

Hearn,  George 699 

Heath,  Elias 653 

Joshua 653 

Nehemiah 613 

William 114,  115 

Heaton,  Nathaniel 583 

Seth 323 

William 583 

Hedges,  Lammy 816 

Hemenway,  Joseph 737 

Henderson,  Howard 697 


Henderson,  Howard,  Jr 697 

Richmond 697 

Henfield,  William .726 

Henley,  Nathaniel 865 

Henniker,  John 139 

Henry,  William 20 

Henshaw,  Joshua,  Jr 222 

Hersey,  James 743 

Hethersay,  Robert 846 

Hevenor,  William 264 

Hewitt,  James 837 

Heywood,  Nathan 285,  286 

Samuel.  .249-254,  256-258,  283,  285,  764 

Hibbard,  Jedediah 532 

Hicks,  David 547,  654,  716 

Joseph 526,  699 

Hide,  Joshua 583 

Samuel 8 

Silas 726 

Hight,  James 689 

Hildreth,  Ephraim 178-182,  250,  613 

Hill,  Abraham 34 

Captain 58 

Ebenezer 813 

Elisha 532 

James 894 

John 103,  140,  141,  222,  407,  491,  665 

768 

Joshua 491 

Nathan 525 

Robert 407 

Samuel 525,  532 

Valentine 32,  363,  525,  837,  842 

William 699 

Hills,  James 407 

Joseph.  . .34,  146-148,  268,  270,  303,  856 

Hilton, 860,  907,  910 

Edward 263,  272,  848,  850,  852,  854 

Edward,  Jr 272 

Ichabod 548 

Josiah 547 

Nicholas 259 

S 234 

Samuel 491 

Winthrop 548,  578 

Hinchman,  Captain 64 

Hinda,  Joshua 726 

Hinkley,  Charles 454 

Hinsdale,  Ebenezer 142,  334,  540 

Hobart,  James 689 

John 689 

Samuel 682,  689,  693 

William 512 

Hobbs,  Morrice 877 

Hobson, 9,  53,  58,  153,  178,  8ro 

John 89,  158,  172,  173,  252,  254,  282 

283,  286,  297-299,  301-303,  3 1 9-32 1 
783,  784,  797,  807-809 
Hodgdon,  Israel 526,  697 


INDEX. 


952 


Hodgdon,  Israel,  Jr. . . . 

John ! 

Shadrach 

Hodge,  Lemuel 

Samuel 

Hodgson,  Thomas 

Hoeg,  Benjamin 

Joseph 

Hoit,  Ebenezer 

Nathan 

Nathaniel 

Silas 

Holbrook,  John 

Moses 

Samuel 

Thomas 

Holden,  Isaac 

Holland,  Antipas 

James 

John 

Joseph 

Samuel 

Holies,  Thomas  Pelham. 

Hollis,  Samuel 

Holmes,  Christopher.. . , 

Eliphalet 

John 

Uriel 

Holt, 

Benjamin 

Nathaniel 

Nicholas 

Oliver 

Stephen 

Homans,  George  Savel.. 

John 

Hopkins,  Daniel 

William 


S26, 

421  1 

697  ; 

583 

699I 

656  ! 

........302,  49I  I 

492  | 

463 

924 

463 ; 

463 

411 ! 

412 ! 

iss ; 

18,  S13  ! 

54t! 

412, 674 

721  ; 

4u»  674 

3°3 : 

481 ; 

232 1 

17 

504,  505,  507, 512 


512 

512 

826 

,247,  249 

247 

245 

245 

247,  248 

S32 

... .222 

601 

601 


Horn,  Daniel 699 

George 699 

Isaac 699 

John 699 

John,  Jr 699 

Nathaniel 699 

Thomas 699 

William 699 

Horner,  James 501 

Horsom,  Jacob.. 699  1 

Hosmer,  Stephen,  Jr 1 74-1 77 

Houghton,  James 234 

Jonas. . .130-132,  209,  210,  228,  237,  806 

Jonathan 234 

Jonathan,  Jr 241,  242  J 

House,  Eleazer 693  I 

John 682,  693  ! 

Jonathan 693 

Houston, 

Howard,  Edward 

John 523,  81; 


• -36 
■813 


Howard,  Jonathan 

William 

Howe,  Gideon 

Samuel 

Howell,  Henry 

Howlett,  Ensign 

Hoyt,  Benjamin 

764 

77 

92,  100 

815 

223 

873 

Tohn 

336-338 

John,  Jr 

336,  337 

813 

Hubbard,  Abigail 

David 

374,  378,  574 

Israel 

17 

John 

699 

Jonathan 

540,  573,  613 

Leveret 

Philip 

’-699 

Thomas 

William 

Huckins,  James 

103,  699 

John 

69  7 

Hudson,  Daniel 

813 

Eleazer 

303 

William 

214 

Huggeford,  Peter 

592 

Huggins,  James 

526 

John 

526,  665 

Nathaniel,  Jr 

665 

Robert 

526 

Hugh,  John 

450 

Hughes,  Clement 

568,834 

Joshua 

812 

Hull,  Captain 

64 

George 

532 

John 

65,66 

Hungerford,  Green. . .a  . . . 

512 

Lemuel 

512 

Samuel 

Hunking, 

’-824 

Hercules 

151 

Mark. . .422,  492,  527,  569,  579,  878,  91 1 

Hunnewell,  Humphrey 

914,  919 
I51 

Hunt,  Ebenezer 

789 

Enoch 

92 

Jabez 

Jeremiah 

422,  573,  583 

John 

Richard 

Samuel 332, 

422,  737,  772,  812 

Simon 

Thomas 

.260,  800-802,  812 

Hunter,  Abraham 

689 

Abraham,  Jr 

689 

Isaac 

6S9 

Robert 

689 

Robert,  Jr 

6S5 

Huntington,  Earl  of 

641 

Hurd,  Benjamin 

699 

Jacob 

INDEX. 


953 


Hurd,  James 699 

John. . . .32,  454,  501,  693,  699,  720,  729, 

837 


Nathaniel 

Samuel 

Samuel,  Jr 

Tristram 

Huse,  Thomas 

William 

Huske,  Ellis 

Hussey,  Christopher 

Joseph 

Mary 

Richard 

Husted,  Peter 

Zebulon 

Hutchins,  Jeremiah.. 

John 

Joseph 

Joshua 

Phineas 

William 

Hutchinson,  Thomas. 


721 

699 

699 

914,915 
302 


303 

374 

135,  136 
526 

335 

697 

463 

463 


214 

291,  767 
698 


234 

737 

234 


6,  20,  61,  133,  134 

139,  33i,  615,  616,  778 


Ilsley,  Joseph 

Indians : — 

John 

Mohermite 

Old  William.. .. 
Passaconoway. . . 

Penacooks 

Pequots 

Pompassenoway. 
W ehohnonowett, 

Wonolancet 

Wonalawet 

Ingalls,  Benjamin.. . . 

Daniel 

John 

Josiah 

Samuel 

William 

Isham,  Isaac 


302 

170 

271 

232 

366,  367 

56,  57 

76 

232 

862 

'57 

56,  57 

653 

653 

653 

291 

568,  654,  656 

653 

507 


Jackson,  Daniel 
Edward.. . . 

Hall 

Isaac 

James 

Jeremiah.. . 

John 

Joseph 

Samuel 

Thomas. . . 

Walter 

Jacobs,  David.. 

Daniel 

Jacques,  John.. 


720 

8 

665,  689,  693 

7 

697 

608 


720 

.665,  699 
7.  8,  768 
601 

103 

19 


.698 

,613 


Jacquith,  Ebenezer 82,  210 

Jaffrey,  George. ..  383,  422-424,  492,  527,  569 

579,  706,  737 

George,  Jr 17,  422,  492,  527,  578 

James,  John 099 

Jaquish,  John 569 

Richard 569 

Jeffries,  Francis 813 

John 180,  342,  766 

Thomas 18 

Jeffry,  Cyprian 421,  492,  526,  578 

James..  .422,  492,  527,  578,  71 1,  865,  879 
880,  88  3^ 885,  888,  893,  919 

James,  Jr 422,  578 

Jenkins,  Ezra 730 

John 526 

Joseph 526 

Joseph,  Jr 526 

Richard 720 

Robert 223 

William 526 

William,  Jr 665 

Jenks,  Samuel 730 

Jenness, 879,  882 

Francis 422,  532 

Hezekiah 578 

Isaac 730 

John 578,  883,  884,  896 

John,  Jr. 894,  896 

Jonathan 730 

Joseph 730 

Levi 730 

Richard 335,  422,  492,  527,  532,  578 

825-827,  884 

Richard,  3d 730 

Samuel 532 

Simeon 730 

Jennings,  Richard 813 

Jennison,  Patrick 103 

Jewell,  John 336,  337 

John,  Jr 336,  337 

Joseph 336"338 

Samuel 151 

Jewett,  Gibbons 512 

Jonathan 763 

Joseph 269,  491,  901 

Johnson, 763 

Brackett 665 

Cornelius 649 

David 310,  312,  314 

Edward. . .32,  34,  104,  206,  268,  270,  816 

Eleazer 303,  816 

Isaac 9,  11 

James 214,  225,  275,  540 

Jesse .. 706 

John 547,  654,  716 

Jonathan 689 

Josiah 653,  716 

Nathan 665 


INDEX 


954 


Johnson,  Noah 247 

Philip 665 

Samuel 234,  288 

Samuel,  Jr 332 

Stephen 569 

Thomas 665,  699,  706,  843 

Timothy 613,  826 

William 303,  826 

Johonnot,  Zachariah 222 

Jolliffe,  John 84 

Jones,  Benjamin  526 

Daniel 502,  583 

Ebenezer 18 

Elnathan 815 

Ephraim 319-322 

Jabez 516 

James 516 

John 36,  38,  64,  767 

Joseph 33 6,  337 > 52^,  7 10,  711 

Joseph,  Jr 526 

Mary 492 

Nathaniel 613 

Rice 151 

Samuel 816 

Stephen 103,  526 

Stephen,  Jr 526 

Thomas 846,  847 

William 225 

Jordan, 101 

Jorner,  Thomas 816 

Joscelyn,  Joseph 20,  21 

Joslin, 877,  903,  905,  907,  908,  910 

Judkins, 865 

John 392 

Keane,  Anna 205 

John 815 

Robert 205 

Keene,  Sir  Benjamin 152 

Kellogg,  Israel 516 

James 540 

Joseph. . .57,  280,  281,  316,  317,  319,  781 

Nathaniel 144 

Stephen 516 

Kelly,  Abiel 826 

Stephen 699 

Kendall,  Abraham 574 

Daniel 574 

Edward 738 

John 95,  98,  101,  574 

Kennedy,  James 20 

Fergus 20 

Robert,  Jr 737 

Samuel 573 

Walter 477,  478 

William 450,  507,  512,  685 

Kenniston,  James 491,  526 

Joshua 491 

Kenny, 859,  907,  910,  913 


Kent,  Jacob 454 

John 302 

Oliver 837 

Richard 29-31,  29 7,  298,  568 

Robert 526 

Keyes,  Gershom 140,  141,  223 

John 70 

Kidder,  Isaac 407 

Reuben 225,  339 

Killecutt,  Reuben 383 

Kimball,  Abraham 642 

Amos 332 

Asa 649,  653,  656,  657 

Captain 171 

David 37,  612,  613 

Ephraim 332 

Ezra 699 

Henry 83 

John 649 

Jonathan 569 

Nehemiah 699 

Reuben 649,  653 

Robert 613 

Samuel 613 

Stephen 649 

Thomas 29 

King,  Elijah 388,  455 

George.. 400,  433,  435,  454,  455,  467,  469 
470,  502,  504,  517,  610,  681,  706,  720 

73°>  738>  739>  7 42,  743 

Joseph 454 

Richard 8 

Samuel 172-177,  382,  789,  791 

Thomas 846 

William , 517 

Kinsman,  John 231 

Kirby,  Jacob 601 

William 601 

Willits 601 

Kirk,  Richard 601 

Kittle,  James 816 

Kittredge,  James 78,  245 

Knapp,  James 84 

Kneeland,  Samuel 17,  811,  812 

Knight,  John 421,  527,  904,  905 

John,  Jr 421 

Temple 562 

Thomas 260,  261 

William 706,  730 

Knowles,  Sir  Charles 537 

Knowlton,  Abraham 231 

Captain 231 

Knox,  John 247 

Ladd,  William 653,  656 

Lake,  Richard 816 

Thomas 292,  293,  855,  857,  859,  860 

Lakin,  Isaac 97 

Jacob 97 


INDEX. 


955 


Lakin,  William 

Lambert,  Thomas. . 
Lamberton,  James.. 

James,  Jr 

John 

Lamont,  James 

Lamphear,  George. . 
Lamprey,  Benjamin 
Benjamin,  Jr..  . 

Simon 

Landon,  Benjamin. . 

David 

Lane,  Ambrose 

Andrew 

Anna 

Ephraim 

Job 

John 

Joshua 

Lang,  John 

Langdon,  Benjamin. 

John 

Mark 

Paul 

Richard 

Samuel 

Tobias 

William 

Woodbury 

Langley,  John 

Langstaffe,  Henry.. 
Lankton,  Samuel. . . 
Larkham,  Thomas.. 

Lamed,  Abel 

Abijah 

Benjamin 

David 

Ebenezer 

Simon 

Larrabee,  John 

Peter 

Lassells,  Jonathan.. 
Lathrop,  Benjamin.. 

Ebenezer 

James 

Jedediah 

Lieutenant 

Lavers,  Jacob 

Lawrence,  Abel. . . . 

Amos 

Enoch 

James 

Jeremiah 

Michael 

Nathaniel,  Jr. . 

William 

Zachariah,  Jr. . 

Leach,  James 

John 


84 

407 

685,  689 

685 

685 

685 

5T7 

578 

882,  883 

894,  896 

812 

812 

264,  265 

221,  222 

10 

18 

34 

18,  812 

812 

653 

19 

685,  721 

693,  706 

706 

• • • 53L  557,  560,  706 

426,  876,  919 

532 

693 

18 

225,  837 

706 

259-261 

608 

608 

608 

608 

608 

608 

223 

815 

726 

726 

517 

64 

532 

291,  378,  583 

332,  333 

97 

97 

J...92,  374 

583 

• • -97 

94,  95.  374,  378,  573 

92 

91 2-917 

19,  812 


Leadbetter,  Henry.. 
Leader,  Richard. . . . 

Lear,  Tobias 

Learned,  David 

Elisha 

Isaac 

Jonathan 

Samuel 

Leathers,  Edward. . . 

Ezekiel 

William 

Leavitt,  Ephraim. . . 

James 

John 

Jonathan 

Jonathan,  Jr. . . . 

Moses 

Thomas 

Lee,  Benjamin 

Thomas 

William 

Leeds,  Gideon 

Leffingwell,  Asa. . . . 

Jeremiah 

Legat,  John 

Leigh,  John 

Leighton,  Hatevil. . 

John 

Thomas 

Leland,  Benjamin.  . 

Moses 

Phineas 

Solomon 

Lemon,  Joseph 

Samuel 

Lendall,  James 

Leonard,  Isaac 

Lewis,  Ebenezer 

Ezekiel 

Isaac 

Job 

Willie 

Libby,  Anthony. . . . 

Benjamin 

George 

Isaac 

John 

Lifford,  Harmon. . . . 

Lilly,  David 

David,  Jr 

Lincoln,  Samuel. . . . 

Lindall, 

Linn, 

Liscomb, 

Samuel 

Lispenard,  Anthony. 

David 

Leonard 

Listen,  Nicholas 


18 

365,  366 

720 

8 

8 

613 

7 

234 

526 

49 1 

578,  864 

49 1 

547 

547 

. .491,  886,  902,  904 
568,  920 

156 

583 

223 

463 

726 

726 

845-848,  850 

685 

697 

697 

422,  837 

411,  675 

4ii 

675 

675 

89 

815 

.811 

813 

693 

46,  57,  104,  109,  762 

815 

215,  223 

225 

9l9 

699 

532,  720 

699 

685 

601 

411 

411 

19 

39-41 

20 

763 

I54-I56,  768 

592 

592 

592 

848,  850 


956 


INDEX. 


Litch,  John 

Little,  Ebenezer 

Ebenezer,  Jr 

Francis 

George 

Isaac 

James 

John 

J osiah 

Moses 

Nathan 

Otis 

Littlehale,  John 

Livermore,  Amos 

David 

Oliver 

Samuel 

Livingstone,  John 

Madam 

Livius,  George 

Peter 

Lloyd,  James 

Lock, 

Francis 

Joseph 

Nathaniel 

Samuel 

Locker,  Jonathan 

Lockman,  Ascan 

Augustus 

George 

Leonard 

Lewis 

William 

Lockwood,  Joseph 

Long,  George 

Pierse 

Samuel 

Zabenia 

Longfellow,  Nathaniel 

Jonathan 

Stephen 

Longley,  John 

Lord,  Benjamin 

Joseph 

Robert 

Loring,  Daniel 

Joseph 

Lounsbury,  Nathaniel. 

Lovejoy,  Caleb 

Chandler 

David 

Ebenezer 

Henry 

Jonathan 

Nathaniel 

William 

Loverill,  Ebenezer 

Loveridge,  Lewis 


3321 

504,  51 1 ! 

511  ! 

706 1 

32 

763 

20 


20 

,920,  921,  923 

511 

5ii 

693 

3°3>  569 

7 

8 


,392,  548,  716 

234 

18  | 

548 


383,  544,  547,  653  ; 

706 1 

9i7  j 

880,  882,  883  j 

9i7 

578 


8i5 

156 



155*  r56 



156 

463 

492  I 

,492,  720; 

578  | 

897 

302 

160  ! 


45°> 


■450 

583 

873 

222 , 

483 

463 

247 

649 

247 

613 

245,  649,  653 

374 

613 

.240,  242,  245 

568 

516 


Lovering,  Daniel 492 

Joseph 492 

Lovewell,  John 20,  179,  233-241,  243-247 

249,  643,  756 

John,  Jr 374,  378 

Nehemiah 450,  454 

Nehemiah,  Jr 454 

Zaccheus 80,.  81,  199,  218,  243,  255 

825-827 

Low,  Joseph 492,  532 

Lowden,  James 815 

Lowell,  Gideon 302 

Lummecks,  Nathaniel 527 

Lund,  Thomas 116 

William 113,  114,  116,  117,  121-123 

202 

Lunt,  Daniel 454,  512,  833 

John 302 

Lusher,  Eleazer 9,  32,  856 

Lutwyche,  Edward  Goldstone 383,  729 

Lyde,  Byfield 137,  138,  222 

Lyford,  John,  Jr 738 

Lyman,  Caleb 161,  163 

Isaac 706 

Lynde,  1 59,  773 

Benjamin.  .53-55,  172,  574,  754,  778,  796 

Joseph 816 

Nathan 450 

Thomas 532 

Willoughby 450 

Lyon,  Eleazer 19 

Jonathan 20 

Samuel 18 


Mackay,  Benjamin 720 

Mackelloy,  John 7 699 

Mackelwin,  Timothy 689 

Timothy,  Jr 685 

Mackenzie,  Colin 477,  478 

Macomber,  Silvanus 450 

Makers,  James 816 

Mandsley,  Captain 812 

Manley,  William 812 

Mann,  John 247 

Peter 532 

Manning,  Patrick 699 

Mansfield,  Lord 646,  647 

Samuel 730 

Marble,  Enoch 674 

March,  Clement.  .389,  392,  454,  507,  51 1,  547 
619,  653,  663,  665,  712,  716 

Daniel 675 

Edmund 335" 337 

George 665 

Jacob 407 

John 299,  301-306 

Joseph 455 

Nathaniel 665 

Paul 392,  455,  665,  716 


INDEX 


957 


March,  Stephen 665 

Thomas 665 

Marden,  John 699 

Marion,  Joseph 221 

Marsh,  Elisha 501 

John 532,  689,  693 

Jonathan 302 

Marshall,  Andrew 699 

George,  Jr 693 

John 407,  412,  693 

William. 720 

Marston,  Ephraim 911-916 

Jacob 501,  693,  737 

James 527 

Jeremiah 883 

John 653 

John,  Jr 653 

Joseph 880,  882,  883 

Nathan 665 

Samuel 578 

Samuel,  Jr 568 

Thomas 592 

William 501,  737 

William,  Jr 501 

Martin,  John 374,  407 

John,  Jr 374 

Michael 689 

Thomas 656,  721 

Marwell,  William 407 

Mascarene,  John 454 

Mason,  Ann 365,  366 

Benjamin 491,  526 

Daniel 716 

John..  . .188,  264,  268,  288,  365,  366,  392 
454,  632,  639 

John  Tufton.  .17,  223,  224,  291,  619,  633 
636,  641,  653 

Joseph 8,  365,  366,  491,  526,  547 

Joseph,  Jr 491 

Mrs 264 

Nehemiah 8 

Peter 526 

Stephen 392 

Thaddeus 191,  210,  223,  318,  817 

Mathes,  Benjamin 844 

James 20 

Matthews,  Abraham 526 

Benjamin 103 

Daniel 812 

David 592 

Francis 526 

Francis,  Jr 526 

Joel 450 

John. 816 

Samuel 697 

Thomas 592 

Vinant,  Jr 592 

Walter 103,  151 

Mattis,  John 613 

62 


Mattoon,  Hubartus 392 

Richard 526 

Maverick,  John 223 

Maynard,  Elisha 156 

Stephen 140 

Mayne,  Edward 477,  478 

Robert 477,  478 

Sir  William 477,  478 

Thomas 477,  478 

McAllister,  Richard 20 

McCarthy,  Timothy 592 

McClellan,  James 685,  689 

McClelaton,  James 41 1 

McClenethen,  Samuel 685,  689 

McClenning,  James 675 

McClintock,  Samuel 662,  665,  730 

McClune,  William 665 

McConnell,  Samuel 247 

McCormick,  Robert 20 

McDaniel  or  McDaniels,  James 93,  374 

Joseph 93 

Randall 93,  374 

McDonough,  Thomas 532,  544,  560,  562 

564,  693,  737 

McDougall,  19 

McDowell,  Domini 812 

McDuffee,  John 392,  548,  716 

McFarland,  George 275 

Me  Fee,  Daniel 383 

McGaffey,  Andrew 737 

McGregore,  David 383 

James 171,  383 

James,  Jr 383 

Mclntire,  Jonathan 426 

McKean,  James 17 1 

McKnight,  James 20 

McMath,  John 526,  866 

McMillan,  Andrew 426,  439-441,  653 

McMurphy,  John 825-827 

McNeal,  Archibald 407 

McNitt,  Andrew 685 

Bernard 689 

Eleazer 685 

McPheadris,  Archibald 422-424,  492,  527 

568,  579 

Gilbert 422 

McQuade,  Widow 20 

McQuig,  John 20 

Meacham,  Samuel 517 

Mead,  Benjamin 716 

John 491,  716 

John,  Jr 716 

Mears,  John 18,  812 

Medar,  John 103 

Meekin,  Thomas 336,  337 

Meglotherin,  John 20 

Thomas 19 

Melcher,  James 693 

Mellen,  Henry 145 


95§ 


INDEX. 


Melvin,  David 

John 

Jonathan 

Merriam,  Joseph. . . . 

Merrill,  Daniel 

J acob 

James 

John 

Joseph 

Joseph,  Jr 

Nathaniel 

Phineas 

Stephen 

Thomas 

Meserve,  Clement. . . 

George 

Metcalf,  Joseph 

Michael 

Miles,  Josiah 

Millard,  Jason 

Miller, 

Benjamin 

Christopher 

Ebenezer 

Francis 

Humphrey 

James 

Jeremiah 

Joseph 

Matthew. . . 

Samuel 

Thomas 

Millet,  Thomas 

Mills,  John 

Jonathan 

Miltimer,  James 

Miner,  Thomas 

Minot,  James 

Mishaney,  Daniel,  Jr. 
Mitchell,  Andrew... . 

George 

William 

Mixer,  Josiah 

Moffatt,  John 

Monker,  James 

Monroe,  Edmund.. . . 

John 

William 

Moody,  Caleb 

Daniel 

Joshua 

Samuel 

Thomas 

Mooney,  Hercules. . . 

Moor,  Archelaus 

John 

Jonah 

Joshua  

Samuel 


.82, 


233*  235-238,  643  | Moor,  William. 491 

William,  Jr 492 

Moore,  Adams 481 

Caleb 812 

Ephraim 19,  812 

James 20 

John 19,  573 

Judah 726 

Robert 247 

William 20,  491,  846,  847,  880 

Moores,  John 812 

Paul 730 

Thomas 812 

Moreland,  John 20 


o ,89 
•89.  93 , 
•675 

210  j 

511  i 

491 

613,  617-619,  627  | 

491  j 

491  : 

378,  454  I 

893 

••••234,  336,  337| 
547.  65 


■473. 


.422,  568  Morey,  Israel 454,  502,  737 


547.  730 
874,  875 
583 


527,  831,  832 

507 

754,  757  ! 

454  ! 

592  1 

J7 

772 

815, 

720,  737 

422 

772 ; 

-737 

18,  20 

592  ! 

... .697 


John .18,  501 

Solomon 501 

Morgan, 763 

Abraham 492,  917 

Joseph 813 

Luther 569 

Morrill,  Benjamin 891 

Ezekiel 338 


Moses. 


138 


Nathaniel 422,  527 

Samuel 654 

Morrison,  Alexander 454,  512 

William 512 

Morse,  Benjamin 675 

Benjamin,  Jr 675 

Henry 737 

John 812 

John,  Jr 83 

Thomas 702 

Moseley,  John 815 

Joseph ' 411 

Unite 407 

Moses,  Samuel 502 

Theodore 454,  502 

Timothy 697 

Mott,  Adam 601 

Stephen 601 

William 601 

Moulton,  Jeremiah 79 

John 135 

Jonathan 392,  512,  547,  665,  716 

Joseph 532 

Joseph,  Jr 532 

Josiah 392,  578,  883 

Nehemiah 894 

Thomas 135 

Mountford,  Timothy 720 

Mudge,  George 815 

Michael 601 

Mulliken,  Benjamin 247,  287,  289,  290 

Joseph 245 

332  Murdock,  Samuel 726 

332 

•234,  332  I Nash,  Timothy 534,  535 


698 
.699 

175 

383 

5J7 

•37.  613 
■493.  495 
.685,  689 

7 

532 

837 

730 

112 

332 

302 

492 


\02 


706 

697 

699 

•83O-832 
170,  526 


INDEX. 


959 


Neal,  Captain 842 

Eliphalet 532 

Hubartus  481,  504,  547,  556, 707,  721, 739 

James 665 

Joshua 491 

Needham,  John 812 

Robert 478 

Negod,  John 853 

Nelson,  James 532,  685 

John 19,  324-327,  329,  450,  477,  478 

589>  592>  594,  603,  685,  689,  693,  726 
730,  81 1 

Mark 532 

Philip 299,  301,  302,  304-306 

Temple 252,  324,  326 

Thomas 866,  867 

Nevin,  James 383,  517 

Nevins,  David 93,  373,  378 

Thomas 89,  93,  374,  378 

William 93,  374 

Newcastle,  Duke  of 232 

Newell, 789,  791 

Samuel 815 

Newhall,  David 730 

John 730 

Joseph 407 

Nathan 407 

Newmarch,  John 517,  532 

Joseph 450,  507,  601,  844,  899,  900 

Nichols,  Abraham 156 

Benjamin 613 

J°hn 336,  337 

William 336,  337 

Zephaniah 726 

Noble,  John 532 

Obediah 501 

Nocke,  Thomas 837 

Noldred,  Samuel 720 

Norris,  Benjamin 492 

James 492 

Northam,  Timothy 507 

Northumberland,  Earl  of 641 

Norton,  Francis 9,  214 

Thomas 231 

Nowell, 293 

Moses 512 

Mrs.  Parnell 293,  294 

Samuel 293,  294 

Noyes,  Nicholas 874 

Nute,  James,  Jr 697 

Paul 697 

Nutter,  Hatevil.  .36 3,  421,  422,  837,  852,  853 

Hatevil,  Jr 421 

Henry 421 

James 421 

John 421 

Mathias 421 

Samuel 421 

Nutting,  William 332,  378 


Odell,  Thomas 491 

Odiorne,  John,  3d 527 

Jonathan 579 

Jotham 422,  492,  527 

William 579 

Odlin,  Dudley 494,  495 

John 494,  578 

Ogleby,  William 18 

Olcott,  Simeon..  .501,  543,  544,  920,  921,  923 

924 

Oliver,  Andrew 18 

Daniel 812 

James 213,  214,  812 

Peter 9,  213,  214,  574 

Olmstead,  James 507 

Jonathan 507 

William,  Jr 507 

Onjevine,  Elias 592 

Ordway,  James 336,  337 

Nehemiah 337 

Orr,  Deacon 20 

Osborne,  John -283 

Osgood,  Hannah 649 

James 653 

John 37,  135,  612,  613 

Joseph 138,  302 

Stephen 613 

Overing,  John 156 

Owen,  Silvanus 738 

Packer,  Thomas 569,  825-827,  892 

Page,  Caleb 709 

Christopher 250,  578,  877 

Jeremiah 731 

John 831,  832 

Joseph 613 

Nathaniel 613,  617,  634 

Onesipharus 512 

Samuel 568 

Thomas 613 

Paige,  John 706 

Paine,  Samuel 501 

Samuel  Clark 154 

Thomas 574 

William 839,  845,  849,  851,  852,  854 

856,  866,  867,  872 

Palmer,  Aaron 592 

Abraham 501,  706 

Amos 502 

Benjamin 491 

Christopher 875 

Drake 592 

Ichabod 454,  501 

James 491 

John 492 

Joseph  491 

Nathan 592 

Samuel 887,  891 

Samuel,  Jr 378,  887 


960 


INDEX 


Palmer,  Thomas 808,  810,  81 1 

William 135,  136 

Paris,  Robert 84  | 

Park,  Richard 7 

William. 7 

Parker,  Abraham 84 

Amasa. 374,  378  j 

Asa 693 

Benjamin 97,  183,  184,  234,  374,  378  , 

6131 

Ebenezer 218 

Isaac 105,  1 1 2,  215,  540  j 

Jacob 730 

James 146,  613  1 

James,  Jr 84  1 

John. . . . . .34,  S3,  146,  379,  383,  693,  720  | 

Joseph 84,  613 

Josiah 841 

Matthew  Stanley 706  ; 

Moses 383 

Nathan 613  j 

Nathaniel 97^34,  378,  540,  922  ! 

Obediah 89 

Peter 653 

Robert 450  j 

Samuel 92,  100,  693  ; 

Thomas 105,  407,  517 

Thomas,  Jr 41 1 

William 51,  104,  383,  547,  716 

Parkerson,  James 84  ; 

Parks,  Jonathan 234  ! 

Parsons, 675 

Joseph 337 

Moses 706 

Samuel 336,  337 

Partridge,  Colonel 904  | 

Eleazer 355  : 

William 822  j 

Patch,  Thomas 374,  689 

Patten,  Matthew 20 

Samuel 20  1 

Stephen 336,  337 

Patterson, 19 

Pattinson,  Joseph 693 

Pattison,  James 812 

Payson,  John 18  ; 

Peabody,  John 613 

Stephen 813, 

William 813 

Pearce,  Daniel 874 

Ebenezer 89  ; 

George 721 

Pearl,  John 526 

Pearne,  William 720  . 

Pearsall,  Israel 601 

Thomas 601 

Pearson, 761 

Joseph 588,  589,  894,  896,  924 

Moses 764,  765  ; 


Pease,  Samuel 392 

Peaslee,  Amos 737 

Joseph 336 

Nathaniel 613 

Robert 613,  737 

Peavey,  Joseph 492 

Oliver 392 

Peck,  Ebenezer 516 

Samuel 507 

Pecker,  Daniel 223 

John 52,  568,  614 

Samuel 813 

Peirce, 619,  620,  827 

Charles 286,  322 

Daniel.  .392,  397,  398,  507,  512,  547,  665 

693,  706,  844,  875 

Ebenezer 92 

George 568 

John 583,  920,  92  r,  923 

Joseph 435,  450,  706,  743 

Joshua 383,  568,  866 

josiah ..:.F56,  157 

Nathaniel 897,  900 

Oliver 382 

Thomas 568,  578,  699 

William 383 

Pembroke,  Earl  of 233 

Pendleton,  Brian 151,  264-266,  268,  367 

368,  873 


Penhallow,  Samuel 

569*  730,  822 

Pepperell,  William 

...58 

William,  Jr 

579 

Percival,  James 

511 

Richard 

Timothy ... 

507 

Perkins,  Benjamin 

578 

James 

568 

jeremiah 

231 

John 

Joseph 

526 

Joshua 

697 

Sarah 

18,  812 

Perkinson,  William 103 

Perley,  Jacob 234 

Jeremiah 234,  239,  241 

Nathaniel 654,  656 

Thomas 287,  289,  290,  613 

Perry,  Ephraim 156 

josiah 156 

Peterborough,  Earl  of 249 

Peters,  Andrew - 422 

John 454 

Pettit,  Thomas 848,  850 

Peverly,  Thomas 685.  689 

Peyton,  John,  Jr 685 

Phelps,  Alexander 454 

Frederick 501 

Joel 501 

Robert 234,  241,  242 


INDEX. 


961 


Phelps,  Samuel 454,  501 

Philbrick, 882 

Jonathan 877 

Joseph 883 

Philbrook, 879 

Benjamin 665 

John 578 

Joseph 884 

Phillebrows,  Isaac 407 

Phillips, 40,  41,  101 

Alexander 815 

Amos 373,  378 

John 706 

Joseph 98 

Samuel 245,  248,  613 

Seth 97 

Phipps,  Sir  William 78,  215,  297 

Spencer 41,  186,  188,  612,  778,  780 

Thomas 568 

Pickering,  James 421 

John..  . .392,  627,  716,  876,  903,  909,  91 1 

912,915 

John  Gee 531 

Joshua 421 

Nicholas 532 

Thomas 421,  905 

William 532 

Pickett,  Elias 813 

Joseph 813 

Pierce,  Charles 283,  299,  301-303 

. John 455 

Pierpont,  Ebenezer .3,  5 

Pigze,  James 407 

Pike,  Elias no 

John 32,  392 

Joseph.  .170,  171,  282-287,  290,  297-302 

Moses £4 

Robert 392,  861,  863,  867-872 

Pinkham,  James 697 

James,  Jr 697 

Stephen 697 

Tristram 698 

Piper,  Nathaniel 491 

John 491 

Samuel 491 

Samuel,  Jr 491 

Thomas 491 

Thomas,  Jr 492 

Pitman,  Derry 699 

John 526 

William 103 

Zachariah 699 

Pitts,  James 19 

Place,  George 392 

Plaisted,  John 195,  422,  492,  527,  578 

Roger 32 

Plant,  Mathias 422,  578 

Platts,  Abel 285,  291 


Platts,  Edward 738 

John 300 

Joseph 282,  288,  291 

Plimley,  Thomas 81 1 

Plimpton,  John .17 

Plumer,  Daniel 699 

John 697 

Jonathan 568 

Richard 697 

Plummer,  John 532 

Pollard,  John 234,  245 

Oliver 234 

Samuel 18,  81 1 

Pomfret,  William 837 

Pomroy,  Ebenezer 220,  296,  306 

Poole,  Jonathan 156 

Poor,  John 32 

Pope,  Bernard 103 

Porter,  Asa 706 

Eleazer 355 

James 540 

Thomas 693 

Potter,  Joseph 737 

Pottle,  William,  Jr 665 

Powell,  Abigail 492 

Jeremiah 706 

Power,  Isaac 152 

Peter 89,  93 

Powers,  Cyprian 202 

Jerathmeel 332,  583 

Jonathan 763,  764 

Nathaniel 450 

Nicholas 698 

Peter 243,  374 

Peter,  Jr 374 

Simeon 730 

Stephen 374,  378,  383,  689 

Pratt,  Jonathan 601 

Joseph 815 

Phineas 169 

Prentice,  Stanton 332 

Prescott,  751,  754 

Benjamin 127-132,  279,  281,  319-322 

764,  765 

Colonel 181,  182,  761 

Henry 454 

James 134,  568,888 

John 568,  578 

John,  Jr 568 

Jonathan 257,  258 

Oliver 134 

Peter 339 

Samuel 568 

William 134 

Pressey,  John 336,  337 

Jonathan 336,  337 

Prince,  Isaac oil 

Joseph 18 

Thomas 304 


962 


INDEX. 


Proctor,  Carden 592  { 

Ebenezer 89  | 

Moses . 89,  93  • 

Robert 84  j 

William , 592  j 

Prout,  Jonathan 18  ! 

Pugsley,  John 816  ; 

Pulsifer,  Jonathan 613  1 

Purcell,  Gregory 551  j 

Putnam,  Daniel 41 1,  675  j 

Ebenezer 540  ; 

James 730 

Joseph 136 

Seth 540 

Stephen 583 

Thomas 541 

Putney,  Joseph 104 

Pynchon,  John 104 

Quenton,  John 685,  689 

Quimby,  Aaron 592 

Joseph : 336»337 

Philip 336,  337  I 

Quinby,  Benjamin 112 

Jonathan 592 

Josiah 592  j 

Quincy,  Edmund 720,  754,  762,  764,  765 

790,  796 

Edward 40 

John.  .28,  68,  70,  71,  73,  90-93,  114,  117  ; 

1 19,  120,  123,  126,  129,  176,  184,  191  | 

194,  201,  203,  210,  219,  229,  235,  256  ! 

277,  281,  286,  304,  308-310,  312,  314  | 

316,  318,  321,  322,  329,  344,  355-357  ; 

^ • 359,  817  i 

Quinier,  Thomas 7 j 

Rand,  Edward 532  I 

Isaac 532  | 

Isaac,  Jr 531  | 

Isaac,  3d 531  I 

John 526,  532  | 

Robert 180,  189,  195-198  I 

William 250 

Randall,  James 912  | 

Nathaniel 526 

Rufus 516 

Samuel 8,  526 

Sylvester 516 

William 103 

Rankin,  Joseph 697 

Ranny, 905,  906 

Rathbum,  Isaiah 517 

Joshua 516 

Rawson,  Ebenezer 41 1,  675 

Edward. . . . 13,  76,  84,  104,  135,  147,  149 
1 51,  167,  l68,  206,  212,  213,  259-261 
263,  268-270,  292-295,  363,  365,  367 
368,  839,  843,  846-848,  85O-852,  855- 
857,  868-87I 


Rawson,  Grendal 507,  512 

Ray,  John 685 

Raymond,  Daniel 89 

James 450 

Thomas 813 

William 339~343,  345,  789,  813 

Read, 127,  133,  134 

Christopher 813 

John 222,  310-312,  492,  527 

Joseph 234 

Robert 20 

Samuel 815 

Thomas 374 

Readman,  John 578 

John,  Jr 578 

Joseph 578 

Redford,  William 824 

Redman,  John 823 

Reed,  Benjamin 331 

Frederick 501 

James 501,  737 

James,  Jr 5OI»  737 

John 814 

Theodrick 737 

Relhan,  Anthony 730 

Remant,  see  Raymond. 

Remington,  Captain 814 

Jonathan 778,  814 

Rendal,  Tobias 698 

Reynolds,  Owen 491 

Samuel 613 

Rice,  Asher 112,  156 

John 18 

Seth 140 

Richards,  Benjamin.  . . 1 813 

James 699 

John 18,  812 

Joseph 813 

Richardson,  Abiel 407 

Bradbury 454 

Ebenezer 454 

Edward 32 

James 41 1,  501,  675,  737 

John 157 

Joseph 255 

Josiah 501 

Luther 454 

Noah 407 

Samuel 411 

Stephen 239 

Thomas 238 

William 583 

Rickard,  Thomas 720 

Riddan,  Thaddeus 365 

Riddle,  Goyn 20 

Hugh 20 

Rindge,  Daniel .282,  397,  398,  720 

Isaac. . .388,  397,  400,  403,  431,  439,  455 
468,  477,  481,  483,  504,  519,  523,  532 


INDEX 


963 


Rindge,  Daniel,  cont.  : 

533»  SS5»  556.  559>  5^4.  587>  606,  610 

669,  693,  695,  707,  720,  721,  730,  731 

739 

John 422 

Jotham 454 

Rines,  David 336 

Joseph 699 

Thomas 526,  697 

William 526 

Ring,  Daniel 336,  337 

David 335,  337 

Jarvis 336“338>  578 

Seth 422 

Ripley,  George 812 

Silvanus 706 

Robbins,  Benjamin 601 

Jeremiah 601 

Roberson,  Nathaniel 392 

Roberts,  Aaron 697 

Benjamin 698 

Benjamin,  Jr 698 

James 837 

John 699,  738 

Joseph 699 

Moses 697 

Nathaniel 697 

Nathaniel,  Jr 697 

Samuel 698 

Stephen 697 

Thomas 697 

Thomas,  Jr 697 

Robertson,  Robert 720 

Robie,  Ichabod 339,  865 

Robbins,  Benjamin 97 

Daniel 7 

Robinson,  David 491 

James 492 

John 578 

Jonathan 716 

Nehemiah 234 

Roby,  Henry 846,  847 

Jeha 568 

John ' 19 

William * 383 

Rogers,  Charles 392 

Daniel 231,  517,  730,  844 

Gamaliel 18,  812 

James 383,  392 

John 231 

Mark 532 

Nathaniel . . .231,  499,  501,  568,  706,  812 

Nathaniel,  Jr 501 

Richard 231 

Robert 32 

Samuel 454 

Simon 812 

Thomas 507 

Uriah 726 


Rogers,  William 392 

Rolfe,  Benjamin 56,  59,  60,  614,  619,  642 

Captain 282,  751 

Henry 51-54,  56-58,  78,  613 

Nathaniel 649 

Rollins,  Caleb 491 

John 526 

Jonathan 492 

Joseph 422,  491 

Thomas 491 

Root,  Elisha 152 

Rosebrook,  Eleazer 601 

Ross,  Levi 649 

Roswell,  Sir  Henry 638,  641 

Rowe,  John 526,  697 

Robert 568 

Rowell,  Aaron 336,  337 

Gideon 336,  337 

Thomas 33^~338 

Rowen,  Garrett. 20 

Rowley,  William 260 

Royal,  Teag. 103 

Royce,  Vere.426,  431,  435,  439,  441,  442,  531 

533»  559>  564,  720 

Rudd,  Gideon 693 

Rugg,  Amos 73 

Ruggles,  812 

John 812 

Joseph 3,  5,  19 

Timothy 502,  734,  737 

Rundlett,  Charles 706 

Zachiel 491 

Runnels,  John 526 

John,  Jr 699 

Rush,  John 98 

Russell,  Benjamin 815 

Eleazer 527,  568 

James 815 

John I43~I45»  332 

Nathaniel 407 

Richard 165 

William 814 

Rust,  Henry 492,  578,  730 

Simon 450 

Ryder,  Hezekiah 450 

Oliver 450 

Rymes,  William 568 

Sabin,  Phineas 517 

Timothy 685 

Sachell,  John 491 

Sadey,  Samuel 778 

Sadler,  Ebenezer 412 

Sage,  Jonathan 540 

Joseph,  Jr 302 

Salter,  Bozenger 532,  693 

John .726 

Richard 726 

William 222-224 


964 


INDEX. 


Saltonstall,  Nathaniel 89 

Richard  ....  343,  842 

Sampson, 912,  913,  919 

Sanborn,  Benjamin 454,  568,  578 

Benjamin,  Jr 454 

Edward 568 

Enoch 568 

Jeremiah 568,  578 

John..  . .422,  492,  527,  568,  5 77,  578,  865 

Jonathan 568,  919 

Nathan 831 

Reuben 568 

Samuel 454 

Samuel,  Jr 454 

Shubael 578 

Stephen 578 

Sanders, 171 

John 612,  613 

John,  Jr 613 

Nathaniel 613 

William 135 

Sanderson,  John 507 

Sanger,  David 7 

Sargent,  Andrew 816 

Dennison 816 

Jacob 191,  201,  336,  337 

John 105,  302,  303,  336,  337 

Moses 336,  337 

Nathan 730 

Nathaniel  Peaslee 455 

Samuel 303 

Stephen 336,  337 

Timothy 336,  337 

William 135 

Sartell,  Josiah 97,  134 

Nathaniel 94,  95 

Sartwell,  Obediah 540 

Simon 541 

Saunders,  John 36,  38,  41,  843,  901 

Savage,  Habijah 17 

Peres 811 

Thomas 9,  147,  214 

Savel,  Joseph 14 

Savory,  Robert 308 

Sawyer,  Benjamin 454,  534,  533 

Deliverance 455 

Ezra 230 

John 234,  447,  454,  544 

John,  Jr 540 

Jonathan 500 

Samuel 232 

Scales,  James 619 

Scammon,  Nicholas 259-261 

Scarlett,  Samuel 84 

Schofield,  Ebenezer 463 

James 463 

Scipio,  Lattho 512 

Sclate,  Edward 501,  730,  737 

Scott,  Abraham 582 


Scott,  James 583 

John 97>  583 

Joseph 407 

Samuel 583 

William 314,  315,  685,  689 

Scrwens,  William 478 

Scrymgeour,  David 477,  478 

Seaman,  Austin 601 

David 601 

Giles 601 

Isaac 601 

Jacob 601 

Obediah 601 

Robert 601 

Thomas,  Jr 601 

William 601 

Zebulon 601 

Searing,  Jacob 601 

Searle,  John 583 

Searles,  John 378 

Samuel 374 

Sears,  Matthew 507 

Seaver,  Nathaniel 156 

Seavey,  Mark 454,  706,  730 

Seaward,  Giles 392,  716,  720 

Seeley,  Eliphalet 463 

Eliphalet,  Jr 463 

George 151 

Obediah 463 

Richard 151 

Silvanus 463 

William 150,  151 

Wix 463 

Seldon,  Joseph 512 

Samuel 507,  512 

Senter,  Aaron >. 392 

Benjamin 392 

David 392 

John 816 

Joseph 392,  400,  401,  547,  716 

Moses 392,  920 

Reuben 392 

Samuel 392 

Servis,  Samuel 407 

Severance,  John 855,  857 

Sewall,  Hannah 65,  66 

Samuel 45,  65-67,  115,  116,  295,  296 

Stephen 67 

Sexton,  Knight 507 

Seymour,  Thomas 592 

Thomas,  Jr 463,  592 

Shackford,  John 422,  568 

Samuel 422,  568 

Shannon,  James 689 

Richard  Cutts. 454,  502,  693 

Shapleigh,  Nicholas. . 151,  809,  855,  857,  874 

875 

Shatswell,  Richard 548 

Shattuck,  David 97 


INDEX. 


965 


Shattuck,  Ebenezer 407 

James 97 

John 97 

Jonathan 97 

Josiah 156 

Samuel 7,  234,  241 

Samuel,  Jr 97 

William 89,  93 

Shaw,  David,  Jr 685 

Francis 407 

George 685 

Joshua 685 

Roger 77 

Samuel 569 

Seth 689 

Seth,  Jr 685 

Sheafe,  Jacob 295,  296 

Jacob,  Jr 532 

Sampson 84,  332,  374,  378,  422,  492 

574 

Shedd,  John 812 

Sheldon,  Samuel 812 

Shepard,  John 526 

Samuel 526 

Shepherd,  John 815 

Sherburne,  Daniel 562,  720,  737 

Edward 738 

Henry 264-266,  374,  532,  566,  568 

654,  693 

John 268,  270,  578,  706 

John,  Jr 450 

Joseph 568,  693,  887 

Nathaniel 568 

Samuel 562,  569,  738 

Thomas 665 

Sherman,  David 675 

Ephraim 41 1,  674 

Ephraim,  Jr 412,  675 

John 269 

Nathaniel 412 

Richard 706 

Samuel 675 

Samuel,  Jr 412 

Sergeant 269 

Shipley,  226 

John...  .34,  35,  38,  41,  178-182,  612,  755 

Jonathan 96,  613 

Shirley,  Edward 544,  650 

Short,  Joseph 302 

Shove,  9,  13,  39,  159,  160,  178,  757 

809 

Edward 108-m,  794,  795,  797,  807 

808 

Showers,  Nathaniel 422 

Shute,  Jacob 618,  649 

Samuel 422,  423,  425,  492,  527,  567 

568,  579,  625,  627,  628,  904 

Sias,  John 526 

Joseph 832 


Sias,  Samuel 526 

Silver,  Samuel 303 

Thomas 569 

Simonds,  James 613 

Nathan 614 

Nathaniel 51 

Samuel 263,  268,  269,  271,  272 

Timothy 642 

William 450 

Simpkins,  John 812 

Pilgrim 812 

Thomas 17 

Simpson,  John 113,  115,  174,  176,  177 

215-218,  220-223,  344 

Joseph 844 

Thomas 720,  897 

William 693,  720 

Sims  or  Symes,  John 730 

Joseph 454,  532 

Thomas 568 

William 378,  383,  407,  412,  583 

Sinclair,  John 491 

Skiffe,  Stephen 765 

Skinner,  John 407 

Richard 720 

Thomas 815 

Skullard,  Samuel 135 

Slade,  Benjamin 454 

Sleekland,  Jonathan 726 

Sloan,  William 685 

Sloper,  Henry 568 

Small,  Edward 151 

Susanna 568 

Smart,  Bartholomew 547,  716 

John 846 

John,  Jr 392 

Joseph 716 

Winthrop 716,  920,  924 

Smeed,  William 583 

Smith,  Abijah 693 

Andrew 706 

Benjamin  . . .13,  14,  18,  20,  116,  203,  527 
548,  568,  716 

Charles 463 

Cheney 699 

David 19,  879,  882-884,  894,  896 

Ebenezer. . . .397,  400,  403,  507,  71 1,  844 

866,  897,  898,  922 

Edward 392,  1548,  716 

Elisha 568 

Ephraim 463 

George 853 

Hugh 685,  689 

Isaac 706 

Jabez 578 

Jacob 689 

James 103,  463,  68;,  81 ; 

James,  Jr 685,  689 

Jesse 463 


966 


INDEX. 


Smith,  John.  .103,  112,  231,  525,  693,  716, 
John,  Jr. 


John,  3d. 


J onathan 

Joseph 526,  716, 

Joshua 

Mary 

Nathaniel 7,  619, 

Patrick 

Robert 

Samuel 332,  374,  407,  478,  527, 

574,  701,  71 1,  712,  737,  814, 
897,  898, 

Samuel,  Jr 302, 

Silas 

Theophilus 

Thomas 231,  379, 

Widow 

Zachariah 

Snow,  Isaac 

Zerubbabel 

Solendine,  John 

Solly,  Samuel 

Somes,  Ebenezer 

Southmaid,  John 

Southmel,  Obediah 

Southwork,  Constant 

Spafford,  John 332, 

Silas 

Sparhawk,  John 

Sparrow,  James 

Nathaniel 

Richard 512, 

Stephen 

Spaulding,  Joseph,  Jr 

William 97,  234,  374,  378, 

Speakman,  William 

Spear,  William 

Speed,  John ...  

Spencer,  Asa 

Ebenezer 

Hobart 

Jared 507, 

John 

Joseph 

Joseph,  Jr 

Oliver 

Peter 

Spofford,  John 

Spooner,  Job 

John 

Sprague,  John 34,  502,  532, 

Jonathan 

Spring,  Henry 

John 

Nathaniel 

Squire,  John,  Jr 

Stacey,  William 

Stackpole,  John 


814  | 
526 
526 
816  j 
814 
689 
492 
814 
685 
847 
568 
866 
900 

601 

492 

568 

.20 

.18 

613 

737 

374 

455 

512 

450 

726 

574 

574 

693 

512 

512 

5*7 

512 

•97 
574 
222 
332 
49 1 
512 
507 

511 

516 

x35 

512 

512 

507 

512 

54i 

450 

222 

816 

816 

156 

••7 

••7 

608 

382 

112 


Stanford,  William 578 

Stanyan,  Anthony 845-847 

Starbird,  John 697 

Samuel 697 

Starbuck,  Edward 367,  837 

Stark,  Archibald 78,  650,  658-660,  70 8 

Sartiuel 650 

William 426,  440,  444,  445,  653 

Stearns,  Abijah 332 

Beniamin 332 

David 574 

Ebenezer 7 

John 332,  407,  812 

Joseph 332 

Thomas 332 

William 332 

Stebbins,  Francis 772 

Stedman,  Caleb 18 

Steele,  John 223 

Sterling,  Hugh 650,  658-660 

Stevens, 763 

Aaron 649 

Abel 730 

Admer 463 

Benjamin. . .37,  40,  41,  612,  613,  633,  642 
689>  737.  835 

Benjamin,  Jr 247 

Cotton  Mather 532,  730 

Daniel 463 

Ebenezer 297,  422,  492,  527,  578,  613 

825-827 

Enos 730 

Hubbard 526 

Jacob no 

Jeremiah 1 99-201 

Job 729 

John ....  1 28-130,  234,  323,  324,  336,  337 

Jonathan 633,  716 

Joseph 730 

Joshua 492 

Justice 36 

Nathaniel 491,  716 

Obediah 463 

Obediah,  Jr 463 

Phineas 539,  540 

Samuel 491 

Simon 450,  723,  729 

Simon,  2d 729 

Solomon 730 

Thomas 335“337,  7^7 

Willard 729 

William 310,  312 

Stevenson,  Thomas 837 

Steward,  Charles 578 

James,  2d 507 

John 300 

Stewart,  James 373 

John 282,  589 

Solomon 282 


INDEX. 


967 


Stickney,  Jonathan 649 

Samuel 234 

Thomas .649 

William 185,  186,  188 

Stileman,  Elias 75,  7 6,  901 

Stiles,  Aaron 501 

Benjamin 501 

Stilton,  Edward,  Jr 716 

Stimson,  Joseph 103 

Thomas 526 

St.  John,  David 463 

Stockbridge,  Abraham 491 

Stoddard,  35 

Anthony 762,  766 

Colonel 57,  142,  774,  777 

John 321,  322 

Sampson  ..3,  104,  371-373,  377>  37$,  381 

382 

Sampson,  Jr 383 

Vryling 383 

Stone,  David 730 

Ebenezer 156 

Nathaniel 7,  8 

Simon 574 

Stoodley,  James 574 

Storer,  Joseph 665 

Seth 7 

Story,  Charles  . . 822,  864,  91 1,  912,  915 

Storrs,  Aaron 501 

Andrew 501 

Huckins 726 

Stoughton,  Israel 263 

William 65,  66 

Stowe,  John 674 

Stowell,  John 8 

Samuel 8 

Stratton,  David 156 

Hezekiah, 319 

Straw,  Gideon 338 

Samuel 336,  337 

WTilliam 336,  337 

Stuart,  Ebenezer 303 

John 594,  603 

Sturgis,  Samuel,  Jr 79 

Sullivan,  Cornelius 454 

John 316,  547,  693 

Summers,  Henry 815 

Sumner,  Benjamin 587,  731,  732 

Clement 583 

Stephen 706 

Swain,  Benjamin 18,811 

Francis 846 

Henry 81 1 

Jeremiah 245 

Nicholas 846,  847 

Richard 135,  136 

Swallow,  Benjamin 92,  9 7 

John 97 

Swan,  Ebenezer 501 


Sweat,  Benjamin 649 

Elisha 302 

John 578 

Stephen 568 

Swett,  Benie 32 

Elisha 835 

Swinington,  Joshua 411 

Sylvester,  Joseph 272-279,  789,  790 

Taft,  Robert 120,  121 

Taggard,  Patrick 20 

Talbot,  George 18 

Taplin,  John 454 

Tappan,  Bezaleel 578 

Tar,  Vincent . 697 

Tarbell,  Samuel 234,  241 

Tarbott,  Nicholas 814 

Tarbuck,  Henry 837 

Tash,  John 547,  716 

Thomas 547,  716 

Tasker, 866 

John 699,  844 

Taylor,  Abraham,  Jr 89,  93,  95,  101 

Benjamin 332,  492 

Benjamin,  Jr 492 

Ebenezer 512 

Edward 492 

Hezekiah . 412 

James 675 

John 332,  815 

Jonathan 373 

Joseph .89,  578 

Nathan 491 

Richard 816 

Timothy 407,  583 

William 41,  44,  612,  625 

Tebbetts,  Ephraim,  Jr 697 

Henry 698 

Ichabod 697 

Jeremiah 699 

J ohn 699 

John,  4th 699 

Thomas 697,  847 

Tedd,  John 846 

Temple,  Abraham 412,  675,  815 

David 412,  675 

John...  .324,  463,  583,  592,  653,  665,  675 

William 665 

Zephaniah 450 

Tenney,  William 374 

Terrill,  Robert 689 

Terry, 809 

Thatcher,  John 816 

Thaxter,  Samuel. . .17,  19,  70,  71,  73,  87,  180 
274,  275,  277,  749,  750,  754,  778 

Thayer,  Noah 20 

Shadrach 18 

Thing,  Bartholomew 578,  880 

Samuel 578,  864 


INDEX. 


968 


Thomas,  Benjamin 57S,  8S6 

Elisha SS6 

James 103 

Joshua 223 

Nathaniel  Ray 693 

Samuel 816 

Thompson,  Benjamin 6S9,  S12 

Captain 181,  182 

David 20,  501,  737 

Ebenezer 46S,  501,  564,  722,  732 

Henry 6S2,  6S5,  6S9 

James 6S5,  69S 

John 422,  526,  6S3,  6S9,  699 

John,  Jr 526 

Jonathan 526,  844,  S66,  897 

Joseph 8,  12 

Matthew 491,  6S5,  689 

Noah 6S9 

Robert 526 

Rufus 6S9 

Samuel 422,  569 

Thomas 318 

Thomas,  Jr 318 

William 383,  501,  737 

Thom,  Joseph lS 

Thomicraft,  Derrick 601 

Joseph 601 

Thornton,  Matthew 378,  383,  507,  701 

Thomas S16 

Thurlow,  John 302 

Thurston,  Moses 374 

Stephen 492 

Tibbetts,  Benjamin 527 

Edward 527 

Henry 526,  527 

Joseph 526 

Nathaniel 526 

Samuel 392,  422,  492,  527,  578 

Thomas 526 

Timothy 526 

Tiffany,  Giles 501,  693 

James 73S 

Tilestone, 789,  791 

Thomas.. . . 13,  14,  iS,  201,  202,  22S,  754 
794,  795’  797,  799,  S05-S0S,  819 

Tillotson,  Darnel 501 

Tilly,  Samuel 526 

Tilton,  789,  791 

Abraham 215 

Daniel 706,  S23 

David 56S 

Jacob 532,  706,  730 

Jethro 56S,  578 

Nathaniel 392 

Timberlake,  Henry iS,  Sn 

Tinker,  Silvan  us 507 

Tirrell,  Gideon 18 

Titcomb,  Abraham 302 

Daniel 697 


Titcomb,  William 32 

Titus,  Samuel 601 

Todd,  Andrew 139 

Tolford,  John 835,836 

Tolman,  Ebenezer 737 

Thomas .737 

William 737 

Tom,  John 20 

Toms,  Daniel 330 

Took,  John,  Jr 579 

Topham,  John,  Jr 507 

Toppan,  Abraham 32 

Bezaleel 613 

James 303 

Samuel 613 

Torrey.  William 13,  32-34,  76,  84,  104 

1 47-1 49,  151,  166-16S,  206,  213,  26S- 
270,  292,  295,  367,  730, 

Towle,  Benjamin 

Caleb 568 

John 6 

Philip 568 

Townsend,  Benjamin 601 

James 18,  222,  601 

Nathaniel 378 

Nathaniel,  Jr 374 

Timothy 601 

Tozer,  Richard 112 

Tracey,  John 726 

Trail,  Robert  721 

Trask,  Nathaniel 706 

Treadwell,  Charles 578 

Jacob 706 

Jacob,  Jr - 547 

John 231 

Trecothick,  Barlow 717,  720 

Treferen,  Foster 720 

Trefem,  Peter 151 

Trehem,  George 720 

Trescott,  John 18,  812 

Trible,  John 516 

T ricke\',  T ohn 421 

Jonathan 547 

Thomas 421 

Tripp,  James 601 

Trissell,  Thomas 225 

Troth,  John 374 

Trowbridge,  Caleb 8,  407,  573 

Thaddeus 7,  8 

William 7 

Trull,  Samuel 234,  241 

Trumbull,  John 815 

Joseph 608 

Tuck,  John 877,  902,  904 

Robert 135 

Tucker,  Benjamin 336,  337 

John 247 

josiah 92,97,  69S 


INDEX. 


969 


Tucker,  Lemuel 649 

Oliver 450 

Simon 450 

Tuckerman,  John 18,  812 

Tufts,  John 501 

Nathaniel 426 

Peter 34 

Turner,  Benjamin 18 

George .720 

John 70,  71,  73,  84,  180 

Joseph 726 

Nathaniel 726 

Philip,  Jr 726 

Tuttle,  Ebenezer 697 

Elijah 697 

John 911 

Twombly,  Isaac 699 

Joseph,  Jr 699 

Ralph 699 

William 699 

William,  Jr 699 

William,  3d 699 

Tyler,  John 223,  282,  283,  285-287,  290 

297-302,  304 

Moses 247 

Samuel 222 

Tyng,  53,  777 

Edward 18,  324-326,  329,  812 

Eleazer. . .41,  95,  101,  120,  123,  184,  195 
199,  202,  218,  612 

Jonathan 84 

William 80,  178-180,  182,  183,  263 

Underhill,  Isaac 592 

Jacob 592 

Underwood,  Aquilla 164 

Bray  Dearing 720 

Joseph 158-160 

Uran,  Richard 613 

Silas 548 

Usher,  John 374,  378,  726 

Robert ..374,  378,  726 

Valentine,  Richard,  Jr 601 

Vandewater,  Peter 601 

Van  Vleck,  Henry 592 

Varney, 843 

Rufus  C 292 

Varnum,  John 234,  407,  412 

Vaughan,  William 876,  902,  904,  909 

911-917 

Veasey,  Benjamin 491 

George 491 

George,  Jr 491 

Samuel 491 

Thomas ...  .491 

Thomas,  Jr 491 

Vering,  David 89 

Viccos,  Thomas 18 


Vickery,  Israel 18 

Thomas 19 

Thomas,  Jr 20 

Vinson,  Joseph 675 

Virgin,  Ebenezer 304,  613,  619,  649 

Vose,  Robert 18 

Samuel 19 

Wadleigh, 907,  910,  914 

Jonathan 912,  913,  915,  916 

Wadsworth,  Captain 812 

Joseph 46,  53,  55,  56,  809,  812 

Samuel 18,  20 

W ainwright, 7 57 

Colonel 297 

John... 35,  36,  38,  40,  41,  86,  87,  225-229 
231,  341,  612,  795 

Wait,  Ezra 730 

Gershom 675 

John 34 

Joseph 579,  584,  585 

Phineas 574,  583 

Thomas 730 

William 675 

Walch,  Joshua 93 

Waldron,  Captain 101,  104 

George 454 

John 526,  700 

Richard.. 29,  31,  32,  75,  76,  292,  421,  422 

425,  491,  492,  523,  525,  527,  568,  569 

578,  579.  610,  625,  700,  711,  734,833 

834,  837,  842,  859,  861,  863,  878,  880 

883-885,  888,  892,  893,  905,  919 

Richard,  Jr 422,  492,  527,  578 

Thomas  Westbrook 517 

William 260,  261,  706 

Wales,  Eleazer 608 

Eleazer,  Jr 608 

Nathan 608 

Nathaniel 407 

Nathaniel,  Jr 608 

Nathaniel,  3d 608 

Nathaniel,  4th 608 

Seth 606,  608 

Solomon 608 

Walker,  Andrew 19 

Asa 41 1 

Benjamin 234 

Edward 813 

Isaac 137,  138,  223,  613 

Israel 156 

James 19,  649 

John 421 

Jonathan 649 

Joseph 532 

Robert 20 

Seth 540,  730 

Timothy 547,  614,  646,  649 

Timothy,  Jr 61,  62,  548,  649 


970 


INDEX 


Wall, 864,  902,  904,  907,  910,  913 

James 845,  846 

John 706 

Wallace, 20 

Benjamin 675 

William,  Jr 665 

Walley,  Elizabeth 231 

John 231 

Thomas 730 

Wallingford,  John 422 

Thomas 303 

W alsworth,  Amos 516 

Walton,  Benjamin 422 

George 421,  730 

George,  Jr 421 

John 422 

Samuel 421 

Shadrach 422,  492,  527,  569,  579,  878 

Ward, 35 

John 477,  478 

Joseph 532,  693 

Nahum 252,  .532 

Simon ' 894,  896 

William 36,  38 

Warner, 827 

Daniel 601,  633,  673,  716 

Daniel,  Jr 507 

Eli 507 

Gilbert 222 

Jonathan  ...  .335,  392,  547,  653,  716,  720 

Richard 92-95,  98 

Samuel 720 

Warren,  James 273,  279 

John 156 

Sarah  19,811 

Thomas 156,  685 

Warring,  Silas 675 

Washburne,  Benjamin 813 

Jonathan 813 

Washington,  George 339 

Waterbury,  Joshua 463 

Nathaniel 463 

Waterman,  Silas 726 

Waters,  Ebenezer 675 

Watson,  David 700 

Dudley 700 

Isaac 526,  700 

John. 716 

Jonathan 700 

Robert 103 

Watts,  John  Beverly 653 

Way,  Richard 81 1 

Weare,  Daniel 578 

Ebenezer 422,  492,  526,  578 

Meshech 340,  730 

Nathaniel  ...  .32,  578,  823,  833,  844,  877 

911-916 

Peter. . ..422,  492,  527,  568,  577,  578,  919 
Peter,  Jr 578 


Webb, 340 

Azariah 737 

Thomas 919 

Webber,  Benedict 737 

Webster,  Abel 511 

Jeremiah 899 

Jeremy 891,  900 

John 264,  528,  578,  891 

Joshua 234,  241 

Nathaniel 569,  865 

Stephen 569 

Thomas 578 

Weed,  Abraham 463 

Amos 463 

Benjamin 463 

Enos 463 

Henry 920,  924 

Hezekiah 463 

Isaac 463 

Nathaniel 463 

Orlando 920 

Peter 463 

Reuben 463 

Samuel 463 

Silvanus ". . .463 

Weeden,  Edward 812 

Weeks,  David 706 

John.  665 

Joshua 894 

Samuel 734 

William 547,  665 

Welch,  Alexander 720 

Joseph 689,  730 

Thomas 815 

William 455,  656,  693,  721,  730 

Weld,  Edmund / 18 

Joseph 3-5 

Wei  den,  Joseph 816 

Welland,  William 700 

Wellington,  John 814 

Joshua 156 

Thomas 156,  814 

Wellman,  James 674 

Wells, . ..22,  160,  178,  241,  345,  750,  754 

773*  777 

Captain 297,  749 

Eleazer 336,  337 

Ephraim 516 

Ephraim,  Jr 516 

Jacob 720 

John 730 

Jonathan 763 

Joseph 540 

Nathaniel 231 

Obediah 730 

Samuel . 174-176,  340,  583,  765,  790,  807 
809,  8 1 6-8 18 

Thomas 316,  317,  517,  767,  837 

Wendell,  Daniel  Wentworth 720 


INDEX 


971 


Wendell,  Edmund 720 

Edmund,  Jr 720 

Jacob 163,  197.  321,  783 

John 532,  693,  720 

John,  Jr 720 

Thomas 720 

Wentworth,  Benjamin 422,  526 

Penning 187,  332,  371,  373,  374,  376 

378-380,  382,  383,  389,  391,  392,  404 
406,  407,  409,  41 1,  412,  415,  416,  418 
422,  439,  441,  445-447,  449,  450,  454 
457-459,  46i,  463,  464,  485-489,  492- 
495,  504,  5o7-509,  511,  512,  5T4,  5^ 
5I7,  523,  538,  540,  54i,  545,  547,  548 
568,  570,  572,  574,  575,  578,  580,  582 
583,  589,  591,  592,  598,  600,  601,  620 
650,  653,  654,  658,  660,  662,  664,  665 
672,  674,  675,  682,  684-686,  689,  693 
708-710,  713,  715,  716,  723,  725,  726 
826,  830,  834,  835,  865,  897,  900 

David 422 

Ebenezer 422,  568 

Ephraim,  Jr 700 

Ezekiel  700,  915 

George 532,  656,  720 

Gershom 526 

H 426,  919 

Hunking 422,  492,  578,  665 

John.  .43,  67,  332,  379,  383,  385-387,  394 
396,  397,  399,  401,  402,  413,  4M,  4T9 
421-424,  427,  429,  431,  433,  436,  437 
442-444,  452-454,  465,  467,  469,  47i 
473,  475,  480-483,  489,  491,  492,  497- 
499,  501,  502,  517,  5J9,  5 2°,  522,  525 
527-529,  531,  532,  534-537,  543,  544 
550,  552,  554,  555,  557,  558,  560-562 
564,  574,  577-579,  585,  586,  594,  596 
602,  605,  606,  608,  628,  645,  656,  657 
667,  668,  671,  677,  679-681,  689,  691- 
693,  695,  702,  703,  705,  7 1 1,  718,  720 
721,  727,  729,  734,  735,  737,  738,  740- 
742,  834,  864 

John,  Jr 422,  685 

Joshua 532,  657,  693,  720 

Mark 492 

Mark  Hunking. . .463,  583,  592,  653,  665 

685,  689,  693,  703,  706 

Paul 477,  478,  525,  527 

Samuel 379,  383,  450,  574 

Sir  Thomas 529,  531 

Spencer 700 

Thomas 685,  689 

William 478,  492,  517,  578,  837 

Wesson,  Ephraim 512 

West,  Ebenezer 649 

Edward 578 

Nathan 693 

Nathaniel 649 

Westbrook,  Thomas.  .422,  492,  527,  569,  579 


Westland,  Richard 214,  215 

Wetherbee,  Abijah 541 

Ephraim 285 

Joanna 574 

Jonathan 332,  541 

Paul 332 

Samuel 541 

Wetherell,  James 700 

Weymouth,  Thomas 18,  81 1 

Wheat,  Joseph 815 

Moses 815 

Wheeler,  David 815 

Ebenezer 815 

Jeremiah 649 

John 815 

Joseph 84,  251,  815 

Moses 54l 

Nehemiah 454,  512 

Peter 89,  93,  373 

Thomas 83 

Wheelock,  John 706 

Joseph 234,  241,  242 

Wheelwright, . . . .864,  905,  906,  9i7~9l9 

Jeremiah 574 

John. . . . 171,  172,  574,  720,  743,  760,  795 
796,  849,  859,  861,  862,  864 

Joseph 574 

Nathaniel 574 

Whidden,  Ichabod 548 

John 665 

Michael , 568 

Samuel 665 

Whipple,  James 412,  675 

John 412,  675 

Joseph 411,  532,  675 

Minister 578 

Moses 412,  675 

William 532,  720 

Whitchcot,  Benjamin 295,  296 

Doctor 292 

Rebecca 295,  296 

Whitcher,  Benjamin 897 

Whitcomb,  Joseph 93,  98,  234 

White, 39 

Benjamin 501,  814 

Edward 17,  18,  755 

Elijah 507 

John 234,  240,  241,  612,  720,  737 

Jonathan 501,  816 

Joseph 454 

Jotham 501 

Nathan 492 

Nicholas 613 

Robert 247 

William 86,  568,  613 

Whitehouse,  John 700 

William 700 

Whiting,  Benjamin 606 

Caleb 516 


972 


INDEX. 


Whiting,  David 407 

James 93,  374 

John 214,  215,  737 

Samuel 214 

Thomas 569 

Whitman,  John 764,  768 

Whitmore,  Francis 407 

N athaniel 411 

William 407 

Whitney,  Abraham 8 

David 8 

Ezekiel 8 

James 247,  374,  574 

John 8 

Jonathan 815 

Moses 737 

Samuel 156 

Whitt,  Samuel. . , 813 

Whittemore,  John 247 

Rev. 249 

Samuel 33I-333 

Whittier,  William 613 

Wibird,  Richard. ..  .332,  374,  378,  422,  492 
5*7,  527,  569,  574,  579,  601,  675,  726 

919 

Richard,  Jr 422,  492,  527,  578 

Wickham,  David 507 

Wicomb,  Thomas 613 

Wiggin, 625,  626 

Andrew.,422,  491,  492,  527,  578,  880,902 

Broadstreet 492,  578 

Chase 491,  909 

Henry 492 

Jonathan 489,  491 

Joseph 492 

Katharine 492 

Nicholas 492 

Simon 491,  864 

Thomas. ...  101,  136,  261,  262,265-268 
491,  838-840,  842,  845,  848,  850,  854 
859-861 

Thomas,  Jr 492 

Thomas,  3d 491 

Walter 491 

Wigglesworth,  Samuel 231 

Wight,  John 814 

Wightman,  Allyn 516 

Wilder, 749,  750 

Ephraim,  Jr 730 

Jacob 138 

Joseph 39-41,  73,  138,  217,  257,  281 

314,  315,  612,  765 

Joseph,  Jr 68-73,  13 7,  138,  255,  256 

310,  312,  313,  315 

Wilkins,  Philip  C 482 

Willard, 127,  133,  134 

Abel 332,  583,  730 

Abijah 332,  583,  730 

Barzilli 332 


Willard,  Billy 573 

Caleb 332 

Captain 757 

Henry 234 

Jonathan . 332,  583 

Jonathan,  Jr 730 

Joseph 540,  574 

Joshua 332,  730 

Josiah 28,  91,  123,  163,  171,  176,  184 

201,  223,  234,  252,  254,  256,  274-277 
279-281,  286,  304,  314,  316,  321,  329 
346-348,  350-356,  358,  359,  540,  569 
57B  573,  579,  582,  762,  764-766,  781 

782 

Josiah,  Jr 573,  582 

Levi 332,  729 

Moses 540 

Nathan 573 

Nathan,  Jr 573 

Oliver 57.3 

Oliver,  Jr 573 

Prentice 583 

Sampson 582 

Samuel 138 

Simon 84,  574,  839,  850 

Solomon 573,  583 

Wilder 573 

William 450,  573,  583 

Willey,  Abel 507,  512 

Benjamin 697 

George 855 

John 527 

John,  Jr 527 

Robert 697 

Stephen 548 

Thomas 103,  526,  697 

Williams, 121 

Benjamin  18,811 

Ebenezer 18 

Francis 263 

Isaac 92,  532,  689,  693 

Israel 57,  781 

John  Pingree 693 

Jonathan 7,  16,  18,  812 

Jonathan,  Jr 7,  222 

Matthew 103 

Moses 893 

Samuel 19,  526,  700 

William 7 

Willis,  Balthazar 846 

John 601 

Samuel 599,  601 

Willits,  Richard 601 

Thomas 601 

Willmets,  James 700 

Wilson,  David 374 

Henry 18 

Humphrey 494,  846,  847 

John 10,  11,  18 


INDEX 


973 


Wilson,  Joseph 234 

Robert 423,  424,  492 

Winchester,  Joseph 156 

Wincoll, 271 

John 292,  293 

Wing,  Ananias 816 

Samuel 693 

Wingate,  John 526,  700 

John,  Jr .700 

Joshua 568,  578 

Moses 700 

Paine 335"337,  57$ 

Wingfield,  Thomas 260,  261 

Winn,  Edward 613 

, Joseph 332 

Winship,  Jason 407 

Samuel 407 

Timothy 407 

Winslow, 226 

Canelin 730 

John 306 

Joseph 34,  35 

Samuel 77,  269,  839,  849,  851,  852 

854,  857,  867-872 
Winthrop,  John 706,  721,  846 

. J°hn>  Jr 135 

Wise,  Ammi  Ruhamah 613 

Joseph 98 

Wiswall,  Ichabod 123-126 

Peleg 121,  123,  124 

Wolcott,  John 32 

Wolsey,  Benjamin 601 

Wood,  Benjamin 675 

David 613 

John 501,  700,  815 

Jonas 601 

Joseph,  Jr 601 

Woodbridge,  Benjamin 105-107,  159 

Dudley 154 

Woodcock,  Ezra 450 

Jonathan,  Jr 737 

Woodman,  Archelaus 844 

Edward 32,  866,  867,  872 

John 103,  526 

Jonathan 526,  844 

Jonathan,  Jr 526 

Woods, 19 

Isaac 97 


Woods,  John 

97 

Jonathan  

97 

Joseph 

54i 

Woodward,  Bezaleel . . . 

David 

693 

John 

i56>  5°2 

Woodworth,  Amasa. . .. 

Joel 

502,  737 

Woolrich,  Philip 

Worcester,  Francis 

373»  378 

Noah 

689 

Works,  Henry 

568 

Worth,  Joseph 

888 

W renn,  W illiam 

I51 

Wright, 

142,  7 57»  773 

Eben 

234 

John 

613,  693 

Joseph 

...234,  241,  242,  454 

Samuel 

Seth 

Thomas 

846 

William 

378 

Winkell 

Wyman,  James 

Peter 



Ross 

249 

Yates,  James 

Yeaton,  Benjamin 

454 

William 

532»  693 

York,  Benjamin 

John 

J osiah 

392,  716 

Richard 

i°3>  837,  853 

Thomas 

Young,  Abner 

698 

Benjamin 

Daniel 

David 

Eleazer  

Eleazer,  Jr 

Elisabeth 

697 

Isaac  

Jonathan 

J oseph 

547 > 5^8,  716 

Nathaniel 

Thomas 

526,  547 > 700 

Thomas,  Jr 

547 

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